About Ralph Stephens

Ralph is a 2008 Inductee, Massage Therapy Hall of Fame!

Ralph R. Stephens, LMT, NCTMB, Certified Sports Massage Therapist, Certified Neuromuscular Therapist - St. John Method - Highly acclaimed, internationally recognized, Ralph has worked with many Olympic and All-American athletes since the beginning of his massage career 22 years ago...

He was a sports Massage Team Leader/Instructor for the Winter Para-Olympics in Winter Park, CO. He specializes in treating people with pain and injuries. A popular presenter at national, regional and state meetings, he teaches seminars across the country in Seated Therapeutic Massage, Sports Massage and Medical Massage.

Publications & Video Training Materials

Ralph is a published author, writing a bi-monthly editorial column in Massage Today Magazine, numerous other articles in magazines and journals as well as textbooks. Ralph's first textbook, Therapeutic Chair Massage was released in 2005. He has been a contributing author to two other textbooks. He has written and produced over 15 video training programs including:

Seated Therapeutic Massage Series
The Feel Great! Hands-On Health Series
Event Sports Massage
Therapeutic Sports Massage for the Lower Extremity
Anatomy of the Lower Extremity
Side-Lying Therapeutic Massage
Medical Massage for the Cervical Region
Medical Massage for the Lumbar Region
Medical Massage for the Abdominal Wall
Medical Massage for the Shoulder Girdle
Golf-Flexology

Seminars

Entertaining and inspiring, Ralph is known for making concepts, techniques, and anatomy easy to understand and fun to learn.

DON'T MISS any opportunity to study with this award winning instructor in person at live seminars or by video. Allow Ralph to share with you the wisdom and knowledge he has acquired from over 22 years of clinical and teaching experience.

For more information on live seminars, check out the seminar pages on this site. Other States have also approved Ralph's seminars for CE's. Check with the individual promotor of the seminar or with your State Board Office for approval information. CE's from Ralph's live seminars are approved for NCBTMB, AMTA, Iowa, New Mexico, and Florida Renewals.

Educational and Professional Background

Ralph graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Industrial Education. He worked as a professional musician (drummer/vocalist) in several regional bands, one of which, RURAL, has been inducted in to the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. While on the road with the Deputy Dawg Band, Ralph discovered therapeutic massage. When Deputy Dawg broke up, Ralph went to the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics in Albuquerque. He returned to Iowa and opened the first office practice of massage therapy open to the public in Iowa City in 1986. The practice expanded to include three associate therapists and a DC. Once Ralph began teaching full time, he closed the center but maintains a home-office practice.

Ralph has been an active volunteer in The American Massage Therapy Association. He founded the Iowa Sports Massage Team in 1986 and served as Iowa AMTA Chapter President, First Vice President, Convention Chairperson, Education Chairperson and Sports Massage Team Chairperson. He served three terms on The AMTA National Board of Directors, three terms as a Trustee of the AMTA Foundation and two terms on the AMTA National Nominating Committee.

Ralph served four terms on the Iowa Board of Examiners for Massage Therapy. He was elected Secretary of the Board from 1992-1995 and Chairperson from 1995-2000.

Awards & Certifications

Ralph Stephens is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. since 1996, provider #037587-00.

Ralph is a 2008 Inductee, Massage Therapy Hall of Fame. In 1997, Ralph was awarded the AMTA National Meritorious Award for Leadership, Dedication and Commitment.

Additional Interests

Golf is Ralph's primary recreation. He actively practices Yoga, QiGong, drumming, and meditation. Occasionally he still performs music.