The medical benefits of massage therapy date back to 400 B.C. and are well documented by the Greek physician, Hippocrates.
Massage therapy is used to treat painful ailments, reduce stress, rehabilitate sports injuries and promote general well being.
There are 80 different types of massage, called modalities, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure, sports massage and neuromuscular massage, to name just a few.
Most massage therapists specialize in several modalities. Massages can range from five minutes to two hours.
Given the highly personal nature of massage, it is critical for massage therapists to develop a rapport and trusting, empathetic relationship with their clients. Developing a loyal clientele is a key success factor to realizing high earnings.
Career opportunities for Massage Therapists include:
Massage therapy is a physically demanding career. Massage therapists are vulnerable to repetitive motion problems and fatigue from standing which can be mitigated by use of good massage technique and the proper spacing between clients.
Therapists who work 15-30 hours per week consider themselves full time. The training standards and requirements vary greatly from state to state, so it’s best to check into licensing, certification and accreditation by state.
Typical curriculum includes:
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Anatomy
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Physiology
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Study of organs and tissues
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Kinesiology (study of motion and body mechanics)
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Business and ethics
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Hands-on practice of massage techniques
Career opportunities are very good as a result of the growing acceptance by medical providers and the insurance industry and the public’s increased interest in alternative and holistic medicine.
Massage Therapists find employment in salons and spas, offices of physicians and chiropractors, fitness centers and hotels.
Earnings vary dramatically from city to city and state to state, to get an idea of what you could earn as a Massage Therapist, contact one of our featured schools or Massage Therapists in your area.
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