Student Clinic
Clinic Policies
- Massages are one hour and cost $30. Please allow 80-90 minutes for your appointment. Please arrive ten minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. This allows time to check in and fill out any necessary paperwork. We are unable to accommodate late arrivals. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. You may send a substitute. We may not be able to honor special requests.
- According to state law, students cannot accept tips.
Purpose of the Student Clinic
Each student in the Oregon School of Massage professional training Certificate Program is required to participate in the Student Clinic and perform a requisite number of massage sessions in order to graduate from the Program. An important element of massage training is applying the skills learned in classes. Students are still learning what to do in new situations or with different conditions and supervised clinical practice is an essential part in making the transition from a beginner to a practicing professional. We encourage you to take part in our Student Clinic.
Here at OSM
Massages are one hour and cost $30. These massage fees do not go to the students but contribute substantially to their education by helping pay the supervisor, administrative and facility fees. Students may not charge for massages until they are licensed. According to state law, students cannot accept any form of compensation for their work. Please respect this and refrain from tipping. The best "tip" that you can give is honest feedback. Both positive and constructive to help them polish their technique.
In the Swedish clinic, we recommend the client disrobe to their individual comfort level. Students have been trained to use draping (covering the body with a sheet) so the genital area (and breast area of female clients) always remains draped. Oils or lotions are applied to the body, so if you wear make-up, please keep it light. Also, if possible, no hair products, perfume or cologne. The first five weeks of clinic, students are required to do full body massages, spending time on all limbs, back of the torso, upper chest, abdomen and head. If you prefer to receive massage on specific areas only, it is recommended you sign up for the second five weeks of the quarter. After the first five weeks of the quarter it is appropriate to request that most or all of the time be spent in the area(s) where you want most attention (e.g., the back or the legs), in which case other areas may not be worked on. Students will communicate with you occasionally during the massage, seeking feedback. At one or more points during the massage, an instructor or qualified assistant will be present with the student performing the massage. The student may ask the supervisor to demonstrate particular techniques specific to your needs. An instructor is present at all times during student clinic sessions. Students are being trained to put appropriate limits on their work. If you have some condition for which the student has not had training he/she may limit the extent to which he/she works on you. Clients with injuries or diseases should have specific written approval from their attending physician before receiving a massage.
Swedish Massage
Basic Information
- Swedish massage was introduced in the early 1800s by a Swedish physician named Per Heinrik Ling who integrated emerging knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and circulation of the blood with traditional Eastern healing techniques and his own set of physical exercises.
Swedish massage works primarily to induce general relaxation while improving circulation and range of movement. - Practitioners use basic strokes of gliding, kneading, friction pressure, tapping, and vibration. They may also incorporate active or passive physical exercises and heat, cold or water (hydro) therapy to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Shiatsu Massage
Basic Information
- Shiatsu ("finger pressure therapy") is an Asian therapeutic massage in which a practitioner applies pressure to specified points on the body. Pressure can be applied using thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, and knees to specific pressure points on the receiver's body and can range from gentle to deep. Strokes are used either to build up areas of deficient energy or to dispense areas of excess energy. The practitioner may also stretch the body to facilitate circulation of qi. Shiatsu is often referred to as acupressure.
Shiatsu is based on the principals of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Shiatsu utilizes many techniques and is designed to relax the mind and leave the receiver feeling alert, refreshed and invigorated.
The goal of Shiatsu is to balance the body. Practitioners generally believe that a balanced body is better able to withstand trauma from such sources as microbes, stress, and fatigue.
OSM offers both a 75-minute Shiatsu massage for $30, and a 2-hour Shiatsu massage for $50. - For this form of massage, there is no disrobing, nor are oils or lotions used. Please dress in comfortable clothing (no jeans) and socks. If you wear make-up, please keep it light. Also, no hair products, perfume or cologne.
Thank You. We appreciate your support of our student clinic. If time or location prevents your using these services or you have a specialized need, we can assist you with a referral to a suitable massage practitioner. We urge you to use massage as a regular part of your health care.
