Stone Waters : Massage in the Spa

MASSAGE THERAPY- THE MOST POPULAR SPA SERVICE

No two people visit a spa for the same reason.

Spas are relaxing places to be pampered and nurtured in serene surroundings.

Spas are places for cleansing, healing, and enhancing overall well being.

Most people think of spas as basic beauty and therapeutic treatments, such as facials and massages.

At spas you can find treatments to assist you in improving your eating habits, nutrition, controlling weight, boosting fitness and managing stress.

Spas are even places where you can spend time in nature and even steal some time for personal reflection.

Some of the most basic types of spas are the beauty spas, hotel spas, wellness spas, fitness spas, and medical spas. In the Survey of the Day Spa Magazine (2003) massage therapy was offered in 93% of spas across the country. Most of the spa income, 52%, also came from massage services. 

According to another research conducted by Day Spa Magazine, massage therapy is the most popular service at the spa. Bodywork and facials generated half of the spa industry revenue, and 74% came from massage only (Source: Spa Massage Alliance Market Research, 2004).

"There are two things that women do to feel better-two quick fixes: a new hair color and eating. A massage would be better." --Sinikka Lasater

According to ISPA (International Spa Association), consumer trends in spa-going in relation to massage therapy services in 2004 were:

• higher expectations among first-timers
• consumers that experiment with treatments featuring indigenous elements
• hydrotherapy as an alternative addition to any service
• experimentation with ancient massages
• chair massage as a gateway to spa interest

Recent statement of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario that recognizes importance of the spa industry in relations to massage therapy: "a collaborative undertaking with Ontario Massage Therapists Association and the association of Premier Spas of Ontario (PSO). The College's focus will be in ensuring the Standards of Practice of the profession are maintained and that the public has the access to the massage therapy health care it seeks in all venues". (Source: The College Standard, 2006, Volume 13, Issue 2)