Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 24, 2007

HAY RIVER - When people think of physically tough jobs, perhaps mining or construction work may come to mind.

However, Sheila Haire says her job as a registered massage therapist is very physically demanding.

Registered massage therapist Sheila Haire sees clients at her in-home studio and also performs mobile massages. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

In fact, Haire, who owns Free Spirit Energies in Hay River, explained massage therapy is both physically and mentally challenging.

"In school, they told us most therapists last three to five years," she noted.

Many massage therapists simply burn out by giving too many massages.

However, Haire avidly works out and takes breaks from her job.

"Otherwise, your body will wear out," she said.

The work is especially tough on the hands while performing deep tissue massages.

Haire said she once saw as many as 11 clients a day, but found that was too many. "Now I stick to about six clients a day."

Fewer clients also mean better service, she said. "You're a whole being when you come and see me."

Haire has been a registered massage therapist since 2001, first in Yellowknife and for the past year in Hay River.

She trained in Edmonton for two years and in Calgary for one year.

"The more training you have the better able you are to assess people," she noted. However, a massage therapist can practise in the NWT with just a one-year course.

Haire noted massage therapists have to keep doing upgrading courses or lose registration.

"I'm happy to keep learning," she said, adding she travels to Alberta at least once a year for courses.

She cautioned some people have a misconception that they will get rich as a massage therapist. "That's not going to happen," she said.