Message from the President

Thank you for your interest in the field of massage therapy. It is a growing profession, gaining positive public attention, and offering many possibilities. There are many different specialty areas of massage that one can pursue, as well as a number of settings in which to work. Examples include medical offices, wellness programs within companies, hospice, private practice, hospitals, resorts, cruise ships, day spas, fitness centers, hotels, dance companies, and athletic teams.

As researchers measure the benefits and effects of massage therapy on a variety of people with different conditions, public awareness of massage therapy continues to grow. Studies show that more and more people are using complimentary and/or preventative health care, including massage therapy. In a survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) in 2006, 39 million American adults – more than one out of every 6 – receive massage annually. In addition, almost twice as many doctors recommended massage therapy to their patients (who inquired about it) in 2006 than five years ago. Moreover, according to a national survey released in 2006, the number of hospitals offering massage therapy has increased by more than one third in two years.*

Indeed, the future holds abundant possibilities that are favorable to the field of massage therapy. We hope that you decide to be a part of such a wonderful profession.

Sincerely,

Jodi L. Romaker
President
Healing Arts Institute