Fit to Print Volume 25 Issue 2 June 2016 | Page 17

Introducing...
Our Talented Professional Staff:

Lorraine Penaloza

Gail Rippli

Deb Conroy

Susan Greenli

physiology and pathology, in addition to
learning the various types of
treatments and healing arts. There’s
also the corporate factor,” she
continues. “Corporate franchises have
undermined our profession. I know
people go to these franchise places and
perhaps enjoy it, though to me it's like
going to McDonalds. You are ushered in,
ushered out. Your medical intake is
done by a desk person. You have five
minutes to talk to your therapist and
get on the table. You then have five
minutes to get dressed and talk to your
therapist afterward. Imagine your
favorite therapist at one of these
places being able to spend an
additional 15 minutes with you.
Wouldn't your experience be more
enjoyable? I feel that these types of
places water down massage.”

Today & Tomorrow
I wanted the therapists to talk about
massage and its role in daily life. Why, I
asked, should massage therapy be
considered a vital component of
America's approach to health care?
First of all,” says Jen, “massage
shouldn't be considered a luxury. It
should be considered a part of
everyone's healthcare regime. It should
be covered by insurance and respected

Mehgan Ioveno

Jenn Kerr

for the healthcare treatment that it is.
Massage therapists have to go through
extensive schooling, get a degree, sit for
boards and get professionally licensed.
To maintain our license, we must take 36
continuing education credits every three
years that we pay for out-of-pocket. We
are healthcare professionals who must
adhere to laws, standards of practice,
and ethics as established by the New
York State Office of Professions. Most
people do not know this, and the burden
is always on the massage therapist to
educate others about it. When you go to
a dentist or a physical therapist, you
don't wonder what it is they do. I enjoy
educating others, but it is also
challenging because of outdated
misconceptions.”
“I agree that there is an enduring
perception that massage is for wealthy
people,” says Susan. “It’s an indulgence
first and foremost. But we’re working
hard to change this belief and feel that
things may be changing…people are
coming around to the idea that massage
is for everyone. We live in a very
stressful world, and everyone can and
should experience the health benefits of
massage therapy. For those people who
(and believe it or not, they are out
there) feel guilty if they get a massage. I
say, Absolutely not!”
“I think one important quality worth
mentioning is that all the benefits of
Summer 2016 FIT to Print

massage therapy are delivered noninvasively,” says Deb.
“It’s a natural/holistic modality,” says
Mehgan. “Massaging the muscles of the
body reduces stress, pain, and
inflammation. Massage promotes
circulation, increases the range of
mobility, and detoxifies the body.
Massage therapy in a lot of ways is the
best approach to health care.”
I then asked the therapists if they could
identify something about massage
therapy that most people don't know.
“Massage has been around since 2330
BC,” says Jen. “In the Tomb of the
Physician in Egypt, there are depictions
of massage work being done on the
hands and feet. I’m saddened that after
all this time, it is not incorporated into
the public's health regimen to a greater
degree. Research has shown that
massage can help alleviate the symptoms
of many health conditions, and help to
facilitate the body's healing capabilities.
Massage offers a natural, and as Deb
says, non-invasive method to assist in the
treatment of many pathologies. I think
massage is a vital component of the
world's approach to healthcare.”
“It can be more effective than an antiinflammatory and sometimes more
effective than an antibiotic, with far
fewer side effects,” says Mehgan.

F

Finally, I asked the therapists what they
liked most about their chosen profession.
There was a lot of agreement!
“I enjoy helping people and making them
feel better, says Mehgan. “I like to destress people. Any time I help someone
feel better, make their discomfort
subside, increase their mobility, and
relax them is a memorable, exciting,
happy, and gratifying experience.”
“The expression on the client’s face
when they walk out of the room,” says
Deb, “tells me I’ve helped them.”
“Yes, says Susan, “helping people and
seeing them leave with a smile on their
face, happier than they were when they
came in. Hopefully, I’ve relieved some
pain, or stress, or both. It’s a very
rewarding job in that respect.”
“I love being able to help someone
improve the quality of their life,” says
Jen. “I love sharing my knowledge with
others. It is a very rewarding experience
to watch someone be able to move
better or reduce their pain and know
that I helped to facilitate that. I have
the best job in the world. I love my
clients. I have THE best clients!

More on Massage on Page 28

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