Massage Therapy Schools in Wichita, Kansas
It’s a new era for massage therapists in Wichita. As of 2019, the state is still working toward licensure of massage therapists, but Wichita licenses them — something many massage therapists like because it lends legitimacy to the profession. Many here see massage as something far more than legitimate — they see it as something that meets integral health needs.
Popula Massage Therapy Schools in Wichita
The Wellspring School of Allied Health has certificate and associate’s degree options. Students who opt for the basic program are introduced to quite a few modalities. Students who complete an associate’s degree in integrative massage receive more preparation for working in healthcare settings. Oncology massage is among the many topics covered.
The Body and Soul School of Massage has been assigned a code by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Students are introduced to a number of modalities in the 500-hour professional course: among them, hot stone massage, chair massage, and prenatal massage. They learn some supportive modalities; the school even provides a little instruction in using Bach Flower Remedies. The Body and Soul School of Massage also offers workshops to individuals who already have massage training or professional experience. Among the options is Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.
WSU Tech offers a 48-credit hour certificate or 60-credit hour associate’s. Those who opt for the associate’s here have more coursework outside the major.
Massage Throughout the Lifespan
Wichita residents are beginning to recognize the value of therapeutic massage at different life stages in combatting both stress and physical discomfort. Prenatal massage is offered in many settings. Some parents learn infant massage from certified instructors.
At Watkins Health Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence students can receive massage services at a reduced rate. Massages are also available to the general public. UK-Lawrence massage therapists even provide chair massage at events (http://studenthealth.ku.edu/massage-therapy).
Assisted living facilities like Larksfield Place and Avita Senior Living at Roling Hills count massage therapy among the amenities. Veterans Aid advises Kansas veterans who are in need of assisted living that they can typically opt to add services that aren’t included in the basic assisted living package (https://www.veteranaid.org/veterans-benefits-kansas.php). They note that options vary from facility to facility; massage is among the common options cited.
Nursing homes residents, too, can benefit from massage. Meadowlark Hills is known throughout the nation for its early implementation of person-centered care. The Meadowlark Hills continuing care community has a massage therapist on board (https://www.meadowlark.org/senior-living/on-campus-amenities).
Some massage therapists have special skill working with ill and fragile populations. Oncology massage is among the services cancer patients may receive at Ascension Via Christi Cancer Institute. Even the very frail can benefit from skilled touch. Heartland Hospice is among those that utilizes massage to provide comfort at life’s end.
Wichita Massage Practices
It’s still more common to have one’s massage in a spa or massage studio than in a healthcare setting. The following are among Wichita’s highly rated:
Sveta’s Skin and Body Therapy offers therapeutic massages like prenatal massage, deep tissue massage, and custom massage focused on specific client problem areas. Sveta’s also offers spa treatments like glow massage, which incorporates scrubs and lotion. Massage clients can opt for add-ons which meet their particular needs, from cupping to sinus massage with accompanying aromatherapy.
The Bohemia Healing Spa offers a number of specialty bodywork treatments. Some use movement or energy. Others are specialized therapeutic massages. Reiki, deep fascia release, Thai Yoga massage, Ashiatsu, and lymphatic massage are among the offerings.
Beau Monde West Spa is big on relaxation. Several menu items features comforts like heated neck rolls and/ or aromatherapy. Massage therapists can also provide massage that targets pain. Beau Monde West Spa has a relatively large bodywork-and-beauty team that includes six massage therapists.
In Wichita, too, one finds franchises.
Massage Therapy Entrepreneurs
Many massage therapists have an entrepreneurial streak. Wichita has its share of success stories.
The Wichita Eagle profiled the proprietor of a new business,The Pushy Goat, in 2016. At that time, the LMT had a facility with six rooms, one esthetician on board — and plans to fill up those empty rooms ( A check in in 2019 finds that several more have joined the staff.)
Some massage therapists incorporate services other than massage in their businesses. A massage therapist runs Tankhouse Float and Massage, which boasts a large salt float tank where people are buoyed by salt – and by the relaxing atmosphere!
Massage Therapist Salary in Wichita
The median hourly wage for a Wichita massage therapist was $15.11 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The range was very wide, with massage therapists at the 10th percentile making just $8.15, but those at the 90th percentile making $39.04 – nearly five times as much.
There are fewer massage therapists in this part of the country, but there is arguably a need for their services! LMTs can take advantage of the opportunity to carve out new niches: ones that may be better established in other cities.
Additional Resources
The American Massage Therapy Association-Kansas Chapter (https://ks.wp.amtamassage.org/) and the Kansas Association of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (http://katmb.org) serve as professional resources. A number of organizations provide continuing education. Elite Learning offers a course in research literacy for Kansas massage therapists. Research literacy can be important for communicating massage benefits to healthcare stakeholders and prospective clients alike.