Ep 402 – Hands of Gold with Melissa Strautman

Three animated hands with white, gold and bronze.

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Melissa Strautman, winner of the gold medal for Swedish massage at the International Association of Massage’s World Championship, where she competed against 56 therapists from 50 countries.

Strautman, who also won silver for facial massage in the 2023 American Massage Championship and gold for Swedish massage in the 2022 American Massage Championship, speaks about her experience in this competitive arena, what drew her to start competing, and how it has helped her grow as a therapist.

 

Author Images: 
Author Bio: 

After attending Martin Methodist College and Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, Melissa graduated from the New York College for Holistic Health Education and Research (now called the New York College of Health Professions) in Syosset, New York, in 1999. She holds licenses in  New York and Kentucky, and completes between 24–72 continuing education hours every year.

She has owned and operated a private practice in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 2003 (formerly: New York Massage Company).

As an educator, Melissa has experience teaching anatomy/physiology, pathology, ethics, Eastern anatomy/physiology, stone massage, aromatherapy, and Fundamentals of Massage Technique. Melissa opened MassageFIX, a massage office in Bowling Green, in 2012.

In addition to seeing clients regularly, she is the national coordinator for the United States Association of Massage Championships and the state coordinator for the Kentucky Massage Championship. Melissa was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in July 2023.

Sponsors: 

 

Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com

 

Touch America: www.touchamerica.com

 

Zibby Media: www.zibbymedia.com

 

Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.    

Website: anatomytrains.com              

Email: info@anatomytrains.com          

Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA  

 

Zibby Media is a women-led company dedicated to deepening the connections between readers, authors, and each other. We do so by offering many ways to connect—even for those who don’t have time to read. Founded by Zibby Owens, author, podcaster, publisher, bookstore owner, CEO, and mother of four, Zibby Media includes a publishing house, a magazine, podcasts, retreats, classes, a book club, salon events, and an independent bookstore with frequent author events. If you have ever loved a book, you’re in the right place.

Learn more at zibbymedia.com

Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zibbybooks/?hl=en

Listen to the podcast @momsdonthavetimetoreadbooks

Read the magazine @zibbymag

 

TouchAmerica is a leading manufacturer of professional grade wellness furniture, bodywork tables, halotherapy suites, hydrotherapy equipment, sound bathing loungers, and other related products. At TouchAmerica, we believe in a future where good health and vitality are common in all aspects of living. Promoting the positive power of conscious touch is at the core of our vision. We hope our products help add a touch of functional elegance to your massage & spa work environment. ABMP members receive 20% off all standard products. Discounts do not apply to salt or special-order SKUs.

Visit https://www.touchamerica.com/ or Call 800 67 TOUCH and use code touchABMP*.

Reach out today and feel the TouchAmerica difference!

News

Ohio Adopts Interstate Massage Compact

The Ohio legislature adopted Senate Bill 56 on June 21, becoming the second state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact. Massage therapists will soon be able to obtain a multistate license that will reduce holdups and delays that often occur when moving to a different state.

US Department of Education 150% Rule Update

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction that halts the enforcement of the US Department of Education’s new Bare Minimum Rule, also known as the “100% rule,” until the court takes further action. This is the first step in what could be a lengthy battle to ultimately delay enforcement of the rule, providing schools more time to adjust their programmatic standards, or overturn the rule altogether. Find out more and what your school needs to do to prepare.

Colorado Bill Requires Local Background Checks

Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1371, requiring local government (counties, cities, or municipalities) to conduct periodic criminal background checks for massage establishment operators, owners, and employees.

Blog

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MassageBook wants to help you focus on delivering exceptional care to your clients and building the practice of your dreams.

Julie Plachta: Serving the Underserved

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As we get closer to celebrating Massage Is for EveryBody, July 14–20, 2024, we wanted to share more of Julie Plachta’s story, which exemplifies the inclusive values of this campaign.

Benefits

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Hyperice

ABMP members save 10% on all Hyperice percussive and heat/ice technology massage devices, including the Hypervolt, Vyper Vibrating Fitness Roller, and Ice Compression.

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Yomassage

ABMP members receive 20% off Signature Yomassage, Mindful Touch by Yomassage, Barefoot Yomassage, Table Yomassage, and Yomassage Facials certifications.

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