Lydia Emery changes career, life thanks to RLC Therapeutic Massage program

INA, Ill. (June 18, 2015) - It was her first massage from a Rend Lake College Therapeutic Massage graduate that turned Lydia Emery’s dream of going back to school into a reality. In her own words, “the choice was made” after the appointment and she hasn’t looked back since.

The Mt. Vernon native says she was working full-time away from her family when she received her first massage. She had been thinking about going back to school, but didn’t have an idea about her future career path.

Emery said she was working a 2-to-10 shift at a local industry and, while thankful for the job, did not like being away from her children. “The fact that I couldn’t choose my own hours got me interested in going back to school,” said Emery. “I didn’t know anything about the Therapeutic Massage program until I received my first massage and thought it was amazing. The therapist came from Rend Lake, so I looked into it on their advice.”

"Now I can create my own schedule and still provide a living for my family. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done."
 - Lydia Emery, RLC Therapeutic Massage alum

Emery added going back to school to take her career into her own hands, both literally and physically, was perfect for her situation and her family.

“The week I called about the program, I got in for the testing and the rest is history,” said Emery. “Now I can create my own schedule and still provide a living for my family. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

The one-year occupational certificate requires 29 credit hours of work in two semesters. Led by Mike Adamson, RLC Therapeutic Massage Professor, students learn all about relaxation, health improvement, and pain relief in the new Therapeutic Massage Laboratory and Training Facility on the Ina campus.

“Mike Adamson was a great resource for me in the program because he’s also a registered nurse, so he is very educated in anatomy. That knowledge was something he incorporated into every class we had,” said Emery. “He’s also local and available if I ever need something. For instance, I called him recently with a client issue and I knew he would get back to me with his suggestions. He’s still accessible and that’s wonderful.”

Emery is now the owner of Stress Knot Massage in Mt. Vernon, located at 2020 Broadway. She employs two front desk staff and five other therapists who are all required to complete continuing education courses regularly to renew their state licenses every two years.

“My goal in opening Stress Knot Massage was to create a place that is client-focused and therapist-friendly,” said Emery. “We have five very nice treatment rooms and I want to extend the hours by hiring more therapists in the future. Right now, we’re open 9 to 6 every day except Sunday. It is also my goal to increase our workplace wellness program, by doing things such as taking chairs and tables to corporate events and health fairs. In Mt. Vernon, there’s only one spa and it employs less than we do, so I want to keep growing in every way I can.”

On the side, Emery maintains her own massage schedule and effectively practices what she preaches to her clients: massages are an asset to being productive both personally and professionally.

“I love to do it, but I also love receiving massages,” said Emery. “I feel like the best version of me and can accomplish more if I stay on my massage schedule. Massages are for everyone of all ages and all walks of life.”

She added, “It’s hard to find someone who wouldn’t benefit from a good massage. We have clients who come in once a week and some who come in once a month. I always recommend massages, even if you’re healthy. When my clients come in, I want them to think about massages as an investment into their well-being.”

To learn more about Stress Knot Massage, call 618-246-9494 or visit 2020 Broadway. They also have a website, www.StressKnotMassage.com, and a Stress Knot Massage Facebook page.

The RLC Therapeutic Massage program is enrolling now for the Fall 2015 semester. The full-time program only takes one year, or two semesters, to complete and graduates could be in the growing workforce by next year. According to the U. S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for massage therapists are expected to grow by 23 percent, much faster than average, with 30,000 new jobs by 2022. Median pay for a massage therapist is $35,970.

Adamson explained that therapeutic massage is more than a good back massage; it’s an industry that has grown through education, research, and regulation.

“Massage therapy is the application of therapeutic and nurturing touch, which are essential for maintaining health in the mind, body, and spirit,” said Adamson. “Historically, massages have been looked at as a luxury, but increasingly, more people see massages as beneficial to their overall health and wellness. Massage therapy is one of the fastest-growing professions.”

RLC students will complete 600 contact hours and will be prepared to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination before applying for state licensure. Topics in the program include anatomy and physiology, pathology, business and ethics, and massage theory and techniques.

The BLS further states massage therapists work in an array of locations in both the private and public setting, including physician’s offices, spas, hospitals, and fitness centers.

To learn more about RLC’s Therapeutic Massage program, contact Mike Adamson at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1274.