Body Insight Wellbeing Catalyst

Updated Continuing Education

continuing education, lymphedema treatment, massage therapy, MLD, oncology massage

This past year has been another busy one for continuing education. I believe staying up to date is necessary for providing the best possible care for my clients. I also recognize the importance of exploring different aspects of treatment for my clients.

Advanced Breast Cancer Rehabilitation – 16 hours
*Final Touch Training: Palliative Care – 20 hours
*A Cancer’s Journey – 24 hours
*Texas Human Trafficking Resource Center – 1.5 hours

Conference Education

2024 National Lymphedema Network Conference Parts 1 & 2 – 24.25 hours

Anatomical Research of the Lymphatic System
+How May We Be Able to Beat Alzheimer’s Disease with Supermicrosurgery?
Why Astronauts Need CLTs: SANS, Glymphatics, and MLD Possibilities
Practical Applications for Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy – An Overview
Neurolymphatic Drainage Case Studies on Post Concussive Syndrome, Migraine, & Other Brain Injuries
or Neurologic Disorders
Practice Barriers and the Promotion of Health Equality in Lymphedema Therapy
Exploration of Provider Engagement and Perceptions Related to Advocacy and Policy
+Elevating CTD Standards: Influencing Administrative Perspectives
Supporting Patient Advocacy for Treatment
Lipedema Overview & Management Strategies: Resources for Clinicians
Lipedema Research – Pain
+Lipedema Reduction Surgery Improves Pain, Mobility, Physical Function, and Quality of Life
+Achieving Great Results with Lymphedema and Lipedema Surgeries
+Integrating Modalities to Expedite Fibrosis and Pain Reduction to Improve Long Term Outcomes
Using Cold Laser, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, and Manual Techniques
+Shake It Up: Evolving Your Lymphatic Practice with Deep Oscillation Therapy
+Stretching the Limits of Elastic Taping for Lymphedema
Understanding and Treating Scar Tissue and its Implications in Lymphedema Management
+Shifting Prospectives: Incorporating Dry Needling into Lymphatic Management
+Low Level Laser
Negative Pressure
+Elastic Taping
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue
+Deep Oscillation

POWER Lymphatics 15.25 hours

+Lymphedema Medicare Coverage: What to Know & Do
+Lymphedema Coverage FAQs Answered
Pain Management for Lymphedema Patients
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Updates
Radiation Fibrosis and Lymphedema
Treatment of Upper Quadrant and Breast Lymphedema
The Power of MLD
+Nutrition and Lymphatics
Best Practices for CDT in the Private Sector
Central Lymphatic Dysfunction Treatment
Do YOU have lymphatic dysfunction?
Understanding DVT and Treatment
+Best Practices for Treating DVT
Breast Cancer Treatment Outcomes and Lymphedema
+Advancements in Head and Neck Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment
Resilience in Service
The Power of Movement

*These courses count towards TDLR recertification. Other courses are recognized nationally, but not by the State of Texas.

+These courses included material outside of the scope of practice of a Licensed Massage Therapist, but contribute to awareness of when to refer to other providers, as well as understanding a fuller picture of treatment.

Continuing Education (2019-6/2024)

licensedmassagetherapist, lymphedema treatment, MLD, oncology massage

Why do I only list continuing education over the last 5 years?
Because research is ongoing, and techniques are constantly being revised. Staying up to date is part of an evidence-based practice. Also, with over 20 years of continuing education, listing everything would make for a very long list.

Klose Training

*Manual Lymphatic Drainage – 45 hours
Head & Neck Lymphedema – 6 hours
Lymphedema Therapy – 135 hours
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation – 16 hours

Other Training

Oncology Massage – 24 hours
*Contemporary Cupping Methods – 24 hours
*Advanced Cupping Methods – 24 hours
*Facial Cupping Rejuvenation – 8 hours
Burn Scar Massage Therapy – 8 hours
Plastic Surgery Recovery & Fibrosis Massage – 4 hours
Massage After Reconstructive Surgery – 4 hours
*Human Trafficking for Texas Health Professionals – 2 hours
*Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking in Texas – 1 hour
*Care for Special Populations – 2 hours
*Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide for Massage Therapists – 1 hour
*Ethics for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork – 3 hours
*Massage Therapy for Sports Injuries – 4 hours
*Working With Clients with Health Problems – 2 hours

Conference Education

Society for Oncology Massage – 2023 – 12 hours
Integrative Care – Creating a Healthier, More Sustainable System
Practice Based Research Networks to Facilitate Collaborative Connections within the Therapeutic Massage Profession
Postoperative Lymphatic Therapy for Clients with a Cancer History
Perspectives on the Implementation of Integrative Care
Building a Resilient & Regulated Nervous System after Trauma
Humor and Healing from the Massage Client’s Perspective
“Get a Doctor’s Note” is Not Good Enough (and What Is)
Disruption of the Lymphatic System following the Treatment of Head & Neck Cancers

POWER Lymphatics – 2024 – 17 hours
Integrating Modalities Into Your Lymphedema Practice
Managing Edema for the Medically Complex Patient
Lifestyle & Lymphedema: Impacts of Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep & Stress
+Lymphedema Impact in Head & Neck Cancer – The Speech-Language Pathologist’s Role
The Benefits of Managing Post Surgical Edema after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Peri-Operative Conservative Management
Differential Diagnosis of Red Leg: Cellulitis…or Pseudocellulitis?
Building a Comprehensive Lymphedema Program in a Rural Area
+Winning in Wound Care

*Only these 144 course hours count towards TDLR recertification. We are required to take 12 hours per renewal cycle (2 years.) The 226 hours which TDLR does not recognize are because 1) they provide a better foundation to better serve my clients, and 2) the more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn.

+Informational only, I refer to other professionals for all care outside of my scope of practice. An effective lymphedema management team understands what other providers are doing to support the client/patient.

While there are a few classes based on the same basic material offered by people with a Texas Massage Instructor license, I’ve always been that person who migrates to the most challenging class. I’ve selected most of my oncology and lymphedema courses after researching the best education I can find. I travel to attend internationally-recognized conferences because taking the easiest, cheapest route and getting a certificate just because I was in the room during a presentation doesn’t feel right to me. NOTE: There is now a Texas Massage Instructor offering an S4OM approved Oncology Massage course. I’ve encouraged my colleagues who did not want to take a class that would not count towards their license renewal to take it. With any luck, we’ll have more well-trained massage therapist options for those affected by cancer by year’s end. There’s a huge need, as ignorance can lead to complications for the client.

My approach isn’t for everyone. (Whose is, really?) If you have lymphedema, post-operative swelling, cancer, or a history of oncology treatment, you’re probably not looking for a provider who “learned from grandmother from the old country” or took a 6 hour course taught by an instructor who creates their own content without citing peer-reviewed research studies…or maybe you are. You’re the expert at living in your body!

Oncology Massage

massage therapy, oncology massage

It’s been a busy Spring, which is good for time in the treatment room, but not for writing. So much for my plans to write about general policies, some of the modalities I offer, or special events I’m excited about! I have time now, since I arrived early in Minnesota for the Society for Oncolgy Massage’s Healing Summit 2023. Oncology modifications are one of the things I’ve planned to write a bit about, so now seems like the perfect time to do that.

So…

What is oncology massage?
It’s massage, provided by a massage therapist trained in the impact of cancer and cancer treatment, and how to adapt for current, short-term, long-term, and late-onset reactions.

Who can benefit?
Anyone with cancer (at any phase,) anyone who has had cancer treatment, and anyone with a loved one with cancer.

How is it different?
In the areas unaffected, it might be the same as regular massage. In areas affected (either regionally or for the entire body) it may involve lighter to no pressure, a slower pace, or special techniques like gentle acupressure or Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Positioning may be different, depending on your needs or preferences.

Why is it important?
Have you ever felt sore or tired after massage? Your body needed support, not demanding methods. Some treatments leave you at risk for side effects that might not appear for years (if at all.) A therapist with oncology massage training has been taught to adapt in the short and long term, to minimize risk, and to not overload affected areas. Whether you’re out there running marathons, or you’re fatigued by daily routine, I’ll adapt either the whole massage or just parts of it so you can keep doing what you’re doing, without making things worse.

Where can I get more information?
You can contact me directly for more information about my training and experience with oncology massage. You can also find information about the Society for Oncology Massage client resources here:
https://www.s4om.org/clients/

I’ll be in lectures, classes, and discussions throughout the weekend, so I might be slow to reply in the short term. I’ll be back in the office on April 26th, 2023, and hope to see you soon, for whatever kind of session is right for you.

A Little More About Me…

licensedmassagetherapist, life, Musings

It’s past time for a more in-depth “About Me” than what you’ll find on my website. In addition to being a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, ICTA Certified Cupping Therapist, and S4OM Preferred Provider, I’m also a motorcyclist, Kabalarian student, and homebody.

I have made peace with the fact that I am not consistent about writing, sharing images, and all around promoting myself. My off-screen life and direct interactions with individuals are my main priorities.

I live with my partner, his dog, and Post-Concussive Syndrome. I have a strong practical streak, and I’m also rather adept at suspending disbelief. As much as my favorite phrase has been “I know” (I’m a 6 Birthpath,) one of those things I know is that each person is, hands down, the only expert at living their own life. That’s why I invite feedback and find myself continually reminding people “it’s your session.”

Massage chose me. I’ve attempted to exit the industry more than once to focus on the less definable, more direct in verbalizing soul-level modalities I’ve picked up along my 55 years in this body on Earth. I keep coming back and falling in love with bodywork all over again. I believe putting my hands upon others and encouraging their inner healer to activate (or reactivate…or something…) is why I was created. I am thankful
every
single
day
that I found my purpose so (relatively) early in life.

Did I mention that I can head down a rabbit hole of flowery, rather out-there speech? I can do that, too.

Expand, contract. Ebb, flow. Practical, esoteric. Static, fluid. Life is made of contrast, and while I certainly wasn’t the first to say “the only constant is change” I absolutely believe it.

So I don’t have a single writing voice. At times, I present facts. Others, I may sound outside of the atmosphere. I have strong opinions, and my ethical standards are high enough that few have met them 90% of the time (certainly I have not!) I work to be informative; not everyone is interested in the same sorts of information.

If you read all the way through this, thank you. If doing so was a challenge, please bear with me, and in my blog I’ll tag what may seem a little more out there as “musings.”

Weather Related Cancellations

policies, weather cancellation

You know how it is when you have a plan, and then something happens to change that, right?

I thought it was time to write and share an “about me” kind of post, but the weather had other plans. Temperatures plummeted and suddenly it’s cold and wet here in Wimberley. Wherever this winter weather came from, it’s redirected me to share another sort of “about.”

Short form: I am lenient with my 24-hour cancellation policy when it comes to weather-related cancellations. (The same goes for illnesses.)

Like most massage and appointment-based professionals, I ask for 24 hours’ notice to avoid late cancellation fees. Being an independent business owner, I can waive that if I choose to, and often times, I will. Safety is primary. Also, among the countless health benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and massage therapy is stress reduction.

Working in the complimentary therapies industry, why would I encourage people to arrive to their appointment stressed from the drive? That’s simply not logical (or nice!) It makes no sense to work in the empowerment business and insist people drive in conditions that are not safe/they are not comfortable with. It also makes no sense to “fine” people for speaking up about their limits…so I don’t.

If you need to cancel due to ice or flooding or other weather threats, it’s all good. Just let me know, and we’ll reschedule for when conditions are better.

Stay warm, my friends!

Special Workshop Offering 2/26/2023

massage therapy, self-care

Eco & Indigo Scarves

Eco-print Workshop

Eco-print Twin Scarves

Special Offering!

Creative Self-Care
An Eco-printing and Massage Workshop
Sunday, February 26, 10am-4pm
Body Insight Wellbeing Catalyst, LLC partnering with
Eco & Indigo Fiber Arts
and Rebecca Thomas Ruiz LMT
101 FM 3237 #4, Wimberley

$150, with Massage $225
Early Bird pricing before Feb. 18
After Feb. 18, $180 or $270 with Massage

Are you ready for some radical self-care? Spend a morning engaging your creativity in a circle of women and co-creating with silk and the plant spirits. Then, while the scarves are cooking, you have the option to treat yourself to a relaxing massage! In the afternoon, celebrate the beauty of your co-creation and honor the collective beauty in the circle. Relaxing, enlivening and rejuvenating! What fun!

Unrolling our bundles, we discover a unique treasure every time! Mystery, surprise and beauty greet us as the essence of the leaves and flowers reveal themselves to us.

Hands-on experience
A day of creative play just for you
An option for a massage by Alaria Godwin, LMT or Rebecca Thomas-Ruiz LMT
Co-create with the plant spirits
Discover your own Inner Artist
Renew your connection with Mother Earth
We will work with previously botanical dyed silk scarves
Scarves dyed with marigolds, onion skins, cochineal and logwood
You will leave with one or two 8″x72″ Eco-printed silk scarves
You can make a “twin” for $50 extra and double your value
See pic below for an example of “twins”
All materials provided
No previous art experience needed
Eco & Indigo Fiber Arts silk scarves will be available for purchase

Workshop space is limited, and massage will not be available for each participant. If you’d like to secure your massage during the workshop, please Contact me or call (512)718-9815 to register before they’re all booked!

Customized Massage Therapy Sessions

You know what massage therapy is (or if you don’t and you run a search, you’ll probably find the same things repeated over and over.) What makes massage therapy at Body Insight Wellbeing Catalyst, LLC unique? To start, my initial massage training included detailed study of the regions of the body.

So what does that mean for you?

If you need a whole hour on just one forearm, I can do that. The same goes for your upper arm, shoulder joint, lower or upper leg, hip, abdomen, or section of the spine. Yes, there really can be that much to do in a small area of the body!

If you want to address one issue, I can focus where you feel discomfort and support the muscles that contribute to that challenge. While there’s a good chance all the major muscles of your body would benefit from massage, if you don’t want me to work on your legs because it’s your neck that’s hurting (or vice versa,) I’ll focus where you want.

I’ve heard from clients who’ve requested focused massage and the therapist spent perhaps 10 minutes in the area that brought them in in the first place. I promise you, that will not happen at Body Insight LLC.

In depth study of anatomy, physiology, and the actual application of massage was part of my first certification program. While we had a final practical (hands-on) exam for each level of training, there was no protocol to follow to show we could follow “the sequence.” I spent several years working in an integrative clinic, where many of my clients were referred for sessions to support their physical therapy or chiropractic sessions. Continuing education, independent study, and over 20 years of full time professional experience filled out the rest.

If you want a fully customized massage, that’s one of my strengths.

On the flip side, if you just want to relax, or you don’t want to make any decisions, I can offer that, too. It’s your session!

Schedule With Us

Our offerings range from anatomically based deep tissue massage, to Manual Lymphatic Drainage, to cupping therapy, to remote energy work. With over 20 years of experience and continuing education, Alaria customizes each session to your body and goals.\

Schedule Below