Which Category is Best For You?
Categories
Contestants may enter in up to THREE Categories.
You may compete in 1 category more than once.
Swedish Massage
Sports Massage
Wellness Massage
Thai Massage
Freestyle (Eastern Inspired)
Freestyle (Western Inspired)
Chair Massage
Facial Massage
Body Contouring
Student
Ashiatsu/ Deep Feet/ Sarga
Clinical Challenge
1. Swedish Massage:
Swedish: This modern version (late 1800s-now) of Swedish massage should contain the basic techniques Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Friction and Vibration.
•Declare “relaxation” or “therapeutic.” Tools are allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)
• Stretching and forearms are allowed (recommended for maximum 20%). If you are using more than 20% tools, forearms or stretching, then you need to be in the Wellness Category.
• Is mostly performed on a massage table, but can be done on a floor mattress
• If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category. Innovation will be a big criteria with this sub-modality. This sub-modality is effectively “Western Freestyle Light” with less stretching flare and less new innovative techniques, or “Wellness” with less tools and flash.
2. Sports Massage:
Please declare that you are doing either pre-event, post-event or maintenance.
• Stretching and mobilization of joints in combination with massage techniques is allowed (recommended for maximum 30%)
• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 30%)
• It is mostly performed on a massage table or mattress * If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category
3. Wellness Massage:
It includes all services that are provided in spa and wellness centers such as Cellulite therapy, Hot stones massage, Bamboo and other wellness techniques.
• Stretching is allowed
• Mobilization of joint is allowed
• The use of special equipment like stones, bamboo, cups is allowed
• It can be performed on a massage table as well as on mattress
• If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category.
4. Thai Massage:
Techniques used in this style aim to relaxation and to the treatment of musculoskeletal as well as psychological issues.
• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)
• Stretching is allowed
• The receiver is mostly fully clothed
• The use of oil is allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)
• It is mostly performed on a mattress but can be done on a massage table
•Mobilization of joint is allowed
• Shoes is not allowed in Thai massage
• If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category
5. Freestyle (Eastern Inspired):
Techniques that are derived from Eastern massage styles such as Shiatsu, Thai massage, Tui na, Acupressure and Reflexology as well other Asian techniques.
• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 50%)
• Stretching is allowed
• Mobilization of joint is allowed
• The use of oil is allowed
• It is performed on a mattress or on a massage table
• If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category
6. Freestyle (Western inspired):
Techniques that are derived from Western massage styles such as Swedish massage, Myofacial release, Muscle energy techniques, Sports massage, California massage and other Western techniques.
• Use of tools is allowed (recommended for maximum 50%)
• Stretching is allowed
•Mobilization of joint is allowed
• The use of oil is allowed. It is performed on a mattress or on a massage table
• If on Massage Chair the participant should choose the Chair massage category.
7. Chair Massage:
The style is mostly performed with the receiver on a special chair. Techniques that are derived from both Western and Eastern inspired massage techniques such as Sweidsh massage, Thai massage, Shiatsu, Hot stones, as well as many other techniques.
• Use of tools is allowed
•Stretching is allowed
• Mobilization of joint is allowed
• The use of oil is allowed
8. Facial Massage:
It is performed on a chair Facial massage table. It includes all Facial techniques such as Kobido, Japanese Facelifting, Swedish, Wellness as well as many other techniques and services that are provided in spa and wellness centers.
• Use of tools is allowed
• Stretching is allowed
• Mobilization of joint is allowed
• The use of oil is allowed
• Massage of neck, chest and arms is allowed (recommended for maximum 20%)
9. Body Shaping
“Body Shaping” includes all techniques and toning the body, such as anti-cellulite massages, lymphatic drainage, and firming techniques.
The use of specialized tools such as suction cups, rollers, and massage devices are allowed (Recommended for a maximum of 40% of the total massage duration.
The techniques used must not harm the connective tissue or create bruises.
The use of oils and creams specific to cellulite reduction and firming is allowed and encouraged. Dermocaustic essential oils are prohibited.
The massage can be performed on a massage table or a mattress. The use of a massage chair is not recommended for this category.
The techniques should aim to improve the appearance of the skin, reduce cellulite, and tone the muscles.
Contestants must respect the integrity and comfort of the recipient at all times. Any painful or excessive technique is prohibited.
Massages must be performed in compliance with the highest safety and hygienic standards.
Contestants are encouraged to demonstrate their expertise and innovation in applying body shaping techniques while ensuring the well being and safety of the recipient.
10. Student
This is not an IMA or AMC category. It is an ACMA approved category. You may use any IMA-modality (categories 1-9 above) or combination of techniques while competing under this category heading. Your scores for this category will be ranked nationally under “Student” and not under the modality that you decided to use.
11. Ashiatsu/Deep Feet/Sarga
This is not an IMA category. It is a new approved ACMA category for the states. This category will be at AMC. This category has its own scorecard. Category created by: China Facchini & Ashely Dawes
This category will include ashiatsu, deep feet, and sarga.
Hands or tools are not allowed.
Use a variation or combination of techniques used in Barefoot modalities.
Should use bars and silks safely and correctly.
Innovation is encouraged. Showcase your development of new sequences, your unique style, and the execution of these innovations.
Keep bars, feet, and floor clean.
12. Clinical Challenge Category
This is not an IMA category. It is a new American Competitive Massage Alliance approved category. You may use any IMA-modality (categories 1-9 above) or combination of techniques while competing under this category heading. Your scores for this category will be ranked nationally under “Clinical” and not under the modality that you decided to use. Category created by: Robert Tiberend
You must show that you can …
● Assess and treat a problem area
● Demonstrate/explain how and why the treatment type was a good choice
● Exhibit efficacy
● Assess the receiver's health/condition and develop an appropriate on-the-fly treatment protocol. This can be done through a written intake, verbal intake, physical assessment, and other metrics needed. Tools, computers, and resource manuals may be used.
● Execute an appropriate protocol for the client’s pathologies and/or deficiencies reported or discovered.
● Reassess the receiver after the treatment (efficacy) and communicate a further treatment plan if needed.
** The judges will then interview each therapist privately for approximately 5 minutes or less.
• The therapists may show any assessment tools or post-treatment evaluations and/or follow-up documentation at this time.
• The judges will ask relevant questions to the therapist such as:
1. What was the client’s complaint or Area of Focus (AOF)?
2. What specific techniques did you use?
3. What did you find? Were there any surprises? How did that alter your original treatment plan?
4. Did you fix the problem (pain scale)?
5. What SPECIFIC instructions or recommendations did you ACTUALLY give your client?