What is a guild by definition?

1. An organization of persons with related interests, goals, etc., esp. one formed for mutual aid or protection.
2. Any of various medieval associations, as of merchants or artisans, organized to maintain standards and to protect the interests of its members, and that sometimes constituted a local governing body.

Jessica Lorentz has trained as a licensed practical nurse, is a graduate of Minneapolis School of Massage and Bodywork (MSMB), and has practiced massage since early 1998 when she opened her massage therapy business, Epic Bodyworks. She also studied at the Kurashova Institute of Illinois where she gained certification in Neuromuscular ReEducation. She incorporates various massage techniques and believes in tailoring her approach to each individual she works with. Jessica has experience working with a wide variety of ailments such as headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, sinus problems, whiplash, and all kinds of aches and pains. Jess continues to own and operate Epic Bodyworks and is co-founder of the Massage Therapist and Bodyworkers' Guild (MTBG).

Stephanie Petersen has a BA in Communication from the University of Minnesota and is a graduate of MSMB. She is nationally certified and has focused her continuing education on deep tissue techniques and Lomi Lomi. Steph works works primarily with running injuries, neck pain and restricted range of motion. She believes in the benefits of massage on everything from general fatigue to MS to debilitating injury. Steph currently teaches massage full time at the Minnesota School of Business, as well as co-founding the MTBG.

Jess and Steph created MTBG with the intention of improving the quality of Minnesota's therapeutic massage industry.

Minnesota has a large community of massage therapists and bodyworkers, but without the continuity of regulation (by licensure for example,) it has become increasingly difficult for clients, employers, and fellow health care practitioners to decipher the level of knowledge and skill a given practitioner possesses. One client who may be looking for a stress-relieving massage needs a therapist who is conscientious of pressure and flow, whereas another client needs physical rehabilition and specific focused work from skilled hands. This guild wants to help clients find the right therapist for their needs.

Practitioners are often finding themselves working with clients/patients without any real support or guidance, which is unfortunate. It is the rare business/clinic that has a massage staff overseen by a veteran practitioner who can offer help and advice when needed. Our guild members support each other by offering suggestions on specific cases, giving and receiving referrals, and maintaining an ethical, and successful practice.

The guild offers some business-building services for all massage therapists and bodyworkers - even non-members. Classes, seminars, insurance billing services and some online tools are accessible to everyone.

MTBG member standards:

	Minimum 4 years experience (roughly 1,000 sessions) 500 hours of formal massage/bodywork training and/or 8 years of experience Competent in anatomy and physiology Competent with the indications and contraindications for massage/bodywork Treatment rooms must be kept clean, tidy and welcoming S.O.A.P. (or equivalent) notes updated for each client/patient Must carry professional insurance (Ex. ABMP, AMTA, etc...) Continued Education Maintains a good relationship withother health care providers			500 hours of formal massage/bodywork training Competent in anatomy and physiology Competent with the indications and contraindications for massage/bodywork Treatment rooms must be kept clean, tidy and welcoming S.O.A.P. (or equivalent) notes updated for each client/patient Must carry professional insurance (Ex. ABMP, AMTA, etc...)

 

Benefits of becoming a member:

	Support from fellow guild members Belonging to an informed group of like-minded professionals Participation in referrals to and from fellow guild members and health care professionals Discounts on classes & seminars A listing on our website that's viewable to clients (direct link optional) Expert icon of distinction alongside listing Reputation boost by association Access to employment information Being a part of our mentoring service (by fellow members) Discounts on auto and work comp insurance billing services Having a voice! Help make the guild work best for everyone. Share your ideas.		Support from fellow guild members Belonging to an informed group of like-minded professionals Discounts on classes & seminars A listing on our website that's viewable to clients Reputation boost by association Access to employment information Being a part of our mentoring service (by fellow members) Discounts on auto and work comp insurance billing services Having a voice! Help make the guild work best for everyone. Share your ideas.

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