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FAQs about being a Stressbuster


What is the Stressbusters program and who are the Stressbusters?
Stressbusters is a comprehensive and ongoing community health initiative that trains and dispatches teams of students to regularly provide free five-minute backrubs and wellness information at community events, programs and meetings, in residence halls and wherever else the stressed gather--day and night. Stressbusters is both the name of the program and the collective name of the students who provide backrubs as part of the program.

What kind of training will I receive in order to become a Stressbuster?
During a 3-4 hour training workshop led by a Licensed Massage Therapist, you will learn:

  • More about how the Stressbusters program works
  • The basics about stress, muscle tension and relaxation
  • How to provide simple, low-intensity Swedish backrub techniques to a person's shoulders, arms, back and neck
  • Essential communication with backrub recipients
  • Important campus wellness resources and how students can access them
  • Strategies for successful backrubs and Stressbusters events

Advanced training to learn more backrub and other stress reduction exercises will be offered each semester to Stressbusters.

Are Stressbusters paid?
No. Stressbusters are community service volunteers, and your training will in no way qualify you to provide services akin to what a Licensed Massage Therapist, Physical Therapist or credentialed chiropractor offers for a fee. However, the non-monetary benefits are many including:

  • Learning effective backrub and other stress reduction techniques
  • Meeting and working with other students committed to helping people be healthier
  • Getting experience working on a high-profile healthcare initiative
  • Becoming a knowledgeable resource on health services and other NYU resources
  • Providing a valuable and wildly appreciated community service
  • Making a huge difference in someone's day
  • Having a good time, making friends and relaxing

What's the time requirement for being a Stressbuster?
It's minimal. In addition to the training, participation in at least five events each semester is required. Since the average event is 60-90 minutes in duration, your total minimum time commitment to the program will be approximately 5-10 hours per semester. Many Stressbusters choose to (and are welcome to) give more time to the program.

Do I have to wear a uniform?
Just a great-looking t-shirt with the Stressbusters logo on it. We give each Stressbuster her or his own shirt after successful completion of training and acceptance into the program.

Where are Stressbusters events held and will I ever be the only Stressbuster at an event?
You will never rub alone; you will always be with other Stressbusters, providing backrubs in public spaces. Some examples of Stressbusters event locations and occasions at other schools have included the main library's mezzanine every Wednesday, residence hall lounges for study breaks, health service waiting areas, the quad during student activities day, the student center and in classroom buildings during midterms.

Do these backrubs make any difference for people?
Yes. According to a 2004 University of Illinois analysis of 37 studies on the effects of massage, brief one-time backrubs of the type provided by Stressbusters reduced anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. The same review found that short backrubs over time reduced these same psychological and physical states as well as depression and pain. The study also revealed that individuals with limited training could provide backrubs that produce beneficial results. In addition, Stressbusters can provide backrub recipients with information about other important wellness resources on campus.

It seems like it might be weird to give or get a backrub in public. Is this true?
It can seem strange, but most concerned first-time Stressbusters and backrub recipients say that once you try it, those apprehensions disappear. The popularity of Stressbusters events combined with the great appreciation that most backrub recipients express, tend to override the natural concern you raised.

As a Stressbuster, will I be required to follow a specific backrub procedure?
You can only touch muscle groups in a person's shoulders, arms, back and neck. You will be taught a variety of skills for providing Stressbusters backrubs including proper touching techniques, pressure, pacing, and order. In addition, Stressbusters always need to get permission from backrub recipients before touching them, and must give a brief explanation of the backrub procedure.