Shirley Philbrick - How to Start a Home-Based Massage Therapy Business

Shirley Philbrick has owned and operated her own business as a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Northeast for over ten years. Though her foundational training and education is in Swedish massage, she has also acquired additional training or certification in Reiki, aromatherapy, newborn massage, reflexology, trigger point therapy, acupressure, and BodyTalk. Ms. Philbrick specializes in deep relaxation and often combines integrated bodywork with guided meditation in her approach. As a secondary career, Ms. Philbrick is a freelance writer and links to her website, blogs, and other writing ventures can be found at http://about.me/slphilbrick.com.

Special thanks to my daughter, Brittany, who has stood by me patiently and lovingly through mi vida loca, all the while saying with the utmost confidence, Mom, you can do this, and to my stepdaughter, Kristy, who not only shares my passion for the written word but also knows the rigors of the writers life. I am honored to share the path, and I feel blessed to have you both.

Much appreciation goes out to friends, clients, colleagues, and family who have taught me so much about the dual professions Ive chosen. Each shares a deep and abiding faith in me that encourages me to focus and believe when I need the reminder most. Your support and wisdom are nothing short of amazing.

To my former massage therapy instructor, Donna Kraft-Smith, I offer deepest gratitude for not only teaching, but demonstrating, the invaluable lesson that massage is a danceone performed not only with technical skill and strength of mind, body, and spirit, but also with compassion, kindness, and grace.

For my editor, Tracee, who found me through my online writing and has assisted me most graciously throughout the process of writing this book, thank you for your patience, expertise, and, most importantly, for giving me the opportunity to share what I know.

And finally, I extend sincere thanks to Jeff for pushing me out of the nest so hard I thought Id break a wing but, incredibly, learned to fly instead.

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS website contains links to all aspects of business and taxation. The small business and self-employed tab links to resources with forms, publications, and a selection of educational materials on owning and operating a small business.

www.irs.gov

Small Business Administration

The SBA assists business owners with all phases of business ownership from start to finish, including financing where applicable.

www.sba.gov

SCORE

SCORE is a not-for-profit group made up of volunteer business advisors. Online mentoring, face-to-face counseling, and online workshops are available.

www.sba.gov/content/score

American Massage Therapy Association

The AMTA offers online or on-site continuing education opportunities for massage therapists to earn continuing education hours.

www.amtamassage.org/education/

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

ABMP has an online education center for member use to earn continuing education hours.

www.abmp1.com

Cross Country Education

CCE offers educational opportunities in a wide range of professions including massage therapy. Courses are in several different formats with continuing education hours available.

www.crosscountryeducation.com

Erik Dalton

Dr. Dalton is a known leader in the massage and bodywork field. His website has an extensive selection of home-study courses, workshops, and educational DVDs available.

www.erikdalton.com

Get Body Smart

Get Body Smart is an online anatomy and physiology textbook using animated representations of the body systems for visual learning. Quizzes are included at each section end.

www.getbodysmart.com

InnerBody

InnerBody is an interactive anatomy website that utilizes animation, graphics, charts, and diagrams for study of the human anatomical structure.

www.innerbody.com

Real BodyWork

When clicking on the Muscles tab, a scroll listing of the muscular system is accessible. Each muscle group has graphics to show the muscle and a written description including names, function, and other pertinent information.

www.realbodywork.com

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide to Pain Relief

This is a comprehensive manual with full explanations and diagrams of trigger points, their locations, and how to treat them effectively by Clair Davies with Amber Davies.

www.triggerpointbook.com

Biofreeze

www.biofreeze.com

Biotone

www.biotone.com

Bodywork Mall

www.bodyworkmall.com

Earthlite

www.earthlite.com

Massage King

www.massageking.com

Massage Table Superstore

www.massage-table-direct.com

Massage Warehouse

www.massagewarehouse.com

Oakworks

www.oakworks.com

Soothing Touch

www.soothingtouch.com

Costco

www.costco.com

Office Depot

www.officedepot.com

Office Max

www.officemax.com

Sams Club

www.samsclub.com

Staples

www.staples.com

Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination

MBLEx is a national exam governed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Exam content, application process, tutorials, FAQs, and a listing of states that accept the MBLEx are listed.

www.fsmtb.org

National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM)

National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB)

NCETM and NCETMB are both NCBTMB certification exams. The major difference between the two is the NCETMB exam has questions on bodywork evaluation and implementation.

www.ncbtmb.org

American Massage Therapy Association

www.amtamassage.org

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

www.abmp.com

Hands-On Trade Association

www.handsoninsurance.com

Massage-Insurance.com

www.massage-insurance.com

National Association of Massage Therapists

www.namtonline.com

American Massage Therapy Association

AMTA is a professional organization dedicated to the continual striving for excellence and education in, and about, the massage therapy profession. The association serves massage schools, students, and licensed massage therapists.

www.amtamassage.org

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

ABMP is a professional massage organization that serves over 79,000 members and provides an extensive liability insurance coverage and member benefits package.

www.abmp.com

Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards

The FSMTB is a federation representing several state boards that provides a licensing exam for the massage profession through administration of the MBLEx.