How did you first get in to “Massage Therapy”?
For over ten years, I was in sales and even became a top sales producer and trainer for a well known recruiting firm in IL. I always knew this was not what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and felt that there was something better out there for me. After talking to several friends about it someone suggested I consider a career in Massage Therapy; as I was told that I had, “the gift”.
I gave it serious thought and soon realized my friend was right. It was just what I needed to hear to make the leap toward my new career path, so I put the plan into motion.
In addition to enjoying my new profession I liked the idea of setting my own hours. Having flexibility accompanied with working in a professional healthcare setting would afford me the life I truly desired, which was to be a wife and mom first.
Where did you go to school?
After some research, National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois was my school of choice. I found it to offer an excellent curriculum. The IL state curriculum requires 550 hours for a Massage Therapy Certificate, but NUHS was a mandatory, 600+ hour curriculum to graduate. A National Boards exam is also mandatory to pass in order to receive licensure to practice. After two years of attending on a part time basis I graduated in April 2006 and passed the National Boards exam that July.
NUHS offered me the opportunity to work with cadavers, and although a little strange at first, it turned out to be a great experience! Classes such as: Anatomy I and II, Laboratory, and Kinesiology were the main focus with the use of the cadavers and that experience added value to the knowledge gained from those classes. The education I received was something that has been extremely effective both personally and professionally.
Why did you decide to work with a chiropractor rather than in a spa?
Personally, I felt that working with a chiropractor was a more professional choice of environment because of how much Therapeutic Massage compliments Chiropractic care and the overall outcome of wellness provided to the client/patient.
What is your favorite type of massage?
My favorite type of massage is Therapeutic Massage because it incorporates various types of massage to include: Swedish, Therapeutic and Advanced techniques. I also find that Sports Massage is another favored therapy, because it assists many of the athletes that I work with on a regular basis.
What can a client expect when receiving a massage at Watters Creek Chiropractic?
All clients can expect to feel comfortable! Each client is greeted with a warm smile and after an intake form is filled out, it is gone over verbally in a private, closed-door setting. The intake form gives me all the information I need to determine type of massage, pressure, etc. Going over what the client can expect in a session is also extremely important so they are comfortable upfront, and before the massage begins. Asking questions and listening is another key ingredient for comfort prior to a massage. Modesty and respect accompany that comfort and security as well.
Then I explain to clients I use only hypoallergenic massage crème and make suggestions regarding the importance of stretching, level of water intake, etc. in order to help a client who may be experiencing certain levels of pain. However, a LMT, or Licensed Massage Therapists, is NOT A DOCTOR, and therefore, does NOT diagnose. Suggestions are offered and discussed with the doctor, who will then handle it from there.
I truly have a passion for what I do! I feel it was my “calling”, and I feel very fortunate everyday to have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. When a person can walk away from a massage therapy session with me, feeling “relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed”, that’s what it’s all about!
Erin Shrupsha, LMT
Watters Creek Chiropractic
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