Skilled Massage Therapists from Cortiva Institute Help Elements Therapeutic Massage Grow Reputation and Business

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May 09, 2011, 12:32 ET

BOSTON, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it's periodic back pain, a recurring sports injury or simple stress, people are turning to professional massage therapy for relief. For Elements Therapeutic Massage, a massage therapy franchise that was founded in 2002 by Michele Merhib, a Registered Massage Therapist, no matter what the reason for seeking massage, the objective is always the same; to provide relief, restoration and rejuvenation.

With the rise in interest in professional massage comes an increased need to fill massage therapist positions created by massage therapy providers like Elements, as well as places like hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and spa retreats, to name a few. Cortiva Institute Schools of Massage Therapy, a leading educator of professional massage therapists, is helping to fill that need, which according to figures from the US Department of Labor, indicate "employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to grow at a faster than average rate as more people become interested in alternative medicine and holistic healing. It is estimated that between 2008 and 2018 massage therapists are likely to see a 19 percent increase in job opportunities."

Stephen Stabile, Massachusetts area director for Elements Therapeutic Massage, said that working closely with a school like Cortiva to identify skilled professional massage therapists is critical to Elements' success. In fact, the company is entering into a partnership with Cortiva that, said Stabile, "will benefit Cortiva campuses, graduates and Elements locations by offering preferred interviews to Cortiva graduates in studios that have open positions." Stabile points to the exceptional training and clinical experience Cortiva grads bring to their positions as one of the main reasons the company has such a close working relationship with the school, its instructors and students.

Elements massage therapist Carol-Ann Wallhagen, 23, said she valued her training from Cortiva and put the knowledge she gained through extensive classes in massage technique, anatomy, physiology, and pathology to work at her current job. "In addition to my academic mentors, Cortiva's massage clinic was extremely helpful in teaching me how to take my skills and knowledge and put them into practice."

It's the dedication of massage therapists like Wallhagen that contribute to the rise in popularity of massage and the career of massage therapy, according to Stabile. "Professional massage therapy is more accessible than ever and when a client experiences the positive benefits of a professional massage, that result is due in large part to the training and dedication of the massage therapist," he said. A skilled staff trained to address a client's specific needs has helped grow Elements franchises in the northeast from one location in Middleton, Massachusetts to its current 22 locations.

"There is a shift in thinking that a pill or surgery can cure everything. Many people are recognizing the importance of making regular professional massage therapy part of their everyday continuum of good health and fitness," said Stabile.

About Cortiva Institute

Cortiva Institute is a community of Massage Therapy Schools with 12 locations nationwide, offering full and part-time massage therapy instruction, continuing education courses, student clinics that are open to the public, and career services for graduates. Cortiva schools take a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that our graduates are prepared to work in clinics, hospitals, health clubs, spas, resorts, sports therapy clinics or start their own private practices. Go to www.Cortiva.com for more information.

About Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc.

Elements Therapeutic Massage is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and owned by Fitness Together Holdings, Inc. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, a one-on-one personal training fitness franchise that began franchising in 1996, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, a massage therapy franchise that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has sold hundreds of franchises across the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, and Canada. Elements Therapeutic Massage is actively selling franchises. For more information about massage franchise opportunities visit http://elementsfranchise.com.