Frequently Asked Questions

Massage therapy is not a typical 9 to 5 job. A full-time therapist typically works about 25 hours per week, allowing for a very flexible schedule! 

Yes! Depending on where you choose to work, a massage therapist can expect to earn an average pay of $45-$50 per hour.

Yes! Read our "Career Paths for Massage Therapists" article for more details.

The demand for Licensed Massage Therapists continues to grow at an exponential rate, and the opportunities for employment are vast. Read our "Career Paths for Massage Therapists" article for more details.

A variety of different skills can contribute to the success of a massage therapist. While communication skills are essential, our Massage Therapy Program equips students with the technical training required to succeed in the field. Read our "Who Becomes a Massage Therapist?" article for more insights on this topic.

Our Student Clinics offer massages for educational purposes. While this is not a professional massage, all students are trained in professional massage therapy techniques and the clinic is overseen by a licensed massage therapist.

Visit our booking page to schedule your appointment.

Massages at our student clinic last approximately 50 minutes.

Parking is available in the lot at the back of 35 Main Street. You will make a right on North Water Street (just after the entrance to the train station). If the parking lot is full, continue down North Water Street to the municipal on the left.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete the necessary paperwork. Please stop in the reception area to check in prior to your appointment.

Enter the main door and take the elevator to the left (by Mahoney’s) up to the fourth floor, and follow the signs for The Institute for Holistic Health. Please stop in the reception area to check in prior to your appointment.

We respectfully request AT LEAST 24 HOURS NOTICE to cancel an appointment.  As the students have a hands-on requirement that they need to fulfill, we need ample time to fill the appointment time.  Any appointment that is canceled prior to 24 hours will be rescheduled to a future time.  If the appointment is canceled with less than 24 hours notice, The Institute for Holistic Health reserves the right to charge the full amount.

If you are pregnant or currently receiving treatment for cancer, we will need a doctor's note clearing you for a massage. In other situations, a doctor's note is not required.

Yes! There are many different massage techniques that can be used to relieve neck tension and increase range of motion.

Yes! Whether your low back pain is due to chronic overuse, muscle strain and/or trigger points, or emotional stress, there are massage therapy treatment approaches that can help.

Yes! Massage taps into the parasympathetic nervous system and decreases levels of cortisol.  Both of these factors will help to calm the body and brain during times of stress.

Not at all. Deep pressure is subjective, so communicating your comfort level with your Massage Therapist is essential for a massage to be effective.

Yes! Falling asleep during your massage means that your massage therapist has helped you achieve a relaxed state and that your body is in a great place to be able to take in the therapeutic benefits of the massage.

Massage is clothing optional, but you ultimately decide. Discuss your comfort level with the therapist for suitable adjustments; while some techniques may be limited, you can still enjoy a massage in casual wear.

Feel free to communicate about pressure or temperature preferences. However, note that excessive talking might hinder the shift to a parasympathetic response, making a quieter session more conducive to optimal healing.

• Swedish massage is the foundation for all massage. There are 5-6 strokes that are used, and they can be applied as light or as deep as needed. Just a few benefits of Swedish massage include relaxation, elevation of mood and pain reduction.
• Shiatsu massage involves applying pressure on body points, known as meridians, which are energy pathways closely linked to the nervous system. By targeting these points, therapists enhance energy flow, alleviate muscle discomfort, and restore body balance.

• Deep Tissue massage specifically targets deeper muscles that are closer to the bone, which are usually shorter and responsible for the “heavy lifting” that the body needs to do. Although it doesn’t necessarily mean more pressure, you may feel the effect of the massage deeper within your body.

• Hot Stone massage is used to help the body relax and release tense muscles and damaged soft tissue. During this massage, smooth, hot stones are placed on specific body parts to increase circulation and relieve pain. This technique provides the same benefits but with less pressure than other types of massage therapy.

• Sports massage is a technique that focuses on particular regions of the body in need of rehabilitation or comfort. This is typically used with individuals requiring treatment for injuries or repetitive sprains that are built up over time, often targeting muscles used in a specific sport. 

• Reflexology is a technique based on the concept that areas of the body correspond to different bodily systems and organs. Massaging specific areas on the hands, feet, or scalp stimulates energetic, myofascial, and nerve pathways to help restore balance in the body.

• Acupressure is often incorporated into massage sessions. The practitioner will apply pressure to specific points to help increase blood flow and energy into the areas that need it. Different acupressure points are used for different conditions.

Chiropractors manipulate bone alignment and joint stability, whereas a massage therapist manipulates the soft tissue. They are complementary to each other, and each enhances the benefits of the other. If you go to a chiropractor regularly, you may want to also add massage therapy to your care plan.