We Asked: Have you volunteered massage anywhere? If so, what did you gain from the experience?

Here is what you told us...

When I finished massage school, I volunteered to do massage at the local senior center. I proposed to do 15-minute seated massage, in a regular chair, a couple times a month. The center handled all the appointments, and right away I was booked. I don't think any segment of the population needs massage as much as seniors. It's true what they say: Move it or lose it. Some of them just don't get around much, and they had lost range of movement in their necks and arms. In some cases they were so eager for touch and to feel good. Others were encouraged by friends, and had to learn to relax and let me help them. I was able to see improvement over the year that I was working with them. I enjoyed helping bring a spark back to them. It has been nine years, and I am still massaging some of those same seniors on a monthly basis.
Brenda Bush
Simi Valley, California

I have done volunteer work with local American Cancer Society Relay For Life events for several years. Survivors, friends and relatives all gather to support funds for research and contributions to cancer treatment. As an instructor of massage therapy at the Flint School of Therapeutic Massage, I have a group of students volunteer their time and gain experience working with the public doing chair massage at these events. This is a rewarding experience for all involved. We laugh, cry, work hard and bond with complete strangers.
Christine Ecklesdafer
Grand Blanc, Michigan

I was in a floral shop on Valentines Day. My intention that day was to buy some flowers for my lovely and talented wife. When I finally decided on flowers I thought my wife would like, I got in line to pay for them. I picked the worst day to buy flowers; the check-out line was extremely long and everyone was very impatient about waiting. Many of the people in line were giving the check-out lady a hard time, making comments like, "Can you go any faster?" and "I can’t believe there is only one person working the register." I just stood there and watched in disbelief, when all of a sudden an idea was whispered in my heart. I said to the hostile people in line, "I’m a massage therapist. Would anyone [like to have] their neck, shoulders and hands massaged?" Everyone said "yes," to the massage, including the employees. So I started massaging people, and all of a sudden things started to settle down. There was peace, tranquility and lots of smiling faces. Then the check-out line moved along quite well. In fact, most people wanted the check-out lady to go slower, so they could receive a longer massage. People wanted my card. Everyone kept thanking and hugging me. They all said that I made their day. What I gained from this experience was [the knowledge] that massage truly could help people to relax and feel peace within any setting.
Mel Parker
Shelby, Michigan

We held a massage-a-thon for a young cancer victim. All proceeds from the two days were used to help with medical expenses. We have volunteered at the local hospital by doing chair massage and paraffin treatments on the respiratory therapists and nurses. We are also involved with a group home for young pregnant girls, and we've donated numerous gift certificates for fundraisers and raffles. We both feel that being of service to our community is as much a blessing for us as it is for those whose lives we touch.
Anne M. Rhoden and Cheryl E. Hanley
St. Augustine, Florida