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...

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 Natasha Joyce, Class of 2011, CCMH Education Director 

(from and article by Jannen Belbeck in Massage Therapy Canada Magazine – Fall 2018 Edition)

This article written by Jannen Belbeck plays out a variety of situations and scenarios that the more seasoned Massage Therapist would say “this wouldn’t happen to me”, whilst a newer, younger therapist thinks they are well trained to recognize and respond to acts of inappropriate behavior. However, as Jannen details there are many factors to consider to “untangle the emotions” and communicate effectively to establish a therapeutic relationship.

We all understand that no client books in under the name “inappropriate behavior” so does that mean that one must always operate in a hyper vigilant state, or risk being subjected to these actions? In Jannen’s article there are several factors presented for consideration on the topic including but not limited to, physical locations, and...

For many careers, education comes in the form of lecture, readings, and book work. There is a disconnect between educator and student. 

In the field of massage, education of new massage therapists comes in a more diverse form.  

It comes from the administrative staff. The admissions staff who reach out into the world with the intention of touching the hearts of the right people. The Directors who work tirelessly to ensure the campus runs as smoothly as possible, while also keeping the compass in line with the mission and values that the school, and the profession, embody. The clinic staff who provide the support necessary to run the student clinic in an efficient manner, giving students a chance to develop confidence in their own skills through practice.  

It comes from research and lectures, but also from experienced instructors who are trained in skills transfer. Instructors who come to the table with varied backgrounds, but always with the same intention...

What stands out the most to Lauren about her time at CCMH is the strong sense of community. Small class sizes, accessibility to individualized learning, and lots of practical hands-on experience made for a well-rounded and nurturing environment.  

 
“CCMH challenged me to really grow and stretch as a person. Overcoming mental, physical, and academic challenges truly prepared me for my career! I gained the self-confidence required to be my own best spokesperson and have put that energy into opening my own thriving small business.” 

Now a practicing therapist, Lauren enjoys making a connection with others and helping them along their journey.Being a massage therapist has also granted her the added bonus of getting one step closer to attaining a healthy work/life balance! 

Lauren runs her own practice, VanSickle Massage Therapy, in Halifax. 

Can the pandemic shorten your career?

by Alicia Doucette

In today’s current global pandemic, many people are finding it difficult to keep up with the new protocols and rules. It is not different for massage therapists. The new massage therapy protocols have changed the way we allow people to enter the treatment space, provide treatment, and clean the treatment space. Even with increased time between massage treatments, it can be challenging to ensure all the protocols are followed, write treatment notes, and do the small self-care tasks that allow us to keep providing massage to our clients.

It is important to remember to still hydrate between treatments, especially since working in a mask can make you feel extra warm while providing treatment. Specific stretching between treatments can be a useful tool to keep muscles supple during a workday. Feeling rushed between treatments can increase general stress, and that can build throughout the day.  All these things can...

This literature review, performed by Lucy Last, CCMH Class of 2021, set out to explore the efficacy of massage therapy as complementary management to decrease symptoms of depression. 

Various search methods and techniques landed on five journal articles to review. Each study was unique; however, every study reviewed demonstrated that massage therapy is an effective treatment option for managing the signs and symptoms of depression. 

Significantly, one study declared an impressive average of 31% decrease of cortisol in patients experiencing depression. The same study claimed a 28% increase of serotonin and 31% increase in dopamine levels immediately following massage therapy treatment. 

A summary of each of the articles referenced, along with the researcher’s thoughts:

1. T. Field, M Hernandez-Reif, M. Diego, et al. (November 2004). Cortisol Decreases and Serotonin and Dopamine Increase Following Massage Therapy; explains that “cortisol has been labeled a...