Therapeutic Massage is Approved to Enroll Students
BTECH is proud to announce approval to start enrolling students in the new Therapeutic Massage program at the Brigham City Branch Campus. We would especially like to thank Cheri Gillham, Colette Pulsipher, Jen Tenhoeve, Katie Myler and Lisa Balling for all their hard work in getting approval for this program.
We recently asked Department Head Cheri Gillham to let us know a little bit more about the program and what to expect!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your history
I’m Cheri Gillham and I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist and Bodyworker for 28 years. I specialize in Infant Craniosacral Therapy and have been a continuing education provider in the states of Texas and Utah for licensed massage therapists.
I completed much of my Craniosacral Therapy training with The Upledger Institute, where I was a teaching assistant for all levels of Craniosacral Therapy training including SomatoEmotional Release, Advanced, and Pediatrics. I later studied Craniosacral Therapy for Infants, Pregnancy and Postpartum with Carol Gray at The Carol Gray Center for CST Studies. I co-teach the Supporting Emotional Release class with Carol on a yearly basis.
With a strong structural foundation of Neuromuscular Pain Relief training with Paul St. John – St. John Neuromuscular Pain Relief Seminars and Doug Nelson, Gil Hedley-Integral Anatomy Somanautics Cadaver Workshops, Aaron Mattes-Stretching, Leon Chaitow-Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Erik Dalton-Myoskeletal Techniques, and Cranial Nerve Dysfunction with Michelle Emanuel, I balance the emotional aspects of the body with Sharon Porter’s Trauma Resolution, Creative Core Energetics Body Oriented Psychotherapy, and have volunteered in various leadership roles for 15 years for Pathways to Successful Living Seminars based in Chicago, IL. These seminars teach participants to reach new levels of success and fulfillment, both personally and professionally.
Over the years I have taught at various massage schools, teaching Deep Tissue Massage, Anatomy, Physiology, Business & Health, Craniosacral Therapy and TMD/TMJ Dysfunction. I teach educational classes for parents ranging from Infant Massage to Craniosacral Therapy techniques to Parents with Special Needs Children. I also have an on-line self-paced infant massage course available to parents.
I am Board Certified for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, a Texas Licensed Massage Therapist, a Utah Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Instructor for Infant Massage. I am a member of the International Healthcare Practitioners Alliance, Member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, and a Member of The American Craniosacral Therapy Association.
What is Therapeutic Massage?
Therapeutic Massage is an active engagement with both client and practitioner. Each have a shared goal of achieving structural changes within the body, generally through a series of regular massages.
While any professional massage is therapeutic, with real health benefits, some massages focus more on relaxation which is a more superficial massage that improves blood and lymph circulation. This is good for your body and mind; however, it does not address the underlying structures of the body that may cause pain and restrictions.
Therapeutic Massage consists of 1) An assessment of the client’s condition, including questions regarding the client’s pain level, the onset of the pain, where the pain resides or radiates 2) After assessing the condition/issue, the therapist will propose an approach to the session. This may consist of working the problem area, suggesting a series of sessions, suggesting other ways to help reduce pain and inflammation, or refer you to another health professional. 3) Proceed with the therapy session based on your agreement from above. 4) Evaluate the outcome – Is there a decrease in the pain? More joint mobility?
Why is Therapeutic Massage important?
Massage decreases cortisol levels in the body, reducing stress, boosting energy levels, and reducing pain.
It lowers blood pressure, promoting muscle relaxation, increasing nutrients and oxygen to injured muscles and damaged tissues and increases joint flexibility.
Improves circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improves posture, and softens injured, tired and overused muscles.
Strengthens the body’s immune system by stimulating lymph flow.
Reduces fatigue, depression and anxiety.
What kinds of things will be taught in the program?
While the students will have required reading from textbooks, there will be a large amount of interaction, discussions, and contemplations of the material covered. We have included a course “Psychology of the Body” that will not only be read from the student’s perspective, students will be applying the knowledge they gain to their own lives. We believe that clear, direct and honest communication will facilitate these students in their careers and their lives. Therefore, we will be spending time on communication and listening skills as well as the various massage modalities and the requirements of the state of Utah. Our hope is that the students will have a new level of confidence, maturity and leadership to provide their communities with a high standard of care.
What would you say about the program to anyone thinking of doing it?
This is an amazing opportunity and program. It will change your life and how you relate and help others. Not only will you learn “techniques”, you will learn what you as an individual can accomplish. This program will ignite your curiosity, passion, and desire to understand the human body, how it moves, functions, and works; what it is capable or incapable of. If you would like to change your life and the lives of others register now.
