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 in 2008 by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 59 percent of Americans are more stressed this year than last year, and stress and relaxation are the top reasons Americans received their last massage. Thirty-six percent of Americans received massage for stress reduction and relaxation in the last five years, compared with just 22 percent last year. Additionally, 38 percent of Americans say they have considered regular massage to manage stress.

“People continue to seek massage because it provides multiple therapeutic benefits, including stress relief, at an affordable price,” says M.K. Brennan, RN, AMTA president. “Massage therapy has not only been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, but it can also relieve stress symptoms like chronic migraines and high blood pressure.”

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