Been researching Massage Envy - more on that later - and came across this massage therapist job trends report.

massage therapist Job Trends

Massage Therapist jobs

I'm looking for more information that might clarify what is impacting the fluctuations, but thought I'd share it in the mean time.

Comments always welcome.

Zero Gravity Chairs is a bit of a misnomer. It actually means they provide zero compression of the spine when reclined.

In Praise of Slow

Is it possible to slow down in the 21st Century?

While the source of this posts information is several years old, I find the topic compelling. Perhaps what makes the idea of slow new, is the subtle and not so subtle ways we might utilize slow to improve our lives.

Moving through the last couple decades, the topic of pace and the idea of slowing down have captivated much of my thought. Partly due to injuries and health concerns, yet a greater draw are my thoughts around quality not quantity, the idea of less as more, and even the practice of absence of.

In terms of massage and the business of massage, the idea of slowing down inspires interest on how to serve the growing awareness of slow in the 21st century. How can we capitalize by integrating slow into our health, our work, our business, our life?

The question sent me researching, and I found this video on TED.com. (Click here for Video)

"Journalist Carl Honore believes the Western world's emphasis on speed erodes health, productivity and quality of life. But there's a backlash brewing, as everyday people start putting the brakes on their all-too-modern lives."


Watch the video and contemplate your own ideas about how pace may affect you and how it could impact your business.

Massage Employment Changes 2010 - 2018

Employment of massage therapists is expected to increase by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy.

Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists. The number of spas, which employ a large number of therapists, has increased in recent years and will continue to do so. At the same time, there are an increasing number of massage clinic franchises, many of which offer massages cheaper than at spas and resorts, making them available to a wider range of customers. In addition, as an increasing number of States adopt licensing requirements and standards for therapists, the practice of massage is likely to be respected and accepted by more and more people.

Massage also offers specific benefits to particular groups of people, whose continued demand for massage services will lead to overall growth for the occupation. For example, as workplaces try to distinguish themselves as employee-friendly, providing professional in-office, seated massages for employees is becoming a popular on-the-job benefit. Older citizens in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities also are finding benefits from massage, such as increased energy levels and reduced health problems. Demand for massage therapy should grow among older age groups because they increasingly are enjoying longer, more active lives and persons aged 55 years and older are projected to be the most rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population over the next decade. However, demand for massage therapy is presently greatest among young adults, who lack the concerns about massage that previous generations had.

Source: U.S. Dept of Labor

Beat That Stress says the Wall Street Journal

Massage makes the news in the Wall Street Journal.

Read the article and learn:

Five ways to relax and de-stress your body:

1. Simplify lifestyle and set realistic expectations.
2. Get moving
3. Record Your Thoughts
4. Get a massage
5. Tap your employer for a wellness or health program

Articles like these are more and more common. Read them, copy them and utilize them in your business to support the mainstream and benefits of massage. Education is an opportunity to build customers . . . Use it!

Jaw Dropping Innovation

Did you watch the Saints and Falcons game Monday night?

In the midst of the brilliant battle news of an intriguing innovation trickled to the surface. John Gruden and friends brought up a mouthpiece that is improving athlete performance and enhancing flexibility while increasing an athletes strength. Claims that it is making phenomenal receptions even more attainable by relieving tension that translates to spinal stress, I just had to know more.

A bit of research reveals the "Under Armour Performance Mouthwear"

We thought we know knew so much about the body, but this jaw dropping innovation opens new doorways. What other mysteries might be discovered by increased understanding of how are bodies work?

Mouthpiece
Video
Technology
Science

On Site Massage On Demand

Most of my massage career involved On Site Massage, but Spa on Location takes a step up. I found their service and client list impressive. As for giving in to Massage Envy and n8touch, Spa on Location hasn't even slowed down. Check out their web site and see if you don't get a few ideas.