Careers in Massage Therapy
Education
Before you jump on the massage bandwagon, it is essential that you acquire the skills and training necessary for the field. Achieving fast growing careers in massage therapy takes time, willingness to apply your self, and the desire to help others in healing.
It's also a good idea to review the massage school in which you'd like to enroll. While there are a number of technical colleges that provide massage therapy training, there are also many qualified massage schools that provide excellent massage curricula.
Careers in massage therapy vary, so it's critical to determine what your professional goals are before you apply to the school of your choice. For example, if you would like to become nationally certified, you must locate a massage school that provides 500+ hours training in massage therapy. In addition to general anatomy and physiology, typical massage programs entail modalities like deep tissue, Swedish and sports massage. Note, however, that more advanced somatic programs may offer diverse techniques such as acupressure, medical massage, infant/prenatal massage, and Trigger Point, among others.
Professional Atmospheres
Unlike other healthcare professions, massage therapists have a broader scope of working environments from which to choose. Were you aware that careers in massage therapy can lead you aboard cruise ships, beautiful retreats, and at sporting arenas? Traditional work settings like hospitals, physical therapy clinics, and nursing homes commonly have positions for licensed bodyworkers; however, professional massage therapists have the option to work in spas, massage clinics, and fitness centers, among others.
Like the idea of being self-employed? Then careers in massage therapy can lead to successful entrepreneurialships, where you can reap the rewards of setting your own hours and becoming your own boss. In 2006, roughly 60 percent of massage therapists were self-employed.
Due to the increasing interest in natural and alternative health modalities like massage and holistic health, chances are that careers in massage therapy will continue to grow to meet consumer demands.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other bodywork programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in massage therapy near you.
*Source - BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Careers in Massage Therapy
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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Careers in Massage Therapy, Massage Schools, and other Healing Arts programs.
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Massage Therapy - Feels Good
One of the simplest benefits of massage therapy is its ability to evoke relaxation and relieve stress. Individuals who are fatigued, anxious or emotionally distressed can receive tremendous relief at the hands of even the most inexperienced massage therapist. The use of massage oils, creams or lotions can contribute to the relaxing benefits of massage therapy. Such products allow the massage therapists hands to move more freely across the skin, and in many cases contain medicinal ingredients that are absorbed into the skin. The pleasant scents of certain massage oils often add to the relaxing nature of the experience. We offer a full line of Biotone massage oils and creams, scented and unscented, which can significantly contribute to the benefits of massage therapy.
Another benefit of massage therapy is its ability to ease tension, stiffness and pain. When muscles become overworked, certain harmful waste products such as lactic acid may accumulate in the muscles and cause soreness. Massage therapy stimulates the muscles through direct pressure, improving circulation and thereby facilitating the elimination of these waste products.
Massage therapy benefits the lymphatic system as well. Massage therapy, by stimulating lymph nodes, boosts the circulatory and immune systems. This benefits blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion and even skin tone. By bringing fresh oxygen to various tissues of the muscle, skin and in some cases the organ, massage therapy benefits and contributes to the overall health of a patient.
The benefits of massage therapy include a psychological aspect as well. Human touch offers a sense of caring that no other form of expression can equal. By contributing to an overall sense of happiness and well-being, both the psychological and physical health of a massage patient are benefited.
While one can certainly gain results from a single session, the more profound benefits of massage therapy appear after a patient undergoes regular sessions over an extended period of time. Ideally, one should receive massage therapy every single day for the duration of one's life! However, few people can afford this intensity of care. But dont dispaire. Currently, there is a large number of massage therapy products available over-the-counter that allow you to self-administer certain techniques. The Theracane, for example, allows you to deeply massage virtually every part of your back with gentle, relaxed motions. Other examples include sophisticated motorized devices, such as the Pro Power massager, which offers a deep penetrating, therapeutic massage in a lightweight portable package. It is always wise to seek out advice from a licensed massage therapist or chiropractor before committing to a massage therapy product or procedure.
Learn more about other physical rehabilitation therapies or read more about massage therapy.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/massage-therapy--feels-good--288261.html
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