Careers in Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is one of if the most popular and accepted forms of alternative healing therapy. The benefits of massage therapy are continually being studied and current findings include such health benefits as reduction of chronic back pain, enhancement of overall well-being, and improved healing for injuries.
As the industry continues to grow, massage therapists are now employed to work in gyms, health centers, physical therapy practices, chiropractic clinics, yoga centers, and spas. Depending on your interests-whether you lean more toward healthcare, or relaxation-there are a variety of types of massage to train in. Types of therapies include traditional Swedish massage, deep tissue, sports massage therapy, and Japanese Shiatsu massage. There are even specialized massage therapists that work with the critically ill, emotionally distraught.
To become a Certified Massage Therapist you'll have to attain certification from a massage school. Training can be anywhere from 100 to 3,000 hours depending on the program you choose and how many techniques you choose to learn or specialize in. As a Registered Massage Therapist you are registered with a professional organization that shows your practice is in good standing. You can also choose to become licensed which involves registering with the city or county you practice in to be legally allowed to practice massage therapy.
Since massage therapy is still a growing field that is not subject to the same regulatory standards as mainstream healthcare, it is important to invest in training and education with a reputable school. If you can describe your training, and prove that you have studied massage therapy, it will help foster a relationship of trust between you and your patients. Remember that as a massage therapist, you are providing people with a form of healthcare. Your patients are bound to be nervous and apprehensive, and may even be in pain. It is important to show them that you are well trained and care about helping them feel better.
Below are a list of massage therapy schools to help you get started on finding the massage therapy program that appeals to your interests.
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