Therabody, Inc. donates $50,000 in massage therapy devices to Indiana State University’s massage therapy program

Indiana State University’s Advanced Myoskeletal Massage Program has received a gift of 124 Theragun Elites from Therabody, Inc. These are a type of ultra-quiet, smart percussive therapy device. The company’s total gift is valued at $50,000.

The Theragun Elite is a ‘massage gun’ that is used to apply targeted pressure to muscles and pressure points. These treatments can relieve pain, reduce tightness and improve muscle mobility and function, according to Therabody’s website, therabody.com.     

“We want to support education,” Therabody Founder and CEO Dr. Jason Wersland said. “We want to support the students and faculty whose goal is to help other people live happier lives. I first met ISU professor Tiffany Idlewine at APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) in New Orleans a few years ago, and I offered to come and teach her students about percussive therapy.

“That's how the relationship started, but Indiana State has been so welcoming and open to us at Therabody,” Wersland continued. “Seeing firsthand the energy the instructors put into their program and students made it very easy to have Indiana State University at the top of our list for this donation. We know these devices will be applied in an amazing way.”

Indiana State is the only university in the United States to offer Massage Therapy as an undergraduate minor. The 124 Theragun Elites will be used in advanced massage therapy courses, with each student integrating the tool into patient treatment following assessment.

“Theragun provides a different kind of sensory input to the body's nervous system. This allows our massage therapy students to regulate their clients’ nervous responses and maximize the effectiveness of the massage treatments,” explained Charlie Peebles, Massage Therapy Coordinator and Program Instructor at Indiana State. “We thank Dr. Jason Wersland for making these devices available to students in our program.”

The devices have been delivered and will be ready for student use in Fall 2022. 

“Our MT courses/labs are at capacity with students who want to make a difference as future healthcare providers,” said Dr. John Pommier, Chair of the Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation at Indiana State. “This contribution will enable Indiana State’s massage therapy students to advance their skills and knowledge using state-of-the-art therapy technology.” 

Learn more about the Myoskeletal Massage Program at Indiana State.