Massage Therapy Career Guide |
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Massage therapy encompasses many unique styles of therapeutic touch based therapies. The techniques of each style may differ greatly but all work to create relief in patients by relaxing the mind, relieving the nervous system, easing muscle tension, and correcting structural imbalances. Some styles may be more gentle, relaxing, and energetic based, while others can be more intense, emphasizing proper structural alignment. Also, the idea of “bodywork” is often considered as the more medically minded spectrum of massage therapy. |
History:
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Massage has been around since the dawn of mankind. Ancient peoples used massage to rid the body of pain and the first documented use of massage occurred in China at around 3,000 B.C. Chinese medical practitioners have been using the principles of massage ever since. Native Americans traditionally used massage to treat problems, and they found it particularly useful to massage their warriors both before and after battle. Prenatal massage was invented as women discovered that massage eased labor pains. Infant massage found its beginnings soon after, as people discovered that it cured colic. Moving forward in time, Hippocrates found massage useful, as did many other Greek and Roman notables in the first century A.D. These healing techniques also evolved in European settings resulting in styles like Traditional Swedish Massage.Nearly two thousand years later, massage is found in nearly every country, with new styles constantly evolving from ancient traditions.
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Treatment:
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Visiting a massage therapist starts out with a face-to-face meeting, where the client and therapist discuss any areas of pain or discomfort. Clients may have to fill out an intake form, where they will record any current or previous medical conditions. If there are particularly sensitive spots, the client will tell the therapist so that they can be addressed properly. Some styles of massage are performed with clients fully clothed while others may require clients to be draped in sheets. If necessary, clients should guide therapists concerning proper levels of pressure anytime during the session. Massage sessions usually last between 30-90 minutes, and the number of sessions needed ultimately depends on the client’s condition and how they respond to the treatment. |
| Conditions Treated: |
- AnxietyArthritis Carpal Tunnel SyndromeChronic Pain DepressionStress and TensionMuscle SorenessMuscular SpasmsOsteo-arthritisProblems with posture Sports Injury
- Whiplash
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| Benefits: |
- Improves blood circulationHelps regulate proper muscle movementImproves posture Loosens musclesReduces myofascial restrictionsReleases body toxins
- Releases pain-causing tension
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Side Effects/Contra-Indications:
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- Clients may experience some soreness during or after a massage.Clients on aspirin therapy should watch for easy bruising.Pregnant women should seek specialized care, since their ligaments are loose and easily damaged.Those who have deep vein thrombosis should not have a massage because the clot could be dislodged and move to the heart, lungs or brain.Open sores and wounds should be avoided during massage.
- Those suffering from debilitating illness should consult their doctor before seeking massage.
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Education/Schools
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Massage therapy also has the widest variety of educational choices. Most massage schools require students to complete 500 or more hours of class work, plus pass a comprehensive exam and complete some practical work. This will make them eligible for licensing exams whether local or national. Various styles of massage can be learned to satisfy continuing education credits.
Degree/License offered: Certified Massage Therapist/ Licensed Massage Therapist.
Length of study: 6mo-2 years. Courses needed for licensing requirements can be completed in as little as six months. However, programs can vary in scope and some comprehensive can take up to two years to master various styles of massage.
Cost/Financial Aid: Students should be prepared to pay $2,000 and up to complete an education leading to massage therapy or acupressure.
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Practitioner Training & Licensure
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Most states have some regulating system for Massage Therapy, whether students must be licensed or certified. Many “Body-workers” are generally licensed as massage therapists, with specialist distinction in their particular style of bodywork. Massage school graduates are also eligible for national licensing though local licensing may still be required in many regions. |
Average Salary/Hourly Rate
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Average income differs depending on each massage therapists, their credentials, experience, hourly rate, or wage. In average terms, massage therapists can make anywhere from $25,000-$100,000 per year. This does not include money that can be made through hosting workshops, running a school, selling books or freelancing on the side.
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