Massage Therapy Blog

Father and Daughter Make Massage Therapy Careers a Family Affair

Cortiva — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:06:10 +0000

For Cortiva Institute – Florida School of Massage Therapy graduates Steve Valiquette, 53, and his daughter Katie Mossor, age 23, attending and graduating from school together had many benefits, including carpooling.

“I drove us the entire year we went to Cortiva. I put 44,000 miles on my car just for school!” jokes Steve. Both father and daughter graduated with Massage Therapy certificates and hope to combine their skills by working together whenever possible at special events like wedding parties.

For father Steve, having his daughter with him made the school experience very special. “It’s been fantastic to have her by my side everyday, learning and sharing,” he says. Steve hopes to take his massage therapy skills and enhance them by studying energy and cranial sacral work. He’s also hoping to take his massage therapist skills to dental practices to help keep patients calm and enhance their overall experience.

Daughter Katie was attracted to the field of professional massage therapy by “the connection you make with your clients — and how you can help their well-being. It’s powerful.” Happy with the support and training she received at Cortiva, says Katie, “I’m pleased that people are giving me a chance to show how I can help improve their lives through massage therapy.”

Massage therapy remains a fast-growing field, even in these tough economic times. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook states that employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 19 percent through 2018, faster than average for all occupations.

For many career changers like Steve, massage therapy tops the list for realizing monetary and spiritual rewards within a manageable time frame. The profession seems a natural fit for career changers. In fact, many massage therapists are in their 40s, and have entered the profession as a second career, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.

As a career changer, Steve worked in advertising and marketing as well as I.T. before deciding to pursue a career as a professional massage therapist. “I just recently received my license. My business cards haven’t even arrived yet. I can’t wait to get started,” he says.Similar Posts:

5 High-Paying, Low-Stress Jobs

Cortiva — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:54:09 +0000

If you’re like thousands of other job seekers, you may dream of earning the big bucks without having to deal with the extreme stress that goes hand-in-hand with top-paying jobs. Of course, a high-salary, low-stress job sounds too good to be true. Or is it?

Believe it or not, you don’t have to take on a heart-pounding career as a brain surgeon, airline pilot or stock broker to bring home some serious bacon. As a matter of fact, some of the highest-stress jobs pay surprisingly scanty salaries. Just think about police officers, firefighters and social workers. These folks have quite possibly the most nerve-racking jobs in the world, yet most of them earn less than $45,000 a year. What about combat soldiers who face death on a daily basis? They typically earn less than $30,000 a year.

In other words, high stress does not always equal a hefty salary, or vice versa. Fortunately, there are plenty of laid-back career choices that pay quite generously.

Physical Therapist

Although physical therapists (PT) work in the notoriously stressful medical field, they enjoy some unique advantages over ER nurses and doctors. First of all, PTs have flexible hours and generally aren’t expected to work nights. Secondly, many physical therapists are self-employed – which means they don’t have to deal with the stress of a boss breathing down their neck while they work.

Plus, as the massive Baby Boomer generation continues grow older and face new physical challenges, PTs are constantly flooded with patients. As a result, physical therapists rarely suffer from dry spells.

To top it all off, physical therapists can earn anywhere between $50,000-105,000 a year. Now that’s therapeutic.

Computer Software Engineer

If you’re a tech geek seeking a relatively low-pressure career, you may want to check out the software engineering field. Software engineers design and test a variety of different types of software, from computer games to operating systems to business applications. These days, many software engineers can work from home, since their jobs can be done from practically anywhere.

Software engineers also bring home steep salaries, normally ranging between $54,000-130,000 a year. There’s nothing nerdy about that.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and build our nation’s infrastructure, from public buildings and roads to water supply and pollution control systems. Obviously, these projects aren’t pressure-free, but civil engineers generally work in teams, which helps alleviate some of the stress. As a bonus, these experts also enjoy long deadlines. As a matter of fact, most engineers have a few years to design and plan out a project before the construction company even breaks ground.

Even less stressful? Civil engineers don’t have to work too hard to hunt down jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineers are expected to see a 24% spike in employment growth over the next 10 years – well above average for all U.S. occupations. Civil engineers bring home a respectable $50,000-115,000 a year.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is an extremely low-pressure, relaxing career for most people. (As long as the thought of touching a stranger’s back doesn’t drive your stress level through the roof, of course.) Not only are most massage therapists self employed, but they also get to smell smoothing aromatherapy scents and listen to calming background music or ocean sounds all day while they work.

Because many massage therapists work part-time, yearly salaries vary wildly in this field. However, most of these massaging masters charge by the hour. On average, they earn between $10-35 an hour.

Of course, if you take on plenty of clients, you could easily earn a salary of $45,000 or more. That kind of cash will certainly not rub you the wrong way.

Technical Writer

In this high-tech age, new groundbreaking tools, mobile devices or innovative gadgets are released on practically a daily basis. Obviously, someone has to write about these ingenious doodads and complicated thingamabobs. That’s where technical writers come into play.

Although they sometimes face tight deadlines, technical writers typically enjoy flexible hours and a comfortable, quiet workspace. Quite a few of them have an enviable 10-second commute – from their bedroom to their desk. Because all they need is a phone and a computer with an internet connection, many technical writers work from home.

What’s more is that technical writers are extremely high in demand. As technical companies continue to release pioneering new products, someone has to transform their complex technical-ese into everyday language the average customer can comprehend. Technical writers generally earn between $47,000-98,000 a year.

Lower Your Stress; Raise Your Salary

So, it turns out that you don’t have to risk life and limb, save lives or suffer from stress-induced stomach ulcers to make a decent salary. From sales managers and graphic designers to college professors and training consultants, there are plenty of rewarding, angst-less jobs out there that come with generous salaries.

Source: Yahoo! FinanceSimilar Posts:

Massage Therapy School: A Healthy Alternative

Cortiva — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:42:40 +0000

It’s been a rough few years in the jobs markets. Many of us have had to deal with losing a job, or staying with a job despite being unhappy.

That unhappiness has created a lot of stress in many of our lives. So as the economy starts to improve and jobs start to open up (hopefully!), many of you will start to look for new jobs.

There’s one career out there that could help you alleviate that stress and enjoy a more fulfilling career.

We’re talking about Massage Therapy and right here in Chicagoland, you have the perfect opportunity to go to school and become an expert in the field at Cortiva Institute of Chicago massage school.

So watch the video below and look into a career that can make a difference both professionally and mentally for you.

Similar Posts:

New Medical Therapies Working With Traditional Medicine

Cortiva — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:47:06 +0000

(ARA) – Healing is only part of the plan for anyone who’s been diagnosed with an illness or injury. You want to recover, but you also want to feel better while healing – as quickly as possible. That’s why many specialists are now turning to massage therapy to help patients feel better faster.

“Several cancer treatment centers across the U.S., as well as hospitals, are opening their employment doors to more full-time licensed massage therapists to aid in pain management and health/wellness of patients,” says Tara Celaya of Phoenix, director of Career Services at Cortiva Institute, Scottsdale.

Massage therapy helps patients relax and release tension. This helps to reduce pain and get patients up and moving around again – which can also speed up the recovery process. Dr. Winnie Suen, a geriatrician and palliative care consultant at Boston Medical Center, and a graduate of Cortiva Institute, Boston, works with seniors who have arthritis and pain in the back, shoulders, neck and legs, which affects their ability to remain independent.

“I hope to be able to incorporate massage therapy into my practice somehow to include it as an option for symptom management,” she says. “I wish there were more massage therapists on staff that I could refer my patients to. The patients love it. They feel cared for. They find it relaxing, and it decreases their level of pain.”

Many people are considering entering the massage therapy field as a second chance for a career. The average massage therapist is in his or her 40s, and has entered the profession as a second career, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.

The practice of combining massage therapy for illness and injury treatments is still relatively new.

“In my experience and research, injuries such as rotator cuff tears, knee injuries, whiplash and even weight loss treatments are benefiting from the direct and immediate effects massage therapy can have, and in some cases, are utilized to avoid surgery all together,” Celaya says. “Protecting the structural integrity of the body through the use of massage therapy is quickly being seen as a standard portion of rehabilitation for various surgeries and medical conditions.”

And the field is becoming more popular with the general public as well, who are pursing a healthy lifestyle separate from medical treatment.

“As more and more individuals are seeking natural ways to ensure a healthy and long life, they are seeking out services from massage therapists, nutritionists and personal trainers,” Celaya says. “We are entering a time when people are taking more responsibility for their health and wellness and find the one-on-one interaction and individualized treatment plans from a massage therapist an ideal way to go.”

For more information on a career in massage therapy, visit www.Cortiva.comSimilar Posts:

Cortiva Institute Instructor Highlights Benefits of Massage at Saturday Morning Lecture Series During BODIES… The Exhibition Feb. 27

Cortiva — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:33:31 +0000

SEATTLE, February 17, 2010 – Mike Hamm, LMP, CCST and an instructor at Cortiva Institute – Seattle massage school, will be the featured speaker in BODIES – The Exhibition on Saturday, February 27 from 11 – 11:45 a.m. Hamm will speak on “The Benefits of Massage” at the BODIES… The Exhibition located at 1505 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle.

Cortiva Institute was invited by the Education and Outreach Department of BODIES… the Exhibition to participate in its Saturday Public Education Lecture Series. Hamm’s presentation will include a discussion of the benefits of massage as well as a demonstration of a few home massage techniques that people can do for themselves or their loved ones.

“We think it is a perfect opportunity to share the benefits of massage with a group of people interested in learning more about the human body,” said Hamm. “Our hope is that, with a newfound appreciation for their bodies, people will be more inclined to take an active role in their wellness – including giving and receiving massage.

Hamm was asked to take part in this presentation because of his experience in education, his participation in massage research and his expertise in bodywork. As an instructor at Cortiva Institute – Seattle, Hamm teaches anatomy, research literacy and a variety of technique-based courses. He was the winner of the Massage Therapy Foundation’s 2005 Student Case Report Contest, and serves as a reviewer for the Massage Therapy Journal and the Foundation’s professional contest. Bringing a dynamic teaching style to the classroom, Hamm’s massage practice focuses on structural bodywork, injury treatment and craniosacral work.Similar Posts:

Ward off winter blues with colorful, fragrant indoor plants

Cortiva — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:40:10 +0000

If you live in parts of the U.S. where it’s been snowing for weeks, it’s important to find ways to boost your spirits and keep winter blues away. Getting exercise – whether it’s doing simple yoga stretches or working out on a treadmill, eating well and opting for relaxing and rejuvenating massage therapy are all important ways to keep your spirits up during the cold, grey days of winter. Another easy on the budget way of warding away winter depression is through scent and color.

Pick up some inexpensive flowering, bulbs at your grocery store or local home center. Spring bulbs are hitting stores now – hyacinth, daffodils, or lilies of the valley — they’re fragrant, colorful and a great way to make your thoughts turn to spring.Similar Posts:

Massage for post-swim workouts

Cortiva — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:55:57 +0000

Swimming is a great form of exercise and is particularly appealing to those who can’t get outside to exercise during cold, winter months. For amateur or professional swimmers, massage therapy is a compelling form of post-work out relaxation and muscle rejuvenation.

Massage can provide powerful relief from the sore muscles that often slow swimmers down and can also speed recovery and reduce injury. Most swimmers stretch after racing or rigorous work-outs but that may not always address with muscle tension. Swimmers should inform their professional massage therapist if they are having tension or “knots” in their shoulders, lateral, pectoral or neck muscles. Massage can help release these trigger points that might otherwise reduce strength and range of motion.Similar Posts:

Your ab six-pack is there, it’s just hiding

Cortiva — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:41:05 +0000

According to fitness experts at Cortiva Institute massage schools, everyone has the mythical six pack stomach – it’s just hiding under layers of fat. To get that six-pack look, Cortiva experts say you need to reduce body fat by adhering to proper intake of calories, including carbs and proteins, proper hydration and a structured cardio routine.

Fitness experts also point out that every body is different so fitness routines and weight loss regimens have to be customized for every individual. Ads for machines, vitamins or other gimmicky means to a six-pack are usually just that. The cold, hard truth to getting great looking abs is dedication and hard work.Similar Posts:

Snowshoeing – fun in the snow and a great work out too

Cortiva — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:31:42 +0000

Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in the U.S., increasing by 22 percent each year. Its appeal is easy to understand – it’s a great calorie burn and endorphin rush. Snowshoeing is a relatively simple technique to learn, the equipment is affordable and accessible and you can do it anywhere, in the country or in a city park.

Make sure to dress in layers, preferably in fabric that wicks moisture away from your body. Same for your feet – some people that participate in winter sports like to wear two pair of socks – the first pair of synthetic fabric that wicks moisture and the second pair of a heavier wool or cotton blend. Cover up your head and hands and make sure – even though it’s cold out – to stay hydrated. Snowshoeing and sports like cross country skiing are very aerobic, for example, a 150 pound woman can burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes of snowshoeing.

Set your own pace – it’s not an Olympic try out – just a fun way to be outside while getting a great work out.Similar Posts:

Massage for mothers-to-be: a great stress reliever

Cortiva — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:13:10 +0000

For new mothers-to-be, anxiety about what life will be like when new baby arrives can make pregnancy more stressful that it has to be. Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression and relieve aches and joint pain and even improve labor outcomes.

Swedish massage, which aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body is most often recommended for prenatal massage because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy. Massage also helps reduce edema, or swelling of the joints, another common complaint during pregnancy. Finally, many women experience a reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage, according to the American Pregnancy Association.Similar Posts: