New massage therapist looks to expand clientele

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
MASSAGE THERAPY — Aaron Bither demonstrates how a deep tissue massage can benefit the flow of blood throughout the body on a client Friday. Bither has opened his own massage therapy business on Smyrna Street.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    A Smyrna Street business is looking to grow its clientele. Aaron Bither, a licensed massage therapist, operates AJB Massage Therapy on 17 Smyrna St., Houlton.   
    Bither graduated from the U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, Colo. in August of 2010. But, massage therapy is only a part of his career choice.
    “I’ve gone to school for youth pastor, sports management and now psychology,” Bither said. “I am in my final year of getting my psychology degree through Liberty University.”
    Bither’s interest in massage therapy started with his father, Steve Bither, a local electrician. The elder Bither works with his hands, shoulders and back as a self-employed electrician. The younger Bither would apply a massage to help soothe his father’s sore muscles.
    “I helped my dad when he was hurting from work,” said Bither. “I have always wanted to do massages. I did massages at Bethany Bible School and people said I was good at it so I kept doing more and more of it. I found an opportunity to go to Colorado to get my license and I went for it.”
    Bither went through intense training, learning the muscle groups from head to toe, literally.
    “We learned Swedish massage, which is a regular relaxation massage and then deep tissue massaging,” he explained. “The deep tissue massage is a way to get a better feel into the muscles.”
    While in Colorado, he also explored aroma- and hydrotherapies, along with a bit of acupressure.
    “We did learn a lot about hot stones,” Bither added. “So, I am offering that as well.”
    The hot stones are an added benefit to massage, said Bither.
    The stones are heated in what is essentially like a crock pot. He dries the stones and sets them on the person in certain areas. The heat will help to relax the muscles and loosen them up, while he works on other parts of the body.
    “For me, a key spot for hot stones  is on the back,” he said, “as I massage with other hot stones on the arms just to loosen up and get those muscles a lot better.”
    Bither’s shop is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and he is available by appointment, as well. Cost is $25 for a half hour; $45 for an hour and $70 for an hour and a half hot stone massage.
    Passing through an entryway, people are greeted at the door. His shop consists of one large room with a table, along with a cozy atmosphere of soothing music and reading material.
    Bither is willing to do massages on anyone, but if the age is below 18, he needs parental permission. If someone has been in accident, he requires a doctor’s release for full medical clearance. He is willing to do sports massages to help with injuries or to better prepare someone for a sports activity.
    “Massage is not just for relaxing,” he explained. “Relaxation is a benefit from it. But, it also helps in getting the body well for better performance.”
    Bither keeps his own body fit by performing his own massage on his own hands and arms or visiting another therapist.
    “I do a lot of stretching with different squeeze balls to strengthen muscles,” he added.
    One of Bither’s toughest days was getting a hockey team ready to play.
    “I worked on their backs and legs,” he said. “I had 10 people in a row for a half hour each. That was a little bit brutal.”
    Though many think that massage is a luxury, Bither wants them to realize the importance of a good massage.
    “It’s really up there as one of the best medicines you can do to help your body and to stay healthy,” he said. “Massaging can help with many ailments.”
    Bither admits his business is a bit slow right now.
    “I had one big day working at Smith and Wesson during a Health and Wellness Day,” he said. “I am open to participating in those, as well as going out to businesses and taking my [massage] chair.”
    Bither is reluctant to make home visits, which would be done only on an as-needed basis.
    Upon graduation this summer, Bither would like to pursue a career as a school counselor, with the massage therapy business on the side.
    “I just like being able to help anyone I can” he said. “It is knowing that I can help relieve pain and make life a little bit easier for someone.”
    To set up an appointment with Bither call 538-1071.