Back to Basics: How does massage work, exactly?

The term massage alone brings to mind thoughts of relaxation and stress relief. Researchers are now discovering the science behind how massage works to relieve pain, reduce stress and promote healing.


Researchers at McMaster University in Canada found that massage affects the activity of certain genes which reduces inflammation in our muscles. This is the same result you would get by taking aspirin or ibuprofen.


Massage not only alleviates pain, but it also improves our mood. Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which makes us happy and lowers our blood pressure. It also boosts the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression. Also, it just makes sense that when you are extremely relaxed, the world around you seems more wonderful and less stressful.


Massage also promotes healthy sleep. A number of studies have concluded that massage has positive affects on our delta waves- brain waves that are connected to deep sleep.


Decreased cortisol levels accomplishes many positive changes in our bodies; stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, lower heart rates, better memory and more alertness, just to name a few.


There have also been studies that have shown that giving a massage can also have some of the same benefits as getting one! Immediately after giving a massage, a therapist also has less cortisol levels!! It just stands to reason that helping others makes us feel better about ourselves. Could there be a better reason to call us today??

Fastest Growing Career Fields

1. Service Unit Operators 6. Human Resource Specialists
2. Petroleum Engineers 7. Coaches & Scouts
3. Music Directors & Composers 8. Personal Finance Advisors
4. Interpreters & Translators 9. Personal Care Aides
5. MASSAGE THERAPISTS 10. Skin Care Specialists

Above, is a list of the top 10 fastest growing jobs released by 24/7 Wall St., a data analysis company. 24/7 Wall St. compiled the list using figures reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). The report states the number of massage therapists grew by 162% from 2002-2012, landing massage therapists at #5 on the list. Currently, there are 71,040 employed massage therapists in the United States, with the majority of them being self-employed. Also according to the report, massage therapists make a median annual wage of $35,970.00 and the median hourly wage of $17.29. 

The report claims the reason for the surge in massage therapy jobs is the rise in spas and massage clinics in our country during this 10 year time period. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also refers to the increase in our nation’s elderly population as another factor in the demand for qualified massage therapists.

Here at IoTM, we believe there is also a growing acceptance of massage therapy as a legitimate form of pain and stress relief. More and more people every day are discovering the numerous benefits of massage for themselves. Massage is not only a form of pampering, it is an important component of overall health and wellness. 

You too can be a part of one of the fastest growing career fields! Please find our contact information below and act now! New classes begin the week of January 6th, so call, go online or stop by and see us today!!

Call: 866-897-0949
Go Online: www.iotm.edu
Stop by: 311 E. Market Street on the 3rd floor in Downtown Lima