MASSAGE THERAPISTS IN TRAINING ; Quincy Institute Offers 800-Hour Program
When Elizabeth Hunter-Vasco of Scituate was being treated for an auto-immune disorder, she discovered that massage reduced the side effects of chemotherapy and medication.
“Massage changed my life,” said Hunter-Vasco. “It was calming and non-toxic and it relieved my aches and pains. Massage therapists are caregivers; they have nurturing hearts.”
Today, Hunter-Vasco is striving to improve the lives of others through her new massage clinic and school, the Winsolow Institute of Massage Therapy.
The Institute, which opened in Quincy last April, offers an 800- hour program taught by licensed massage therapists who have been approved as massage teachers by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The course work and hands-on training takes nine months for day students; 14 months for evening students. Tuition is $7,000.
Students who are at least halfway through the program are allowed to give massages to clients in the clinic, which resembles a Newbury Street spa. There are comfortable sofas and chairs in the waiting room; candlelight and soothing New Age music in three private massage rooms. A one-hour full-body massage is $35. Appointments – with a male or female student massage therapist – are available seven days a week.
Before the massage begins, the client will complete a medical history form to inform the student of all medical conditions, injuries and medications. The student will ask whether the client prefers lotion or oil, and if the client likes more or less pressure. The student will ask other questions to customize the massage and make the client feel comfortable. Teachers are not present during the massage session, but are available on the premises for consultation.
Afterward, the client is asked to complete a short questionnaire, providing feedback to the student.
John Winsolow Institute of Massage Therapy, 1150 Hancock St., Quincy (across from the Quincy Center T station, lower level of the Sovereign Bank building), 617-774-1100.
– Valerie A. Russo For Living Well
(c) 2007 Patriot Ledger, The; Quincy, Mass.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.