Tucson, AZ - July 01, 2008 – On May 25, 2008, NASA's Phoenix spacecraft landed on the arctic plains of Mars to study the history of water and habitability potential of the red planet. Since then, dozens of scientists from around the world have been installed at the University of Arizona to analyze the massive amounts of data Phoenix has collected and continues to transmit. Recognizing the strain placed on the scientists, many of whom are working 12 to 18-hour shifts, the University of Arizona contacted Cortiva Institute - Tucson to provide relief to the scientists through therapeutic chair massage.

Deanna Sylvester, Director of Education at Cortiva Institute Tucson described the process. "The scientists sign up for 15-minute sessions with our faculty and graduates. The positive feedback we've received from the scientists is overwhelming; we've been requested to come over as often as possible." Deanna is working on a schedule that will bring students to the center, providing invaluable experience to the students and additional support for the scientists.

Cortiva Institute Tucson President Joann Rockwell MacMaster noted, "We have the privilege of offering the healing benefits of massage therapy to the Phoenix Mars Mission team, who are among the smartest people in the world. They are working incredibly long hours and we are honored to be able to offer them some relaxation and stress relief." She added, "Cortiva Institute Tucson has provided leading massage therapy education in the Tucson community for over 25 years (previously as the Desert Institute of Healing Arts) and community service is a key element in giving our students hands-on experience. We work closely with the University of Arizona as well as with other educators and partners in our community to not only provide that experience, but to keep our graduates here in Southern Arizona."

For up to the minute progress of the Phoenix Mars Mission, visit http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/.

For more information about Cortiva Institute Tucson, visit www.cortiva.com/locations/tucson/ or contact Joann Rockwell MacMaster at: jrockwell@cortiva.com .