How To Succeed as a Spa Employee
—Spa Directors Tell You How
Whether you’re a new graduate looking to jump-start your career, a self-employed professional who desires the security of a regular paycheck, or a massage therapist seeking a position in a medical-spa environment, a job at a spa could be just what you’re looking for. Here, spa directors from around the country tell what they expect from massage therapists and offer inside information on succeeding as a spa employee.
by Peggy Wynne Borgman

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Massage Keeps Cirque du Soleil Performers Flying High
Massage therapists help performers of this world-renowned circus troupe stay flexible, relaxed and injury-free.
by Andy Isaacson

News:

• Tiffany Field on Massage Research
• Cherries for Healthy Muscles
• Arthritis Gene Identified
• Humanitarian MT Receives Award
• She Knows Bo Diddley

A Prescription for Touch
Oncology Massage finds Acceptance
in U.S. Hospitals
In an oncology-massage session, patients receive foot, back, hand, head and shoulder massage while the therapists work around the medical gadgetry surrounding the hospital bed. Yet, there is much more to this challenging massage specialty. Here, learn how hospitals around the country are utilizing massage therapy for cancer patients’ pain relief and relaxation, and what it's like to specialize in oncology massage.
by Charlotte Michael Versagi

RESEARCH MATTERS
The largest multi-site clinical trial of massage therapy in the United States

Research Reports

• Massage More Effective than Relaxation Alone for Reducing Low-Back Pain
• Multidisciplinary Integrative Care Benefits Patients with Low-Back Pain
• Aromatherapy For Anxiety Reduction

Post-Mastectomy Massage
Research shows that post-mastectomy massage decreases depression, anxiety and pain, while increasing patients’ energy and dopamine levels. More physician referrals of breast-cancer survivors to massage therapy indicate the growth of this massage specialty.
by Kamala Thiagarajan

Seeds of Success
The pros and cons of billing insurance
by Charlotte Versagi

Better Body Mechanics
How can effective body mechanics support you during a session? By utilizing them, you’ll use less energy, establish clearer lines of nonverbal communication, and better respond to clients’ needs.
by Iris Burman and Sandy Friedland

Spa Massage News

• Spa Lovers on the Go
• Feet First—No Matter What the Season
• Canyon Ranch to Build Fourth Healthy Living Community
• Steiner to Manage Cruise-Boat Spa
• ISPA Presents Awards
• West Coast College Offers Hands-On Spa Education

Be Well: Therapist Self-Care

• The Body’s Center
• Protect Your Bones and Keep Off the Pounds
• Cocoa for Healthy Skin
• Women and Chronic Pain
• Energy Exchange
• Feng Shui For Every Day
• Citrus Cleanse

Conferences & Conventions Calendar

Laws and Regulations

ONLINE EXTRAS

• Call for Research Proposals
• Giving Expectant Moms the Gift of Touch
• Bridging Regulations

Readers Expressions:
WE ASKED: What is your favorite type of massage to receive, and why?