The interest in the benefits of massage therapy is causing increased demand for qualified massage therapists. Jobs in the field of massage therapy are expected to increase between 18 to 26 percent by the year 2014. These numbers reflect a faster than normal increase for a job category, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Massage therapy is enjoying increased acceptance among both holistic and mainstream medicine as a therapeutic agent in treatment. Younger Americans are enjoying the benefits of massage therapy as a stress relief tool while older Americans are finding out about the gains that can be achieved when massage therapy is employed as an agent for the relief of pain from bone, joint, and arthritic conditions. Insurance companies have also come to accept the benefits of massage therapy with more and more plans covering the costs of such services.
Massage Therapy Classes
Education for massage therapy careers is widely available as there are in excess of 1,300 training programs in the United States in the form of post secondary schools, college programs, distance education programs, and other types of training venues. After finding and enrolling in the right kind of massage therapy training program, students will study massage theory, anatomy, physiology, and other subjects that detail the functioning of the human body. It is vitally important that the massage therapy student understand how the muscles, nerves, and other body systems function and how they relate to each other.
The theory of massage therapy teaches the student about the various types of massage modalities, the techniques involved in each form, and how the techniques are utilized. The techniques are varied and range from techniques that focus on specific body areas to other approaches that view the body holistically and attempt to treat the entire organism, both mentally and physically.
Possibilities for a Massage Therapy Career
Most massage therapists are self-employed and own their own practice. Some have their own offices in which they practice and still others will take their equipment and services to the individual’s home or place of employment. Other massage therapists become employees, working at spas, motels and resorts, health clubs, or medical offices and sports facilities. Another option for the massage therapist taking this approach is to be an independent contractor who offers their services to these facilities for hire.
The changing face of America’s population is likely to increase the demand for massage therapists as baby boomers age and the elderly population increases. Businesses have begun to offer on-site massage as part of their benefit and health and wellness programs and as a means to reduce job stress and increase productivity.
The outlook is bright for those desiring to enter the field of massage therapy and for those who are already actively employed. Massage therapists enjoy great flexibility and and the means in which to operate independently. Income levels in the profession are fair and enjoying steady growth. The social aspects of this career are also excellent for those who enjoy interacting with and helping people. Enrollment in massage schools is increasing and there are plenty of educational openings for ambitious persons looking to enter the profession.
Resources
"Massage Therapists." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 15 Oct. 2009 <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos295
