Michael is a massage therapy student in the state of California. He has a background in Sports Medicine, working as an Athletic Trainer in the traditional setting. Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from California State University, Long Beach. Currently, he is finishing his master’s degree in Exercise Science at California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Portia Resnick has been instrumental in helping Michael navigate his experience as a young professional with dual credentials.

While in graduate school, Michael observed the lack of detail in research articles pertaining to massage therapy. During his experience as a massage therapy student, Michael would often overhear experiences affecting current students. Merging both experiences has given him inspiration for pursuing massage-focused research.

Research topics that Michael would like to explore involve observing the physiological effects of lymphatic drainage on mental health and sports recovery. Investigating the physiological effects of massage would tap into the extensive exercise physiology background Michael has gained at California State University, Long Beach. Michael would like to eventually pursue a PhD program in Exercise Physiology to continue to inject massage therapy into research.

Michael is finalizing his culminating event for his master’s degree. Utilizing MassageNet has made it possible to complete his research. Michael hopes that other Massage Therapists will be both inspired and encouraged to follow their research endeavors. He believes that it is currently an exciting period to be involved in massage focused research.

Click here to read about Michael’s MassageNet study, Misconceptions of Terminology and Definitions in Deep Tissue and Myofascial Techniques.