What is Therapeutic Massage?Therapeutic Massage helps the body not only to relax and de-stress, but it also aids in recovery from injuries and certain physical and medical conditions. For instance, preoperative massage can lessen the recovery time after surgery. Prenatal massage can help women deliver with less discomfort and anxiety. Postoperative massage from orthopedic surgery can enhance recuperation.Has there been a change recently in the way people view Therapeutic Massage?Massage was once thought of as a nice way to relax. Now, as many people seek release from pain for specific physical ailments of diagnosed conditions, it has become more recognized in the medical arena. Athletes use massage to enhance their abilities. Michael Phelps received two massages daily while winning eight gold medals in the Olympics. Massage also helps with relief of stress-related events.Does Therapeutic Massage employ one specific technique?No, it encompasses many different modalities, such as Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, sports massage, shiatsu, myofascial release, reflexology, craniosacral and more. Therapists can specialize in specific areas, but most will integrate many of these techniques in their practices.What is Medical Massage?Medical Massage is helpful to individuals who suffer from an assortment of health conditions. It is used to treat specific injuries, conditions or ailments with a systematic medical approach. It is usually offered in a clinical or hospital setting, and the therapist has advanced Medical Massage training. Medical Massage therapy skills allow the massage therapist to be more of a problem solver in order to achieve results in treatment and rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries. Medical Massage could also be prescribed by a health care practitioner who has a specific goal in mind for a patient and their health care regime.Why enter the field of massage therapy?Unlike the slowdown that is happening in most career areas, the field of massage therapy is still expected to grow by more than 22%. The newer field of Medical Massage is expected to exceed that. Most people enjoy the benefits of massage to relax, and health care professionals are now encouraging individuals to receive massage. For some it could be a career change or a discipline added to their current occupation.What type of programs does UTMI offer for its students?UTMI offers two types of programs: Therapeutic Massage (720 hours), Therapeutic Medical Massage (1080 hours) for those students who are already licensed massage therapists. UTMI is the leading massage school in New Mexico that offers an accredited advanced course in Therapeutic Medical Massage.How long has UTMI been in operation?Mary Jo Jones founded the Universal Therapeutic Massage Institute, Inc. in 1993. It was her wish that every student have a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow in—the students are our first concern. We realize the individual is unique, and we strive to provide training in a variety of techniques to enable each student to develop his or her own personal style. In 2006, UTMI was purchased by a new owner, and it is his desire that the institution continue to provide a quality education to its students.Who are your instructors?All of our instructors are part-time. They all have their own practices outside of UTMI. We have Licensed Massage Therapy Instructors with many years of experience in both educating and practicing massage therapy. We also have Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine and Doctors of Oriental Medicine. Our instructors must keep up with continuing education to meet state and accreditation requirements and to keep their licenses to teach. This also allows the institution to remain up-to-date on the trends in this industry.Who are your students?We currently have about 70 students. The average age of a student is 30. Our youngest student was 17 (but must be 18 before graduating). The oldest student we’ve ever had was 72. All students must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED to be licensed by the state of New Mexico.Is there financial aid available?Yes. Because we are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and approved by the U.S. Department of Education, students can use Title IV federal financial aid if they qualify. There is also a customized financing program for those students who do not qualify or who do not wish to participate in the Title IV program.Does UTMI help students find employment after graduating?Yes. Placement has become easier due to the fact that massage therapy is such a fast-growing field. Massage therapists can find job opportunities in hospitals, doctors’ offices and medical clinics as well as spas, resorts and hotels. Many choose to go into private practice so they can set their own hours or work part time.How often do classes start?Approximately every month. We offer morning, afternoon and evening sessions in order to accommodate students’ schedules. Currently, the Therapeutic Medical Massage Program takes place in the morning, and classes start on a weekly basis. If a licensed massage therapist wants to further their skills, these classes are designed to do just that. Our admissions representative would be happy to assist you.Anything else you would like to add?We offer student massages to the general public at very reduced rate–$27.00 including tax. There are further discounts for seniors. We recently added a graduate clinic for professional massages. Medical massages are available from time to time. Please call if you have specific injuries or medical conditions.Where can people find more information?Visit our information-packed website at utmi.com or check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/utmi.massage.school. You can always visit our admissions advisor for a tour of the school as well as auditing a class. Call now to put your career into your own hands.
Business Profile: Universal Therapeutic Massage Institute
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