Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Massage Therapy School in New Jersey
The Institute For Therapeutic Massage - Newark Massage was founded in 1994 with a mission to prepare students for successful careers in massage therapy and wellness. As a COMTA-accredited institution, we pioneered hospital-based training programs and offered comprehensive curricula including Swedish, medical, and East-West massage techniques. Our low student-to-faculty ratio ensured personalized instruction, while our commitment to hands-on learning distinguished us in the industry. We proudly trained thousands of professionals over 28 years before closing in 2022, leaving a legacy of excellence in therapeutic massage education. 
Services
Massage and Bodywork Program
Massage Therapy and Personal Training Program
East-West Massage Program
Oncology Massage Certification Program
Clinical Massage Therapy Program
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 28 years of experience training massage therapy professionals
- COMTA-accredited programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- Hospital-based clinical training partnerships with medical institutions
- Low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized instruction
- Hands-on learning approach with real-world applications
Associations and certifications
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
Services
Massage and Bodywork Program
Our foundational program taught Swedish, medical, and therapeutic massage techniques. Students gained hands-on experience through clinical practice and learned essential skills for professional massage therapy careers in healthcare and wellness settings.
Massage Therapy and Personal Training Program
This integrated program combined massage therapy with personal training education. Graduates became cross-trained wellness professionals equipped to address both physical rehabilitation and fitness needs in diverse healthcare environments.
Oncology Massage Certification Program
Specialized training in safe, effective massage techniques for cancer patients. The program emphasized modified protocols and evidence-based practices to address oncology-related conditions in clinical settings.
Clinical Massage Therapy Program
Hospital-based training for experienced therapists. Focused on medically integrated massage applications, working alongside healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care in active medical environments.
Continuing Education Classes
Over 35 CEU courses for licensed therapists. Topics included advanced techniques, specialty modalities, and practice management to maintain certification and enhance professional skills.
People
Lisa Helbig
Founder
Lisa Helbig, LMT founded the Institute For Therapeutic Massage - Newark Massage in 1994. She established COMTA-accredited programs and developed hospital partnerships to advance massage therapy education in New Jersey.
Questions
Why did ITM close its doors?
After 28 years of operation, ITM closed in fall 2022 due to difficult business decisions that made continued operation unsustainable.
Are CEU programs still available?
Former ITM staff now offer continuing education through Trinity Wellness Studio for massage professionals seeking CEUs.
What made ITM unique in massage education?
ITM emphasized hands-on learning with low student-to-faculty ratios and pioneered hospital-based clinical training programs in medical massage therapy.
Was ITM nationally accredited?
Yes, ITM received COMTA accreditation in 2001, the only specialized massage therapy accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
