I've been meeting with a lot of potential students lately.  People are being proactive about getting some retraining to have work.  Some are losing their jobs right now and they have some free time to go to school.  And some are saying, "It's the time in my life to do what I really want to do for a change."  All the potential students with whom I meet are interested in learning about the massage therapy market.  Are people still paying money for massage?

I'm here to tell you they are!  The professionals who work at WSMT are experiencing no less demand for massage work.  We are also still being contacted often and regularly by massage employers looking to hire therapists.  These are good signs for our market.

Here is why I think massage work has not slowed down in this economy.  First, in my experience, about half the people who seek massage work are in some kind of pain. Pain is very motivating!  Clients have often lived with their discomfort for some time and they are willing to pay for massage when they see how effective it is for helping them reduce or eliminate painful conditions.  Second, life in our society, especially now, is very stressful!  Our regular clients have already seen the benefits of reducing their stress level with a regularly scheduled massage.  They may be willing to forego some other things like eating out or new clothes before their massage because it makes them feel so much better.  Both types of clients talk to others about how much they get from their massage work.  Lastly, there is still a grass-roots movement toward natural therapies which is growing in the public.  Many more people today are willing to pay for and take responsibility for their healthcare than ever before by choosing natural methods to manage their health.

                      Rio Grande, New Mexico

           Get out in nature, another great way to relax!