I'll often have a playlist on in the background while I am working at my computer. Maybe it helps me focus, or maybe it's just habit from always having music playing while massage patients during the "hands-on" part of my career. But there does come a point in the day when I MUST turn it off, when even music turns to noise and gets irritating. 

Some scientists say all sound that is detected by the human brain stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and prepares us for fight/flight. Noise pollution is a common topic with city planners and a common irritant for those who live in more urban or industrialized communities. Perhaps this pollution is more than just an irritant. Maybe it is actually increasing our stress levels. 

"It may seem like just an annoyance, but noise has an impact on our bodies"

After reading this article from the CBC's White Coat Black Art - The Dose, I wondered if ALL sound is in fact a stressor, or if some sound, like the music we tend to play...

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT - Richard Ramcharan (Class of 2022)

WHAT IS YOUR NAME & PREFERRED PRONOUNS?

Richard Ramcharan (he/him)

WHAT YEAR DID YOU GRADUATE FROM CCMH?

2022

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY PRACTICE?

STIL SPACE WELLNESS & PELVICO HEALTH CENTER

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR PRACTICE? TYPES OF MODALITIES? CONDITIONS? PATIENT POPULATIONS?

Removing blockages throughout the body allowing for fluids and joints to move better.

I blend myofascial release, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, and pelvic treatments to allow patients' bodies to heal themselves.

I work with athletes, pre and post natal populations as well as chronic pain patients.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU CAME TO CCMH?

I was (and still am) a yoga teacher and personal trainer.

WHAT MADE YOU A) CHOOSE MASSAGE THERAPY? B) CHOOSE CCMH?

I wanted to be more hands on with clients to provide higher quality care. The fast track program at CCMH was suitable to my needs plus the Hydrotherapy component added value that other...

RMT: SARAH THOMPSON

GRADUATING YEAR: 2023

PRACTICE LOCATION: Home-based practice in Port Williams, Nova Scotia, as part of a joint venture with husband, Ian, called Herb & Feather

What were you doing prior to attending CCMH?

I was in two very high-stress industries! I was in local politics for over 8 years and also was in the restaurant business with my husband for 10+ years. I am also a Mom to two children, daughter 7, Hailey and son Harvey who is 5.

What made you choose massage therapy?

My life drastically shifted when we discovered some prenatal news regarding our unborn son approximately 6 years ago. After Harvey was born, he had several musculoskeletal conditions and we slowly developed a team around him comprised of; Chiro, Physio, Massage, and OT (to name a few) who inspired him and us to embrace this new journey we were on, to explore ...

RMT: KEISHA WATSON

GRADUATING YEAR: 2022

PRACTICE LOCATIONS: Home-based practice in Greenfield, plus seasonal practice at Fox Harbour Resort in Wallace, both in Nova Scotia

What were you doing prior to attending CCMH?

"Life before CCMH for me was working in a Human Resource department for eleven years, never truly loving what I was doing but scared to make a change. Upon some mental health struggles, I found myself in the middle of the pandemic as a stay-at-home mom wanting more in my life. I love helping others and being my own boss was always a dream, but something I never thought would happen."

What made you choose massage therapy?

"My best friend had asked me to attend an intro to massage weekend with her as she had interest in the course. I thought why not! Little did I know I was about to walk through those doors and completely fall in love with massage. I walked away on Sunday knowing this was what I needed my next step to be in life while my friend decided to go another...

EVIDENCE INFORMED EDUCATION

How much pressure decreases SNS? by Jenn Stuart, Executive Director

CCMH is dedicated to evidence informed education by using current massage therapy research to update our curriculum every 5 years. One of the trusted sources of research studies was (and still is) the Touch Research Institute (TRI) which was established 20 years ago by Dr. Tiffany Field, to study the effects of touch on health. Up until 2018, TRI conducted over 100 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy on many functions and medical conditions in many different age groups. Their studies have shown that massage therapy: facilitates weight gain in preterm infants; alleviates depressive symptoms; enhances attentiveness; reduces pain; reduces stress hormones; and improves immune function. One study, published in the International Journal of Neuroscience (another trusted source), looked at the effects of LIGHT PRESSURE verses MODERATE PRESSURE on the...

Andrew has been providing massage for more than 20 years.  

In 2011, Andrew joined the faculty at CCMH, where he teaches Physiology, Anatomy, and Clinical Assessment courses. Andrew has spent a significant number of hours volunteering services to many sports teams and athletes. This experience provided him with the skills and knowledge to treat many Olympic, varsity, and professional athletes.  

He has some advice for those just starting their practice: 
“There's so much frustration in the early stages of your career because you feel like you need to be perfect and want to fix everything. The more people you get to see, the more you learn. Twenty-four years into my career, I still learn every single day from my patients.” 

Along with his teaching duties at CCMH, Andrew continues his practice at Park West Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic in Halifax. 

In 2014, a group of international and domestic researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers met for a one-day summit to discuss the research needs of the growing profession of massage therapy in Canada.  

They discussed how research can inform the practice of massage therapy; how it can mitigate the concerns of the general public, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders; the changing landscape of the Canadian healthcare system; and what types of research would be of benefit. The following study types were deemed the greatest importance: 

Basic Science – physiology and psychology of Massage. 

Clinical – both subjective and objective findings to determine optimal frequency, safety, and effectiveness vs. other modalities. 

Health Services/Translational – Psychosomatic effects of massage in comparison with other treatments, primary prevention studies, and effects of access to massage therapy for under-served populations. 

About the...

1. What are your favorite things about CCMH?“All the hands-on practice! Hydrotherapy! New Special Event Workshops - with not being able to go off campus for special events, the new on-site special events are so great! They give us an idea of what is available in future courses beyond graduation. My favorites have been Guasha, Myofascial Release and Manual Lymphatic Drainage!” 

2. What advice you would give to a prospective student?“It’s a lot to take on, but if you study, and are passionate about this, it will get easier. Ask questions! No question is a bad one, and you never know who else is wondering the same thing." 

3. What has CCMH helped you discover on your journey to becoming a Massage Therapist? "How much interest I have in the human body! There are SO many conditions to learn about, and our body is so adaptable!" 

4. Why did you choose CCMH? "I loved the different clinic options and how much hands-on I’d have with the general...

by Jana Young, Class of 2007, CCMH Admissions Coordinator 

At CCMHwetrain and graduate skilled massage therapists to enter theprofessionand make a difference in the lives of their patients. But are we missing the mark when it comes to diversity? Is there more we can do to ensure that people of color and people of various gender identities also have access to therapists who understand them and theirneedson a deeper level?  

I’ve had the unique opportunity tospeak with prospective students and applicants from many ethnic backgrounds and other diverse populations.Some of the common themes I hear are that folks will often choose therapists that they can relate to because of shared features/interests/backgrounds,but it can be difficult to find massage therapists who fit their criteria.  

As we learn and grow as a school, some of the questions Iendeavorto answer are: How can we encourage more diversity in the ranks of our students, to ensure that there continues to be...

Meghan discovered massage through the treatment of injuries she sustained playing varsity volleyball. As she noticed her older sister and friends struggling to find work post-university, she realized a career in massage therapy would be a strong choice. 

At CCMH, Meghan specializes in organizing diverse clinics for all CCMH students.  

“There are normally some ‘first treatment’ nerves from students. But once they complete that first clinic shift, it's like night and day as they immediately get a boost of confidence. And they exclaim, “I can do this!” 

Meghan believes confidence is one of the keys to success in the program. She recommends trusting in the process and ensures that it all does come together before graduation. 

Meghan continues to practice as a therapist and has her own mobile clinic, which allows her to treat people in their homes.