Massage therapy careers gaining in popularity

From 1977-1981, Sonny Allen served in the Air Force and was stationed in South Korea. While there, he found time to receive massages.

The rate: $2.75 per session. Those experiences enticed him to make the growing business of massage therapy his career calling.

"I said, 'Where I get out, I have to investigate this at some point,' " Allen said. "I had to develop a plan."

Allen is in his fourth year with the I-N Touch massage therapy office, 1401 6th Ave. It's been two-plus years for the massage school.

The stereotypes associated with "massage parlors" have been negated as more and more people try to appreciate massage. As the field has become more professional and the body of knowledge has grown substantially, consumers can be reassured by the many protections afforded them when they use the services of the American Massage Therapy Association or Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

"When I started, I had to filter the calls," said Kim Donnally, who's been in the business 20 years and operates Bodyworks Spa and Art Gallery in Heritage Village. "We're intent on improving the profession. We have to get the public educated about it."

Massage therapy has been a growing trend in American culture. Relaxation is a motive for individuals to work a massage into their routines. However, massage therapy is being used more and more for medical purposes, such as injury recovery, pain reduction and headache control, and for overall health and wellness.

"The question is 'Why is this person in this situation?' " said Allen, a licensed massage therapist. "We're not trying to put a Band-Aid on it. We have to find the cause, find out why they're out of balance."

"People don't want to use drugs to mask the pain," said Randall Adkins, who lives in South Point, Ohio, and receives massages. "They're finding alternative ways to make themselves feel good."

With the growth in popularity and use of massage therapy, more people are discussing it with their doctors and healthcare providers, and more healthcare professionals are recommending massage therapy as part of a patient's overall health.

"The goal is to enhance the ability to stay healthy," Allen said. "The health benefits from touch are powerful."

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use.

"It was at the bottom rung. It's all natural. It moves you," Allen said. "We're trying to regain our rightful position. I always felt this is something I could do to help people."

I-N Touch began a new nine-month session Feb. 4. Before starting I-N Touch, Allen worked at the Huntington and Ashland YMCAs and for chiropractors in the area. He said Dr. Tara Sharma helped him get going. His office is located in Sharma's building.

"I made connections. Dr. Sharma has meant a lot to me," Allen said. "People try to reach out, enhance their practice and support others."

Allen's school has 18 graduates to date.

"Students must be able to connect with their client. That's No. 1," Allen said. "I want someone who benefits the community. What I don't want to see is someone in it for the money."

"Go to someone who knows what they're doing," Donnally said. "Be sure they're qualified. I couldn't imagine doing anything else."

The age of I-N Touch graduates ranges from 19 to 53. One was a hospice worker. Another was a pharmacist.

"All walks of life, all ages," Allen said.

What happens if a person wants a massage?

First, learn what the word means. Massage or massage therapy are systems of structured palpation or movement of the soft tissue of the body.

The office could be located at The Greenbrier Resort, a medical superstructure or out in the country. The AMTA Web site lists 24 therapists within a 20-mile radius of Huntington. Once at the office, the client and therapist do questions and answers so the two can agree on a desired outcome of the session.

"You may talk about job, family, faith, and you wonder what's that got to do with the pain in my right shoulder," Allen said. "There are issues. It's a great work environment. Soft lights, sweet smell, good music. When people come, they feel great. It's win-win."

Terri Salmons, a waitress at Texas Roadhouse in Ashland, attended I-N Touch and is about ready to be on her own. She got her start helping Allen that first year.

"I wasn't sure," she said. "I decided to try it, and I love it. It's gone better than I thought it would. I didn't have confidence in myself in the beginning. I do now. This is what I want to do."

David Walsh is a reporter for The Herald-Dispatch. Comments may be e-mailed to him at dwalsh@herald-dispatch.com.