Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Massage Therapy Experts in Decatur, AL
Since 1993, Massage Therapy Institute has been dedicated to providing quality alternative healthcare through massage therapy. Our approach combines the healing properties of touch with applied therapeutic techniques to promote relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being. We believe in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment, and our services are designed to unlock the body's innate ability to self-heal. Our clinic offers treatments from licensed professionals and students, while our school has trained massage therapists since 1994. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, we emphasize academic excellence, professional training, and practical application.Our team's decades of combined experience in therapeutic massage, myofascial release, and specialized techniques ensures both clients and students receive comprehensive care and education. We maintain strict adherence to professional ethics and state regulations, holding license #S-107 from the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy. Our commitment to community wellness is reflected in affordable pricing options and on-site massage services for local businesses of all sizes.
Services
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Prenatal Massage
Hot Stone Therapy
Cupping Therapy
Chair Massage
Manual Lymph Drainage
Equine Massage
Myofascial Release
Sports Massage
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes with personalized instruction from experienced licensed therapists
- Our team includes Alabama's first Licensed Equine Massage Therapist with 20+ years experience
- We provide in-house financing options for massage therapy education programs
- Licensed therapists offer specialized treatments including myofascial release and medical massage
- We serve local businesses with on-site massage services for employees
Associations and certifications
- Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
What people say
Great experience
Very professional
Best nights sleep
Huge benefit
Rejuvenated feeling
Services
Swedish Massage
Our Swedish massage combines long gliding strokes with kneading techniques to promote deep relaxation and improved circulation. This foundational therapy helps reduce muscle tension while enhancing overall well-being through rhythmic movements tailored to individual needs. Ideal for stress relief and general wellness maintenance.
Deep Tissue Massage
Targeting deeper muscle layers, our deep tissue massage addresses chronic pain and muscle restrictions through focused pressure techniques. Therapists work with clients to release tension patterns caused by injury, posture issues, or repetitive strain, promoting long-term pain relief and improved mobility through targeted myofascial work.
Prenatal Massage
Specially adapted for expectant mothers, prenatal massage addresses pregnancy-related discomforts through safe positioning and modified techniques. This therapy helps alleviate back pain, reduce swelling, and promote relaxation while supporting healthy circulation for both mother and baby throughout all trimesters.
Equine Massage Therapy
Developed by Alabama's first licensed equine massage therapist, this specialized service improves equine performance through targeted muscle work. Techniques address muscle stiffness, enhance circulation, and prevent injuries in horses through comprehensive assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal patterns.
Chair Massage
Our chair massage provides convenient stress relief in workplace or event settings through focused upper body work. This 15-30 minute session targets neck, shoulder, and back tension using specialized equipment that allows clients to remain fully clothed during the quick, effective treatment.
People
Larry C. Friedrichs
Director/Owner
With over 30 years of experience, Larry Friedrichs is Alabama's first licensed equine massage therapist. He holds multiple certifications including myofascial release and medical massage while directing the institute since 1994.
Beth Renee Friedrichs
Administrator/Owner
A registered nurse and licensed massage therapist since 2015, Beth brings clinical expertise to the institute. Her dual background in healthcare and massage therapy enhances both client care and student instruction at the Decatur facility.
Jessica Handley
Licensed Massage Therapist
Licensed massage therapist Jessica Handley provides therapeutic treatments while contributing to the institute's training programs. She maintains current certifications and participates in continuing education to enhance client care and instructional quality.
Amber Delean Holmes
Licensed Massage Therapist
Therapist Amber Delean Holmes delivers customized massage treatments using evidence-based techniques. She stays current with industry developments through regular participation in professional development programs and continuing education workshops.
Heather Woods
Licensed Massage Therapist
Licensed practitioner Heather Woods offers therapeutic massage services while supporting the institute's educational mission. She maintains active participation in professional associations and continuing education programs to ensure treatment excellence.
Questions
What massage services do you offer?
We provide Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, hot stone, cupping, chair, and manual lymph drainage massages from licensed therapists, plus student sessions at reduced rates.
Do you offer financing for massage therapy education?
Yes, we provide in-house financing options for our 650-hour massage therapy certification program with flexible payment arrangements available.
Are student massage sessions available?
Yes, student sessions are offered at reduced prices with supervision from licensed instructors, though therapeutic outcomes may vary due to training status.
Do you provide equine massage therapy?
Yes, we offer specialized equine massage services performed by Alabama's first licensed equine massage therapist with over 20 years of experience.
What are your clinic hours?
Our clinic operates Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM, Saturdays 9AM-4PM, and is closed Sundays and major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Do you offer continuing education courses?
Yes, we provide approved continuing education workshops including facial massage certification and equine therapy programs for licensed professionals.
