The AMTA-NV Chapter’s annual Convention hosts its Annual Member Meeting at Palace Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for massage therapy students and professionals – with special guest speakers, massage therapy government relations updates, good food, and giveaways. Licensed Massage Therapists earn Continuing Education credits by attending courses for improving your practice, including presenters Heath & Nicole Reed (Self-Care & Table Thai), Ruth Werner (Pathology), & Nicola McGill (Manual Lymphatic Drainage). Keep Reading for how you can be a part of this unique event in Las Vegas, Nevada this Spring!
For its third year, the Chair of the American Massage Therapy Association, Nevada Chapter’s National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (NMTAW®) Committee – Tom Dougherty – helps keep Nevada in the know about Massage Therapy and its positive impact on human health conditions.
On October 9th, 2018, in anticipation of the AMTA’s nationally-recognized and -promoted NMTAW®, Tom asked and Governor Brian Sandoval issued an Executive Proclamation recognizing the week of October 22 – 28, 2018, as Massage Therapy Awareness Week in Nevada.
Please join us in celebrating by submitting any activities you might be doing this week to promote Massage Therapy to the public: demonstration at a health fair, specially-made flyers you’re handing out to your clients and the public, a blog article you wrote to feature the benefits of massage therapy … or any other massage-promotional activities you’ve thought of!
The AMTA-NV Chapter would be happy to post your activity on our Facebook Page and/or website to show your dedication and passion for massage therapy.
You can read more about and submit your own stories about your 2018 NMTAW® activities at the Association’s website or contact the Nevada Chapter for more information or finding out how you can start your own, chapter-hosted promotional event for next year.
The AMTA-NV Chapter’s annual Convention hosts its Annual Member Meeting with special guest speakers, massage therapy government relations updates, and giveaways. Take a Sunrise Yoga class and Earn Continuing Education credits by attending courses for improving your practice, including presenters James Waslaski (massage techniques) & Felicia Brown (business techniques). Keep Reading for how you can be a part of this unique event in Las Vegas, Nevada this Spring!
Step 1: Book Your Room
Start off by reserving your Suite at Alexis Park All-Suites Resort – you won’t want to miss a minute of the excellent presentations by the Nevada Chapter, its guest speakers from around the State(s), and the Continuing Education Providers ready to serve your professional needs. Book your rooms now with exceptional Rates starting as low as $42/night … even after the Convention, through the weekend! Two ways to guarantee your zen-space, between events:
Click: reserve your room online <– this link will pre-fill the hotel (Alexis Park Resort) and our Group Code.
Call: (800) 582-2228 or (702) 796-3322 and book your room, identifying your group affiliation with “American Massage Therapy Assn” to get the same, specially-arranged Suite Rates as the online method.
Step 2: Register for the Convention
Read the Convention Event Schedule (below) for details on each Event in this chart – a specific list of Events and locations where each is happening will be sent to you upon Registration and before Days 1 & 2 – all Events will happen in the Apollo Business Center of Alexis Park Resort. You have several Options (#1 – #9) as to how to combine the Events over May 8th & 9th to your liking – Options are described below, so you can best choose your Single Registration Option on the Registration Form:
Step 3: Come to the Convention!
— Convention Event Schedule —
DAY 1 (Tuesday, May 8, 2018)
8a – 9a
Continental Breakfast – a welcoming sight to early-risers: a warm reception in the Apollo Conference Center: hot coffees & teas, juices, assorted pastries & fruit – all to fuel your morning!
9a – 12p
Annual Meeting – meet us in Apollo 3 for the chapter’s annual report of activities, past and future, elections and volunteer opportunities – your Vote (as a Member in Good Standing) COUNTS – and guest speakers AMTA National President-Elect Christopher Deery & Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy’s Southern Nevada Operations Manager, Maggie Adams: empower your practice with the information presented! Vendor & Sponsor participation include swag bags for each attendee.
12p – 1p
Networking Luncheon – join your fellow attendees in the Apollo Reception area – meet a ‘new’ colleague, share stories – and enjoy a buffet-style luncheon where lasting relationships are built and long-lost connections are re-established.
1p – 5p
Integrated Manual Therapy and Orthopedic Massage for Complicated Shoulder Conditions & Multiple Crush Phenomenon – Waslaski (Class #1A: 4 CEHs) – Attendees will learn functional assessment and special tests, myofascial and neuromuscular techniques, myoskeletal alignment techniques, scar tissue mobilization protocols, and specific stretches and therapeutic exercises to eliminate both the underlying cause and clinical symptoms of cervical pain and associated upper-extremity numbness. Supplies: massage table, table linens & towels; wear loose & comfortable clothing
Free and Easy Ways to Promote Your Massage, Spa, and Wellness Business – Brown (Class #2A: 4 CEHs) – This course is jam-packed full of practical, profitable promotions, actual case studies and other creative ideas to fill your appointment book and bank account. Attendees will have the opportunity to create a simple marketing plan for their business or practice as well as outlines for one or more easy promotions to use after class. Supplies: pen, paper, your business cards, your business/practice goals
5p – bedtime
Playtime – relax in your Suite after a dinner from one of the surrounding restaurants, and/or go out to play, close by, on The Strip in Vegas Style – the Fremont Street Experience is something to see and a short Shared Ride or busline away. Return to the comfort of your room & get a good night’s sleep!
DAY 2 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)
6a – 7a
Sunrise Yoga on the Terrace – Rise and Shine to this invigorating, 45-minute basic yoga class – sweat with your fellow attendees, enjoy the view of the Las Vegas Strip from the roof-top Terrace, and grab a protein drink, fruit, and/or water to go, so you can prepare for the day’s events. taught by Certified Yoga Teacher, Gayla Coughlin…who is also a licensed massage therapist.
7a – 8a
Breakfast Buffet – enjoy a leisurely Alexis Park Breakfast Buffet in the Apollo Reception area with your fellow professionals, full of all your favorite morning food choices: juices, fruits, pastries, eggs, french toast, pancakes, bacon & sausage… a mighty meal for the day’s bodywork activities.
8a – 12p
Déjà Vu Ethics Review and Dealing With Inappropriate Clients and Sexual Situations – Brown (Class #2B & #2C: 4 CEHs, total) – In these two ethics courses for massage therapists, Felicia suggests that even the most-seasoned massage professionals can benefit from a review of professional boundaries and guidelines for working with clients. The first class/review will provide an honest look at some of the challenges massage therapists face and provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss their own ethical challenges and dilemmas in a safe, supportive space. In dealing with inappropriate clients, Felicia will discuss with attendees the common red flags massage therapists see and ways to diffuse potentially inappropriate client situations. Supplies: pen, paper, your ethical challenges & concerns
Pelvic Stabilization “The Key to Structural Integration” – Waslaski (Class #1B: 4 CEHs) – James’ takes the clinical approach to assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation fo the lumbar spine, hip, and pelvis in this course. Specific conditions he’ll address include low back pain, SI joint dysfunction, sacral torsions, lumbar compression, spinal stenosis, bulging disc pain, and ruptured discs. In addition, hip pain, hip capsule problems, hip replacements, sciatica, and compensatory knee pain will be addressed. Supplies: massage table, table linens & towels; wear loose & comfortable clothing
12p – 1p
Lunch Box – in the Apollo Reception area, pick up your Lunch Box (chosen during Registration or this morning) and grab a seat with your class partner and others and re-fuel for the day.
1p – 5p
Integrated Manual Therapy and Orthopedic Massage for Complicated Lower Extremity Conditions – Waslaski (Class #1C: 4 CEHs) – Participants in this course will use modalities such as functional assessment, posturology, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, scar tissue mobilization, myoskeletal alignment, and corrective stretching and strengthening protocols in a very precise order. James’ unique, multidisciplinary approach may eliminate even the most complicated pain conditions in the lower extremity immediately and permanently. Attendees will discover cutting edge approaches to immediate relief from muscle strains, sprains, and myofascial pain. Supplies: massage table, table linens & towels; wear loose & comfortable clothing
5p
Fond Farewell – we give a wave good-bye and send our heartfelt well-wishes to our Convention guests.
2018 Sponsors & Vendors
Our Sponsors provide new professional products and information – and sometimes meals – during 2018’s State Convention. Please give them a shout out by clicking through to any of their websites for more information about their products & services.
2018 Continuing Education – Instructors & Courses
James Waslaski, CPT
Course Offerings at the 2018 AMTA Nevada Chapter State Convention:
Integrated Manual Therapy and Orthopedic Massage for Complicated Shoulder Conditions & Multiple Crush Phenomenon – (4 CEHs) – Attendees will learn functional assessment and special tests, myofascial and neuromuscular techniques, myoskeletal alignment techniques, scar tissue mobilization protocols, and specific stretches and therapeutic exercises to eliminate both the underlying cause and clinical symptoms of cervical pain and associated upper-extremity numbness.
Pelvic Stabilization “The Key to Structural Integration”– (4 CEHs) – James’ takes the clinical approach to assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation fo the lumbar spine, hip, and pelvis in this course. Specific conditions he’ll address include low back pain, SI joint dysfunction, sacral torsions, lumbar compression, spinal stenosis, bulging disc pain, and ruptured discs. In addition, hip pain, hip capsule problems, hip replacements, sciatica, and compensatory knee pain will be addressed.
Integrated Manual Therapy and Orthopedic Massage for Complicated Lower Extremity Conditions– (4 CEHs) – Participants in this course will use modalities such as functional assessment, posturology, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, scar tissue mobilization, myoskeletal alignment, and corrective stretching and strengthening protocols in a very precise order. James’ unique, multidisciplinary approach may eliminate even the most complicated pain conditions in the lower extremity immediately and permanently. Attendees will discover cutting edge approaches to immediate relief from muscle strains, sprains, and myofascial pain.
Supplies for each class: massage table, table linens & towels; wear loose & comfortable clothing
To take all 3 of James’ courses, be sure to choose OPTION 1 when you Register
Felicia Brown, LMBT
Course Offerings at the 2018 AMTA Nevada Chapter State Convention:
Free and Easy Ways to Promote Your Massage, Spa, and Wellness Business – (4 CEHs) – This course is jam-packed full of practical, profitable promotions, actual case studies and other creative ideas to fill your appointment book and bank account. Attendees will have the opportunity to create a simple marketing plan for their business or practice as well as outlines for one or more easy promotions to use after class. Supplies: pen, paper, your business cards, your business/practice goals
Déjà Vu Ethics Review and Dealing With Inappropriate Clients and Sexual Situations – (two courses: 4 CEHs, total) – In these two ethics courses for massage therapists, Felicia suggests that even the most-seasoned massage professionals can benefit from a review of professional boundaries and guidelines for working with clients. The first 2-hour course/review will provide an honest look at some of the challenges massage therapists face and provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss their own ethical challenges and dilemmas in a safe, supportive space. During the second, two-hour course, Felicia will discuss with attendees the common red flags in dealing with inappropriate clients that massage therapists see and ways to diffuse potentially inappropriate client situations. Supplies: pen, paper, your ethical challenges & concerns
To take both of Felicia’s courses, be sure to choose OPTION 2 when you Register
2018 AMTA-NV Chapter Annual Business Meeting – Guest Speakers
Christopher Deery | President-Elect, American Massage Therapy Association
Maggie Adams | Southern Nevada Operations Manager, Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy
has been a massage therapist since 1991 and has been the Treatment and Therapist Manager for Atrio Spa, Las Alcobas, Napa CA. Maggie has created signature services for 5-Star spas, day spas and companies including MOROCCANOIL and LALICIOUS. Her protocols are featured in over 250 spas worldwide. Maggie opened the Spa at Aria in the heart of City Center on the Las Vegas Strip where she designed all massage protocols and training procedures. She was an instructor for one of the premier massage schools in the country, the Director of Education for another, and an educational consultant for several others. As an author and presenter, Maggie has published articles and lectured on the subject of massage therapy for Massage Magazine, Santa Clara University, the National Arthritis Foundation, and the Chronic Fatigue Consultation Clinic.
Whether you’ve been practicing for 10+ years or are just starting out in the field, the American Massage Therapy Association has a benefit for its members that is good for taking advantage of ANY time during your career: the Mentoring Program!
All of the program Details are in any of the below-links – research it, and see if it something you can benefit from: being a Mentee OR a Mentor!
If you have time to assist a colleague in developing a business plan for their practice, be a sympathetic or empathetic ear and a solid shoulder for an ethical issue, or just want to be creative in a team relationship – you should think about BEING a Mentor. Read more on the AMTA website on How and Why to do it!
3 Ways to Get the Most From the AMTA Mentoring Program
AMTA’s Mentoring Program is a great way for new massage therapists to learn about the profession or help individuals make a career change. Learn and build professional connections with these helpful tips:
1. Keep communications open.
Mentee: Be up front. Let your mentor know what your goals are and what you hope to take away from the program.
Mentor: Help your mentee set realistic expectations. Also, if you know you will be unavailable because of business or personal travel, let them know.
2. Offer support.
Mentee: Remember that your mentor is there for you, but is only a guide.
Mentor: Encourage communication and participation. Help create a solid plan of action.
3. Stay positive!
Mentee: Remember that your mentor is offering feedback and not criticizing.
Mentor: Recognize the work the mentee has done and the progress made.
This article was originally published as “2017 Proposed Changes to Nevada State’s Massage Therapy Law” on 2/20/2017; it has been updated as of 6/5/2017.
NRS 640.C governs the massage therapy profession and the professionals who are licensed by the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapists (NSBMT). In late-2016, with their newest Executive Director, Sandy Anderson, the NSBMT asked Honorable Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton to sponsor a Bill that would primarily change the constituency of licensees holding professional licenses under the NSBMT. There are several additional points to the Bill, as it was written and Introduced by Assemblywoman Carlton, that, as massage therapists, affect us.
The Bill was first known as BDR 766 when introduced on December 10, 2016, and had been formally introduced to the Assembly as AB 179 on February 13, 2017, and is now resolved* to do several things:
Change the name of the board: from the “Nevada State Board of Massage Therapists” to the “Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy“
Add two new license types to the currently-existing Licensed Massage Therapists, et al: Licensed Reflexologist, et al; and, Licensed Structural Integration Practitioner, et al. Reflexology is moved from under NRS 629 “Wellness Services” to NRS 640.C; Structural Integration Practitioner is a newly-created license under this Bill. Each new license has its own educational, legal, and Application requirements (TBD by NSBMT-mediated Workshop (dates TBD)).
Change the composition of the NSBMT: from 7 Board Members to 9 Board Members: the 2 additional Board members are – one each – from the newly-added fields to the NSBMT’s domain: a NSBMT-licensed Reflexologist and an NSBMT-licensed Structural Integration Practitioner.
Add Establishments to its regulatory oversight: Massage Therapy, Reflexology, and Structural Integration Establishments are – additionally, to local regulation (if any) – under the Board’s regulation. A [maximum] Inspection Fee of $50 is levied for each Board-initiated Massage Therapy, Reflexology, and Structural Integration Establishment request for inspection.
Change the license Renewal Period: from every One Year (annually) to every Two Years (biennially) – the Renewal Fee has doubled to $300 but is only required every two years.
The Nevada School of Massage Therapy hosted a live Q & A Session on February 27, 2017, where the AMTA-Nevada Chapter presented this information and opened up the floor for comments and questions. About 33 people were in attendance, the majority of which were matriculating students of NSMT’s program, including NSMT staff, AMTA members, and MT professionals. The session lasted about 45 minutes and was presented by Chapter President Mavies Gascon and Immediate Past President David Otto.
The Nevada Chapter members were email-noticed on 3/14 & 3/26/2017 to participate in a poll available during the period of 3/14-3/28/2017 as to their positions and opinions on AB 179. Subsequent to the closing of the poll, Nevada Chapter President Mavies Gascon attended a May 5th public hearing of the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Energy regarding Amendment(s)-considered and reported the chapter members’ position of Support for AB 179. Here is the crux of what he reported:
*The Act AB 179 was signed into law, recorded June 1, 2017, and goes into effect as of July 1, 2017. The NSBMT is anticipating that licenses for Reflexologists and Structural Integration Practitioners will be available for application and required for practice on Jan 1, 2018.
Other NSBMT Updates:
Completed inspections of Nevada Massage Therapy Establishments by the NSBMT have resulted in 18 closures during the January to May, 2017, time-frame.
The NSBMT is committed to a “less than 15-day turnaround” for actions on New and Renewing NSBMT License Applications.
The NSBMT is removing the ‘Pre-application’ process for license Applications.
The NSBMT anticipates a software update to the Licensee Account Area that will allow a user to upload/record CEHs being used for his/her next Renewal PRIOR to his/her Renewal Application process and 90-day window prior to expiration of his/her current license period.
If you have questions or concerns, please let us know by emailing email hidden; JavaScript is required
For its third year, the Chair of the American Massage Therapy Association, Nevada Chapter’s National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (NMTAW®) Committee – Tom Dougherty – helps keep Nevada in the know about Massage Therapy and its positive impact on human health conditions.
8a – 9a
Annual Meeting – meet us in Apollo 3 for the chapter’s annual report of activities, past and future, elections and volunteer opportunities – your Vote (as a Member in Good Standing) COUNTS – and guest speakers AMTA National President-Elect Christopher Deery & Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy’s Southern Nevada Operations Manager, Maggie Adams: empower your practice with the information presented! Vendor & Sponsor participation include swag bags for each attendee.
Breakfast Buffet – enjoy a leisurely Alexis Park Breakfast Buffet in the Apollo Reception area with your fellow professionals, full of all your favorite morning food choices: juices, fruits, pastries, eggs, french toast, pancakes, bacon & sausage… a mighty meal for the day’s bodywork activities.
Lunch Box – in the Apollo Reception area, pick up your Lunch Box (chosen during Registration or this morning) and grab a seat with your class partner and others and re-fuel for the day.
5p
Maggie Adams | Southern Nevada Operations Manager, Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.png)
This article was originally published as “2017 Proposed Changes to Nevada State’s Massage Therapy Law” on 2/20/2017; it has been updated as of 6/5/2017.