University massage therapist Anita Lehman said the Rec Center offers different types of massages, ranging from sports massages to the more common Swedish massage.  The service is offered to student, faculty, staff, and community members who have access to the Rec Center. 

Lehman has been working with the university for two years, and has been practicing massage therapy for ten years.  She said that massages can help with circulation, back pain, and relaxation. 

Freedictionary.com defines massage therapy as “the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues and consists of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body.”

Alexis Dromgoole, a junior political science major, said she knows from personal experience that massages are helpful after a workout.  She said she would also use the massage services during finals week due to the stress.  She also said many of her friends use the service.

Lehman said that “98 percent” of the problems she addresses are due to lack of stretching.  She recommended a small walking warm-up and stretching to help with some of those issues.

One of the rec center’s personal trainers, Vivek Patel, said that some research points out the benefits of getting a massage regularly.  However, he does not use the services offered because of the price.  

While Patel said they are priced fairly for the area, he cannot use the send home option, unlike other students. He is a grad student on his own, he said.

One study published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found little support to verify that massages aid recovery from workouts.

Typically, business picks up towards the end of the semester with finals, Lehman said.  She said most of the work she does on students is on their upper shoulders, which she attributes to bad posture while studying or working on a computer.

In order to set up a massage appointment, students, faculty and staff, can go to the main desk in the Rec Center, or call 817-257-7529.  Send home, cash, check, and gift card can pay for all massages.