Jasmine Shabazz, AMTA, LMP, BCTMB
Board Certified Massage Therapist

My Certifications

Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is the highest voluntary credential a massage therapist can obtain within the profession—it is above and beyond entry level state licensure. By becoming Board Certified, I represent a community of therapists who have gone above standard educational and work experience requirements with a dedicated and lifelong commit to continuing education. Furthermore, I live up to higher standards and ethics in alignment with The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

To achieve my Board Certification, I provided proof of a minimum of 750 hours of education, 250 hours of professional, hands-on work experience, passed a criminal background check, agreed to uphold NCBTMB's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and passed the Board Certification Exam. By passing the BCETMB and meeting all requirements, I demonstrate advanced assessment and critical thinking skills, as well as a commitment to excellence. I wear the credentials BCTMB with pride for myself, my profession, and, most importantly, my clients.

AMTA

AMTA is the largest nonprofit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. 

Specialty Certificate in Sports Massage (NCBTMB)

Through the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), I have earned a Specialty Certificate in Sports Massage. This specialty designation serves as proof of my advanced knowledge and experience in the science of sports massage and settings for sports massage. My training was further enhanced by a workshop featuring techniques and applications.

To earn this specialty certificate, I completed a 30-credit hour program and passed a final exam administered by the NCBTMB that consisted of the following topics:

  • Factors in treatment decisions,
  • The benefits of sports massage therapy,
  • Ethical considerations in sports massage,
  • An understanding of sports science,
  • An in-depth look at where injuries occur,
  • How athlete tissues are affected and how they heal,
  • An examination of the healing stages, as well as what massage techniques are appropriate for athletes' schedules,
  • How to conduct athletes' clinical assessments to develop a massage therapy plan, and
  • Examine treatments and prevention strategies to ensure athletes can perform at the highest level, as well as preventive measures for many injuries.

During my hands-on training, I perfected advanced techniques and learned how to further customize approaches tailored the athlete's needs.

My Specialty Certificate in Sports Massage is recognized by the massage therapy profession's only certification board (NCBTMB) and is embraced nationwide by fellow key stakeholders, including employers.

Neuromuscular Therapy & Advanced Deep Tissue certificatio

Based on the work of Drs. Janet Travell and Raymond Nimmo, these techniques are appropriate for medical massage as well as sports massage applications. Knowledge on how to: alleviate pain with 100 highly effective neuromuscular techniques, assess injuries, evaluate and balance posture, identify 50 trigger points and recognize referral pain patterns, stretch muscle fibers, release joints in a plane of motion, apply focused friction.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique that aims to relieve pain and improve movement by addressing restrictions in the myofascial system, which includes muscles and fascia (connective tissue). It's used to treat various conditions by releasing tension, trigger points, and improving overall tissue mobility. 

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is a holistic approach that focuses on the fascia, a thin tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, nerves, and other structures throughout the body. Restrictions in the fascia can be caused by injury, trauma, or repetitive stress, leading to pain and limited movement. MFR practitioners use gentle, sustained pressure to release these restrictions, aiming to restore normal tissue function and reduce pain. 

Key aspects of Myofascial Release:

  • Gentle, sustained pressure:

    MFR uses slow, gentle pressure to allow the fascia to release gradually, rather than forceful techniques. 

  • Whole-body approach:

    MFR considers the interconnectedness of the body's tissues and may address areas distant from the site of pain. 

  • Focus on fascia:

    The technique targets restrictions in the fascia itself, which can impact muscles, nerves, and other structures. 

  • Potential benefits:

    MFR may help reduce pain, improve range of motion, increase flexibility, and reduce stress. 

  • Conditions treated:

    MFR is used for various conditions, including headaches, back pain, neck pain, TMJ dysfunction, and fibromyalgia. 

 

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps remove waste and toxins from the body. It is often used to reduce swelling edema, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.