Massage therapy benefits through RRCSA’s Health and Dental Plan

By: Katlyn Streilein 

Students feel the pressure of college mentally, physically and financially. That’s why it’s important to catch a break when you can. 

Red River College provides a variety of supports to alleviate stress. Massage therapy is covered through the college’s Students’ Association Health and Dental Plan. 

Veronica Feliz, 39, receives a neck massage from Jason Matthes, 49, of AAA Massage Therapy, inside Notre Dame Campus’ Thrive Week pop-up massage therapy booth on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.

Full-time students are automatically signed up for massage therapy benefits through this plan. 

The package covers 80 percent of massage therapy services from licensed practitioners up to a total cost of $350 per year.

For further savings, students may be eligible to combine the college’s plan with their existing insurance for full coverage. 

Still, many students have yet to take advantage of this portion of the plan. 

Healthy Minds Healthy College Ambassador Veronica Feliz, 39, speaks with Notre Dame Campus students about Thrive Week’s massage therapy pop-up station on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.

“If there was a massage therapist who came in once every two weeks, or however many times a month, it would be really helpful. It would make it more accessible for the students who need it,” said Breanna Roach, a business administration.  

Roach said she’s unsure of which massage therapy clinic she’d go to and said it would be beneficial to have massage therapists on-campus. 

There is currently no on-site massage therapy at the EDC. 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Jason Matthes from AAA Massage Therapy takes appointments at the Notre Dame Campus. 

According to Matthes, 49, on-campus massage therapy is a good way for students to familiarize themselves with the practice. 

Matthes was also on-site at the NDC for the Monday of Thrive Week. 

Thrive Week, which is hosted by the Healthy Minds Healthy College Initiative in conjunction with the RRCSA, takes place at all RRC campuses from Nov. 4 to 9.

Thrive Week creates a space for students and faculty to participate in activities that foster mental and physical wellness. 

Jason Matthes, 49, of AAA Massage Therapy takes a moment in between appointments in the massage therapy office at the Notre Dame Campus on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.

“Massage can relieve mental stress and physical stress,” said Matthes. 

While there was no massage therapy scheduled for Thrive Week at the EDC, there was a diverse line-up of activities for students to participate in.

More information about the massage therapy benefits plan, visit the RRCSA Student Benefits Plan Office webpage.