Irene’s Insights
The mission of Irene’s Myomassology Institute is to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of individuals and society. The public’s interest in natural health and preventative medicine is continuously growing. We strive to be your reliable source for information on massage therapy, healthy lifestyles and successful massage careers.
Successful Massage Careers
A Successful Career – John Collins
Irene’s – What was your greatest success with a massage client?
John – Two clients really stick out in my mind. One was a young lady who was recovering from breast cancer and had developed lymph fluid under her right armpit and breast area. I performed a lymphatic massage that greatly reduced the swelling and pain that she had been suffering from.
A Successful Career – Joshua D. Brent
Irene’s – Why did you choose massage therapy as a career?
Joshua – I had become disabled due to multiple spinal surgeries. During my two-year recovery and rehabilitation period, I was desperately trying to figure out what kind of work, if any, I could perform. After working with a very talented personal trainer/rehabilitation specialist, he recommended Irene’s as the only school for Massage Therapy to attend.
A Successful Career – Shae Denovchek
What is the most rewarding part of your massage career?
Shae – Making my own schedule but more importantly making people feel much better.
A Successful Career – Roberta (Bobi) Gartley
Perseverance. I didn’t give up during hard times. I’ve worked in many different areas – medical, spa, etc. I learned as much as I could everywhere I went, including what I thought worked, and what I thought didn’t.
A Successful Career – Becky Wilson McClain
I started working with the Pro and Amateur Strongmen and Strongwomen at the Arnold Sports Festival in 2015. From there, I jumped on Dr. Todd McDougle, DC (#StrongmanDoc) coattails, and the next thing I knew I was working Nationals, Giants Live, and The Official Strongman Games. I am now the Lead Massage Therapist for World’s Strongest Man – that’s the one on TV.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
6 Mindful Ways to Manage Stress
Whether from a charging lion or a pending deadline, the body’s response to stress can be both helpful and harmful. The stress response gives us the strength and speed to ward off or flee from an impending threat. But when it persists, stress can put us at risk for...
Another Great Reason to get Massage!
According to studies, eighty percent of adults will experience low back pain at some point during their lifetime. It is also the foremost reason that people seek out medical attention in the U.S. The typical treatment approaches include pain pills, surgery, and...
Preterm Babies Reap the Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage has been used as a parenting practice in many cultures for nearly the entirety of human civilization. For example, history shows that mothers in India have provided massage to their newborns as far back as 3000 BC. Both preterm infants facing serious health problems and healthy full-term infants can reap the benefits of massage therapy.
Positive Effects of Massage Therapy
Many healthcare providers are beginning to recognize massage as a legitimate form of treatment for low back pain. In fact, studies show that about fifty-four percent of healthcare providers suggest that their patients seek out a massage therapist in addition to other treatments for their pain.
Ancient Craze – Cupping!
Athletes use cupping to address sore muscles. The suction pulls the tight muscles and stretches the fascia, the connective tissue around the muscles, and in effect, allows blood vessels to expand. As blood draws to the area it can speed recovery. The capillaries that are drawn to the surface dilate.
Healthy Lifestyles
Are Food Labels Reliable?
Reading Food Labels Food labels can be an important resource in making sure you’re eating a healthy diet. Even if you know a lot about nutrition and health, and have a clear idea of your ideal nutritional profile, without nutritional information it would be difficult...
6 Simple Composting Tips
Composting is a way to break down organic materials into small bits of soil, resulting in nutrient-rich soil for balancing depleted soils and growing new plant life.
Water Facts You Need to Know
As massage therapists, we tell our clients to drink plenty of water. Why? Drinking water before a massage is recommended, as it makes it easier to perform deep work because the muscles are easier to manipulate (think dry sponge vs. wet sponge).
Healing Benefits of the Sun
Sunlight is as important to your body as Vitamin C or Calcium. Research shows that sun exposure is necessary for good health. It boosts your mood, strengthens your bones, and may lower your risk for certain cancers, among other benefits.
4 Health Benefits of Probiotics
Within every human being is a flourishing, living colony of approximately four pounds of bacteria. Most of these bacteria reside in the human digestive tract, although some are found elsewhere. Without a sufficient number of friendly bacteria known as probiotics, human life could not exist.
Alumni Tips
Irene’s Mask Recommendations and Requirements From Kathy Skubik, Executive Director
I know we have been hearing about coronavirus for two years now. We are tired of hearing about it. We are all covid weary. The fact remains that the pandemic is a fluid crisis as new information is continually being announced. The details, infection rates, rules and...
MASSAGE THERAPY GIFT CERTIFICATES: ARE THEY WORTH IT?
As a Massage Therapist, you may wonder if having gift certificates available for sale is really worth it. Is keeping a supply of gift certificates on hand really worth the cost and effort, and how much return on your investment do you get?
Inverted Face Shields – An Added Layer of Protection for Therapists and Clients
Wearing a face shield, in addition to a mask over the mouth and nose, provides an additional layer of protection. It has been proven that the most common transmission method of COVID-19 is through aerosols or droplets containing the virus being expelled from an...
Stay Safe – Stay Open!
If we want to stay in practice as Massage Therapists or continue studying to become one, without facing another shut down, it is imperative that we follow the CDC guidelines that keep us ALL safe. However, this doesn’t only apply to the time when we are at work or...
Massage Therapists You’re Ready – You’ve Got This!
All Licensed Massage Therapists in Michigan can return to work on Monday, June 15, 2020. We've seen the statistics and followed the news about masking, social distancing, and have heard how devastating the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 have been not only nationwide,...