Massage Therapy and Alzheimer's Disease

It has been said that in 25 years, the United States will have two kinds of people: those who have Alzheimer's disease and those who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a term meaning loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.

Licensed massage therapists agree that the transformation that can occur when intentional touch is offered, enhancing quality of life of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease.

For example:
- The woman, withdrawn and thought to be non-verbal, who looked me in the eye and said "thank you" following a hand massage.
- The gentleman whose agitation was calmed with a simple back rub allowing the nurse's assistant to help him get dressed without the usual struggle.
- The activities director who said to me, "She has been here for several months, but when I gave her a hand massage, I felt like I really got to know her for the first time!"

So what is at the heart of these seemingly magical moments? There is clearly something profound happening that goes well beyond simple touch. We can explore the relationship between human needs and well-being to gain a greater understanding of how deep our touch truly goes.

Massage therapy can reduce muscle pain

Muscles that are in spasm will be painful to the touch. The pain is caused by ischemic muscle tissue. Ischemia means the muscle is lacking proper blood flow, usually due to the muscle spasm. This in turn creates the following undesirable process:

- Because the muscle is not receiving enough blood, the muscle is also not receiving enough oxygen
- The lack of oxygen causes the muscle to produce lactic acid
- The lactic acid makes the muscle feel sore following physical activity.

After the muscle is relaxed through massage therapy, the lactic acid will be released from the muscle, and the muscle should start receiving enough blood and oxygen.

Neuromuscular massage therapy will feel painful at first, but the pressure of the massage should alleviate the muscle spasm. At this point, it is extremely important to communicate with the massage therapist regarding the pressure - whether the pressure is too much, too little, getting better, getting worse. The therapist should listen and respond accordingly. The massage therapy pressure should never be overly painful. In fact, most people describe the pressure as “good pain”. ~ Source: SpineHealth.com

Top Reasons to Join Our Program

1. INDIVDUALIZED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
Only 16 students in ALL classes, both hands-on AND lecture/discussion time. We want to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions.

2. STUDENT SUCCESS IN LICENSURE.
Our student's exam pass rate is currently 100% for the last 6 months of 2008. Compare that to the N.C. state pass rate of 75% and the nationwide exam pass rate of 66% for the same time period.

3. NO INSTRUCTOR ABSENCES in 4 YEARS!!
That means no "subs" or "guest speakers", just quality instruction from state approved instructors every day.

4. ONLINE CLASSROOM.
We offer cutting edge technology for you with an online classroom for you to complete and submit many of your assignments, as well as check all your course GPA's and attendance online.

5. INTERNET AND WiFi IN THE CLASSROOM
We utilize the internet on a large computer projector.(Google and YouTube are our friends!)

For more information on our school for massage therapy, please visit our site!

Enrollment is now open!

Interested in becoming a massage therapist?

Edmund Morgan School of Massage is currently accepting applicants for the winter semester.

We offer classes both during the day, and in the evening!

Only 16 students in each class to ensure a personal, comfortable learning environment.

Classes begin November 2, 2009

Contact Kristie at 704 - 896-2636 for additional information.

Hope to see you soon!

Meet Some of Our Staff

Kristie Morgan
Kristie is the co-owner, Director of Admissions and School Administrator. She has ten years management experience. In addition, she has three years owning and operating a small business. She managed a chiropractic office for two years. Her discipline, experienced skill, and professionalism are a tremendous asset to the Edmund Morgan School.

John D. Morgan N.D., L.M.B.T. #2151
John is the co-owner, Program Director, and the primary instructor at the Edmund Morgan School of Neuromuscular and Massage Therapy. A therapist since 1995, he has given over 5,500 massage therapy sessions. He has been a massage and bodywork instructor since 1996 with over 5,000 hours in the classroom environment. John is a skilled adult educator and is ready to guide you in your learning process and share his passion for bodywork.

For more information on our staff, and this Massage Therapy School in NC, please visit our site!