What do the words “massage therapy” suggest to you? Perhaps you imagine a sun-splashed California resort with tanned starlets getting rubdowns from hunky guys. Maybe you think of battered athletes receiving therapeutic massage from their trainers in the locker room. Or, tired executives getting rejuvenated at a day spa in the corporate headquarters.
Massage therapy is all of these and more. Since ancient times, people have used massage therapy to relax tired and overworked muscles, reduce stress, treat sports injuries, and feel better. Lasting benefits of massage therapy include improved circulation and the elimination of waste products from muscles. Many people have a massage therapist who they see on a regular basis.
There are over 80 different types, or modalities, of massage. These modalities include Swedish massage, Shiatsu, reflexology, neuromuscular massage, sports massage, and many more. Each one is different—for example, Shiatsu massage, also called acupressure, is a finger-pressure technique that unblocks energy flow in the body.
Reflexology is the use of pressure applied to the feet in order to influence other parts of the body and the internal organs. Aromatherapy uses scented oils to enhance the massage experience. Most professional massage therapists know and use more than one modality.
Massage therapists work in a wide variety of settings, including private practices, sports medicine facilities, corporations, cruise ships, day spas, and fitness centers. Many massage therapists make house calls, or travel to serve their clients. While many work on a regular schedule, this is a career with a high degree of flexibility.
What are the career prospects for massage therapists? According to the U.S. government, “employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 20 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations. Employment will grow as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy.”* That’s good news! Opportunities in this dynamic field may be growing faster than average, which is a great reason to consider massage therapy as a career option.
How do you enter this growing career area? Not just anyone can be a professional massage therapist. Most states and the District of Columbia have laws regulating massage therapy. Many states require that massage therapists pass the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). The exam is administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), and there are several eligibility requirements. In some states, candidates must have completed a state-approved training course, or demonstrate training experience.
If you want to prepare for a career as a massage therapist, getting the right training can be a big help. Education-For-Careers provides access to many licensed massage therapy schools. Their programs often cover subjects such as the study of organs and tissues, physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, business, ethics, and the study of motion and body mechanics. Of course, most also provide students with experience in the hands-on practice of massage techniques.
Massage therapy is a growing career field that is perfect for someone who enjoys working with people and helping them feel better. Check out the opportunities, and sooner than you think you may feel better about your career!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Massage Therapists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos295.htm (visited January 24, 2008).
