Student-run therapeutic massage clinic at Ivy Tech a huge success - KPCnews.com

[massage]

by Vivian Sade

FORT WAYNE —Seniors, veterans and members of the general public now have an inexpensive, yet professional option when seeking massage therapy.

The Therapeutic Massage program at Ivy Tech Community College Northeast opened in late September and offers a student-run massage clinic, Healthy Essence.

With a regional average of $60 an hour for a therapeutic massage, more experienced Ivy Tech students studying for an associates degree in massage therapy are offering massages for $25 an hour. The cost for seniors 55 and older, military personnel and Ivy Tech Northeast employees and students is $20.

About 150 students are currently enrolled in the therapeutic massage program, according to Wendi Anspach, program chair for the Therapeutic Massage Department. Students can earn a technical certification in as little as three semesters or an associate’s degree in four semesters, Anspach said.

Ivy Tech used to have a massage program that fell under the umbrella of the health care department, but broke out into its own therapeutic massage department in 2010, Anspach said.

Massage therapy is one of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Our programs are more geared toward the health care field and not the spa industry,” Anspach said. “Our students are trained to work side-by-side with medical professionals.”

Students are trained in therapeutic and deep tissue massage, applying hot and cold packs, as well as pre-natal (after the first trimester), geriatric and sports massage. They must study medical terms, pathology, business development, anatomy, and other courses to receive certification or a degree. They must also complete 100 hours in the Healthy Essence clinic in addition to the coursework, Anspach said.

Students are not allowed to work in the clinic until they have passed all first semester requirements and training and have been assessed by an instructor — usually in the second semester, she said.

Before the clinic opened, students practiced their techniques on one another and family and friends. The clinic offers students the chance to both practice massage techniques on paying customers and handle the business side of scheduling appointments and working with a variety of client types.

“Massage is known for being extremely beneficial to health and wellness,” Anspach said. “Our student clinic offers a valuable public service and unique experience for a quality massage at a reasonable price. Sessions will provide stress relief and promote general good health and well-being.”

When Mary Jo Toenges, a marketing and events specialist at Ivy Tech Northeast, heard that the college was going to open a therapeutic massage clinic, she emailed right away and set up weekly massages for an entire semester.

“I’ve not been disappointed with any of the students that have given me a massage,” Toenges said. “I really like that the students are so receptive to input. The clinic is run like an established massage clinic. It’s been a great experience!”

The clinic has also been a huge hit with the public.

“It has been very well-received — way beyond my expectations,” Anspach said. “I have been astounded at the response.”

Even with limited hours, the students have given over 350 massages since the clinic opened eight weeks ago, she said.

Healthy Essence is easy to find on the Coliseum Campus, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd. Clients should enter through Door 30, which faces the corner of North Anthony and Coliseum boulevards and follow the signs to , in Room CC1783, which is just inside the building and around the corner.

The clinic is closed when the school is closed, such as over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Normal hours for Healthy Essence are as follows:

• Tuesday and Thursday: 5 and 6:30 p.m.

• Friday: noon, 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.

• Saturday: 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 12:30, 2, and 3:30 p.m.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system and boasts campuses throughout Indiana.

Tips are not accepted, though those who wish to give tips can choose to donate the tip to a charity chosen by the students. Clients may pay with cash or a credit card.

To make an appointment, call 482-9171, ext. 2751, or email fw-tmsclinic@ivytech.edu. Learn more about Healthy Essence at IvyTech.edu/northeast/massageclinic.

A review of Healthy Essence

by Viv Sade

I’ve experienced two massages at Healthy Essence.

I know, right? Work, work, work.

The massages were different because the technicians were different, but both were very good. Both students — Caitlin and Alysa (who happened to be from Churubusco) — were very careful to ask what type of pressure was preferred and if there were any medical conditions, tender areas or recent injuries that they needed to be aware of.

During the one-hour therapeutic massage the students used techniques based upon their personal education and training. For example, Alysa asked if I preferred a deep tissue massage or a softer touch. Deep tissue massages are especially good for athletes, runners and people who work out strenuously. My workouts consist of getting up from my desk and getting another cup of coffee, so in general, I go for the gentler massage.

But I usually have a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders (from typesetting at a computer all day and making lists of all the things I need to get done in the next 24 hours that I will never get done) so a deeper massage on the neck and shoulders area feels like pure heaven.

They both tailored the massage environment to the client. Victoria explained that she can usually tell if a client wants to talk or just sink into a silent massage abyss and float away. If they want to talk, she talks. If not, she is quiet.

A client cannot request a particular technician, although it’s not hard to find out what days and times a technician is scheduled in the clinic, since they have to work around classroom and personal hours. But the students seemed very focused on the client’s needs and are under the guidance of an expert, so I think it might be difficult to have a bad experience.

The four areas are separated by sheets and relaxing spa music plays in the background, but it is not as soundproof as a private room would be. Even though there were others getting massages, I did not hear a lot of conversation or noise. Sometimes there were whispered words that I could not quite make out, but that could be because I’m deaf in one ear.

All in all, it was a good experience and a bargain, at that.

It calls for two thumbs up, but I’m way too relaxed.


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