INTERVIEW WITH TERRA ROSA

Terra Rosa is the creator of the web site www.terrarosa.com.au. He has been a massage therapist since 2003 and a distributor of massage therapy books and DVD's in Australia.

1. When and how did you decide to become a bodyworker?
I used to go to a student massage clinic for a massage after long hours sitting in front of the computer. I was amazed by palpation student therapist know which area is sore. I want to know how they do that, so I went to a massage school in 2002. After graduated I continue with courses in myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. I was a skeptic initially, but having personally experienced myofascial unwinding make me understand the body is an amazing system.

2. What do you find most exciting about bodywork therapy?
The satisfaction felt by clients and in fact you can help others to feel better.

3. What is your favorite bodywork book?
Basic Clinical Massage Therapy by James Clay and David Pounds. Integrating anatomy and massage is very important, and to be able to visualize the muscles while massaging is the key to a good massage.

4. Which part of the body do you find the most challenging to work on?
The neck, the "wires" in the front and back are balancing each other. It is a challenge to balance this system especially people with forward head posture.

5. What advice you can give to new massage therapists who wish to make a career out of it?
Less than 10% of my friends graduating from the massage school take the path to become a full time massage therapist. It is a difficult choice in the beginning, but with persistent and perseverance we can achieve what we wish to be.

6. How do you see the future of massage therapy?
Massage therapy is not for relaxation, but compliment other therapy. The industry is growing and we should keep up with the pace with continue study. New research finding in orthopedic medicine can help us design our therapy.