Masseur has hands-on approach to Olympics.STAN Grod, owner of Massage Masters Therapeutic Day Spa A day spa is a business establishment which people visit for personal care treatments such as massages and facials. It is similar to a beauty salon in that it is only visited for the duration of the treatment. in Sherman Oaks, said he started out in physical therapy but found his passion in the art of massage. His career choice eventually led to his being selected for an elite team of massage therapists treating athletes during the Olympic Games Olympic games, premier athletic meeting of ancient Greece, and, in modern times, series of international sports contests. The Olympics of Ancient Greece Although records cannot verify games earlier than 776 B.C. . Grod discussed his career after returning from Athens. "I've had an interest in physical therapy since junior high school. There was a career day and it was just something that interested me. I started doing physical therapy and massage in 1971, and I realized massage is what I was supposed to be doing, so I followed that avenue. "Sports Connection needed someone to run the massage department so I rented the space and got staff. It was a business inside a business. As they grew so did I. It started out with a Santa Monica Santa Monica (săn`tə mŏn`ĭkə), city (1990 pop. 86,905), Los Angeles co., S Calif., on Santa Monica Bay; inc. 1886. Tourism and retailing are important, and the city has motion-picture, biotechnology, and software industries. location, then West Hollywood West Hollywood A community of southern California northeast of Beverly Hills. It is mainly residential. Population: 36,600. then Encino, then I branched out to other health clubs and country clubs. Sports Connection ended up selling to 24 Hour Fitness. I'm still with 24 Hour Fitness at the West Hollywood location. Also, I'm still in Sherman Oaks. I have 55 employees and gross $1.4 million annually. "It's $41 for a half-hour massage and $69 for an hour, which is the most popular massage. Customers check in, and then determine what type of treatment they would like, from facials to a full day of living in the spa. "We have men and women's locker rooms and they both have showers and steam rooms, and we have all the toiletries toi·let·ry n. pl. toi·let·ries An article, such as toothpaste or a hairbrush, used in personal grooming or dressing. toiletries npl → artículos mpl de aseo (= , like robes robe n. 1. A long loose flowing outer garment, especially: a. An official garment worn on formal occasions to show office or rank, as by a judge or high church official. b. An academic gown. c. and slippers and heated pillows and hot pads for your back and foot-scrub for feet. We can take care of nine people at the same time. "It's a good business. It's a lot of hard work. I've been doing it for over 33 years and it's come a very long way. Now, there are benefits like 401(k) plans and health insurance for massage therapists. You don't have to be a fanatic or any particular body type to be a therapist. We have one therapist who is 4-foot-10 and she gives an incredible deep treatment. "I did the Olympics in 1984. They were limited to choosing 100 massage therapists from around the world to be on the international sports massage sports massage Sports medicine A Western massage that addresses specific needs of athletes Components Swedish massage, cross-fiber friction massage, deep compression massage, trigger point therapy Timing During training, before or after events, to enhance team. I was able to be one of the team leaders. I think there were massage therapists from roughly 14 countries working with the athletes. It's great to work with the athletes. They are very appreciative." |
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