All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances,

And one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages.

- William Shakespeare

from As You Like It, Act 2, Scene 7

All the world’s a stage . . .and as Shakespeare references above, life does indeed cycle through many stages.

Massage therapists are called upon all the time to play many parts and take care of clients in many stages of life. Do you have a client who is expecting a child? In the throes of young adulthood? Or solidly in middle age or in the autumn years? If so, you’ll find something to like about the March 5th, 2013 Tools for Touch™ CE webinar.

So with Shakespeare’s As you Like It as partial inspiration for this upcoming  Tools for Touch (TFT) webinar, here’s a brief intro to our cast of six TFT presenters, whose massage and bodywork live video demonstrations during the webinar will address people in many stages of life.

At first, the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms.

Elaine Stillerman –  MotherMassage®: Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Leg Massage During Pregnancy.  Pregnancy adds big stress to a woman’s life. Massage is a beautiful balm and helpful for the aches and pains that accompany the process. Elaine’s presentation will be on a client who is 8 months pregnant with twins. She will offer tips and techniques on how to in her words, “give pregnant, swollen women back their ankles!“.

Then a soldier…jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation

Earl Wenk – Sports Massage for Weekend Warriors. Earl’s 18 years of experience as a certified athletic trainer and massage therapist includes work on world champions and Olympic gold medalists – and plenty of weekend warriors.  He’ll share how to help week day desk jockeys who perhaps pack in too much exercise on weekends.

Then the justice, In fair round belly

Pat Mayrhofer – Back to Basics in Stone Massage. Was there a day spa in the stone age?  If so, we’ll bet the therapist used stones. Is there anyone more experienced in the development of stone work with massage therapy than Pat Mayrhofer? We doubt it. Pat is also very attuned to the integrity of the work and she will share how working with stones entails an obligation to use them properly, clean them regularly and take care of them.

With eyes severe and beard of formal cut

Art Riggs – Tools of the Trade: Creating a Pleasing, Powerful, and Effective Touch. Art is a Certified Advanced Rolfer® and massage therapist who has been teaching bodywork since 1988. His own experiences involving hard physical activity and high level athletic pursuits including ultra-marathons led him to bodywork. Art will share – without a trace of severity or formality – how his massage practice helps his clients achieve better awareness of their bodies and offers them more ease and comfort in their everyday lives.

Full of wise saws and modern instances; And so he plays his part

Val Guin – Forearm Dance™ Massage. The young may be nimble and resilient, but as active MTs move into the middle years, it’s vitally important to work in ways that enable a healthy, injury-free bodywork practice, while still providing excellent results to clients. Who better to present best self-care practices than Val Guin from Santa Monica, CA?  We first met Val almost six years ago and what has remained a constant is that Val loves what she does, and generously shares not only her passion for the work but also invaluable tips and techniques for staying energized and healthy.

Sixth age shifts Into the lean and slippered pantaloon, With spectacles on nose and pouch on side

Ann Catlin – Massage in Eldercare. Who has not seen an older relative, somewhat neglected and lonely? Particularly when there may be no immediate relatives nearby, it’s very possible for an older person to become totally touch-deprived. Ann, founder of the Center for Compassionate Touch, will share how massage in eldercare can be transformative and life-giving.

You won’t want to miss this, our first all-day webinar of 2013! Join us along with this all-star, stellar cast of NCBTMB-approved educators: Elaine Stillerman, Earl Wenk, Pat Mayrhofer, Art Riggs, Val Guin and Ann Catlin for a day to remember.