Business as usual: a few minutes at the Massage Connection
David Rubin
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Features
Massage therapy has come a long way in recent years, particularly in Wisconsin. Around 1990, after completing her training, Rose looked around for work as a massage therapist, but wellness organizations like spas and chiropractic offices avoided her field like the plague.
The reason? A scandal had recently broken out when authorities discovered that an Appleton massage center was a front for prostitution.
As fallout from this unfortunate debacle, credible massage therapists faced deep-seated prejudices and serious professional challenges. In Rose's words, "It was a huge stigma."
Because no one would hire her, Rose decided to strike out on her own and start the Massage Connection.
The early years were difficult. Rose had to prove her legitimacy and professionalism to municipal business organizations. She had to obtain unreasonably expensive licenses. And her work was limited by rules like a ban on chair massages, which lasted for five years.
Eventually, the state of Wisconsin began regulating the massage therapy field, and the administrative blockades grew less severe. Now, massage is comparatively popular, and its practitioners receive far more professional respect than they used to.
According to Rose, her regulars include stressed students and people coping with chronic health conditions, patients recovering from accidents and people who just want to take charge of their overall wellness. Some of these relationships can be quite lasting. Rose has been seeing some of her most loyal patients for upwards of 15 years.
You probably won't be at Lawrence University for 15 years, but you still have time to take care of yourself and become friends with this friendly and warm establishment. I invite you to consider health and wellness in the midst of this grey winter term, and discover the Massage Connection for yourself.
Kathryn Rose will be coming to campus in mid-March to give a workshop on massage basics, but if you can't wait that long, there are special student discounts, and walk-in appointments are always welcome.
The reason? A scandal had recently broken out when authorities discovered that an Appleton massage center was a front for prostitution.
As fallout from this unfortunate debacle, credible massage therapists faced deep-seated prejudices and serious professional challenges. In Rose's words, "It was a huge stigma."
Because no one would hire her, Rose decided to strike out on her own and start the Massage Connection.
The early years were difficult. Rose had to prove her legitimacy and professionalism to municipal business organizations. She had to obtain unreasonably expensive licenses. And her work was limited by rules like a ban on chair massages, which lasted for five years.
Eventually, the state of Wisconsin began regulating the massage therapy field, and the administrative blockades grew less severe. Now, massage is comparatively popular, and its practitioners receive far more professional respect than they used to.
According to Rose, her regulars include stressed students and people coping with chronic health conditions, patients recovering from accidents and people who just want to take charge of their overall wellness. Some of these relationships can be quite lasting. Rose has been seeing some of her most loyal patients for upwards of 15 years.
You probably won't be at Lawrence University for 15 years, but you still have time to take care of yourself and become friends with this friendly and warm establishment. I invite you to consider health and wellness in the midst of this grey winter term, and discover the Massage Connection for yourself.
Kathryn Rose will be coming to campus in mid-March to give a workshop on massage basics, but if you can't wait that long, there are special student discounts, and walk-in appointments are always welcome.
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