Massage Therapy School in Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester massage therapists – and clients – recognize the value of massage across the lifespan. Clients here as elsewhere seek massage for different reasons, including relaxation and relief for small aches and pains. Many enjoy massage at least occasionally on an ongoing basis. Some seek medical massage on a time-limited basis as they recover from injury.
Great Bay Community College, one of several massage therapy course providers that is located within commuting distance of Manchester, states that massage has become an integral part of healthcare, not just in alternative settings but in conventional ones.
Massage Therapy Schools in Manchester and Vicinity
The North Eastern Institute of Whole Health offers a 750-hour program that incorporates Swedish, sports, and neuromuscular modalities, among others. Students at the institute may have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of elective courses. Offerings have included topics such as acupressure, infant massage, and back pain; some have been as specialized as seashell massage, aquatic rehabilitation, even “balenotherapy for chronic musculoskeletal issues”. The elective requirement is relatively low — 16 hours — but students may want more, either during the initial training period or after.
Lymphatic drainage and neuromuscular techniques are on the continuing education calendar for 2019.
The Laird Institute of Spa Therapy offers a 780-hour program. The curriculum includes massage fundamentals, advanced techniques, and Eastern modalities as well as supportive coursework like body mechanics and career development. The three trimester program includes two trimesters of student clinic. The Laird Institute is a school member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).
Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth has a massage therapy certificate program that can be completed within a year (encompassing fall, spring, and summer semesters). The clinical experience takes place over the course of two semesters. One course presents therapeutic massage specialties; another provides an introduction to the spa industry. Prenatal massage and orthopedic massage are among the specialty modalities that may receive coverage.
Massage in the Healthcare Community
New Hampshire massage therapists serve various special populations, including cancer patients. Norris Cotton Cancer Center offers free chair massage to cancer patients and to their visiting family members and friends (https://cancer.dartmouth.edu/patients-families/healing-arts-massage-and-reiki). Catholic Medical Center includes massage therapy among the ‘whole self’ services in the BeWell Cancer Survivorship Program (https://www.catholicmedicalcenter.org/care-and-treatment/cancer/infusion-therapy). The BeWell Cancer Survivorship is a joint venture of Catholic Medical Center and Norris Cancer Center. Oncology massage is offered by a number of other practitioners, including those who are in business for themselves.
The Manchester Ink Link recently reported on four Manchester health professionals who had achieved Neonatal Touch & Massage Certification (https://manchesterinklink.com/4-from-elliot-earn-distinction-as-nhs-first-certified-neonatal-touch-and-massage-therapists/). This type of therapy brings relief to infants born with special needs.
Hospital systems are alsopromoting wellness programs in the community. Elliot Medical Center at Londonderry offers discounted senior massage under the banner of Elliot community fitness. Elliot Medical Center at Londonderry also offers a discount for Elliot employees.
Top Rated Massage Practices in Manchester, NH
Manchester’s highly rated massage therapy practices are a diverse set! This area of the state of course has franchises like Elements Massage and Hand and Stone. It also has some popular local spas.
Spas may aim for a luxurious experience as well as a therapeutic one. The Serenity Spa menu is a case in point; it features therapeutic massages including a head, neck and scalp massage. Also available are aromatherapy, hot oil, and hot stone massages. Massages may have different themes such as cranberry bog massage, peppermint massage, and even chocolate massage. Some of these specialty massages are also offered in combination with salt glow treatment.
Chiropractic offices are another common work setting, one that will have a different feel. The focus is often on pain management, though a variety of massage modalities may be offered. Some offices are large enough to utilize a team of massage therapists and wellness providers. Chiropractic Associates, a successful Manchester practice, has three massage therapists, one of whom is also a chiropractic assistant.
It can help to have training beyond the minimum. Absolute Relief Professional Massage Therapy states that their massage therapists are nationally certified as well as state licensed. The businesses provides Swedish/ deep tissue, heated stone, and Ashiatsu on-site chair massage.
LMTs in Business for Themselves
Many massage therapists are entrepreneurs. Some have become experts in specialized modalities or cornered niche markets. They have built a loyal clientele. The following are examples:
Under Your Skin is a small business with an LMT at the helm. Clients can find specialty massage services such as cupping, ear candling, and TMJ headache relief. Under Your Sin was featured in New Hampshire Magazine. In early 2019, the “Under Your Skin at Crystal Orchid” website lists just one additional massage therapist.
Peaceful Strength Massage Therapy offers Thai massage and an integrated therapeutic massage that incorporates Thai. The LMT behind Peaceful Strength draws from specialized bodywork trainings and from her own experience with pain, having been diagnosed with arthritis at a young age.
The LMT behind Human Touch, meanwhile, notes that his studio is the only one in the state to offer a particular bodywork style that incorporates deep tissue massage and Swedish gymnastics.
Some massage therapists go into business with professionals from other disciplines. Fleuresh is co-owned by a massage therapist and an esthetician. There are five other LMTs on staff, one of whom is noted as lead.
Massage Therapy Wages in Manchester, NH
Manchester massage therapists had a median hourly wage of $17.84 in 2017. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a narrower range than in most cities, with those at the 10th percentile earning $13.94 and those at the 90th percentile earning $25.12. Because self-employment is common, however, the actual range of earnings may be much greater.