Many people are finding out that now is the best time to become a massage therapist due to the fact that so many people are switching over to alternative health care methods. Massage therapy has grown rapidly over the years. In fact, massage therapy has been accepted as a great healing method and is used in popular settings such as hospitals, clinics, and spas. This is what is making massage therapy one of the most demanding fields when it comes to workers.
If you are interested in becoming a massage therapist you are going to have to go to School To Get Massage Therapy Training and to also learn the basic things that you need to know to succeed in the field. Many massage therapists choose to attend a post-secondary education program that lasts for at least 500 hours. To find out what you will need to do exactly you will need to contact the schools in your state. Many states require that anyone who is practicing massage therapy have a license or certificate.
Qualities You’ll Need to Become A Massage Therapist
The following qualities have come directly from the most recent clinical study performed by the American Massage Therapy Association.
- 83% of the workers are females
- Majority work as sole practitioners
- 41% provide trigger point massage
- 37% provide sports massage
- 70% provide deep tissue massage
- Majority are in their mid-40.
- Majority have been working in the massage therapy field for 7-8 years.
- Majority of them are affiliate with professional organizations.
- Massage therapy is a second career choice
- 78% provide Swedish massage
- 49% make half of their income from massage therapy
- They work about 15 hours a week performing massages exclusively
- They provide their massages at a variety of different settings
Massage Therapist Work Environment
While in massage school you will learn a variety of different methods such as massage, Shiatsu, body work, and reflexology. One you have graduated and become licensed you will then be able to work in a variety of different environments such as the ones listed below.
- Private practice as a self-employed worker
- Health/wellness centers
- Hotels/resorts
- Physical therapy centers
- Hospitals and rehabilitation clinics
- Sport settings
- Spas
- Cruise boats
What Is Expected During A Massage Therapy Session?
Massage therapy works by improving circulation by bringing oxygen up to the tissues in the body. Not to mention the fact that it is also great when it comes to reducing pain and stiffness because it increases flexibility and mobility by relieving muscle tensions and other associated pains. People turn to massages for a variety of different reasons. However, some of the most common reasons include, yet are not limited to, back pain, headaches, respiratory issues, arthritis, post injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and stress related issues. Usually a massage therapy session is going to last for a minimum of forty minutes and a maximum of ninety minutes.
When arriving the massage therapist will consult with their new clients to insure that massage is safe for them by evaluating their symptoms, medical history, and their lifestyle. If the client is just receiving a standard massage (A Swedish massage is one of the most popular massage therapy techniques in the United States. Massage therapists are able to relax ones muscles with lotion or oil by using long smooth strokes, kneading techniques, and more movements that require touch.) they will be asked to remove all of their clothing items accept for their underwear and lie face down under a sheet on the massage table. While the client is doing so the massage therapist will not be in the room. Furthermore, for massage therapists who work in North America they must make sure that they always keep their clients covered by a sheet and only have visible the part of the body that they are working on at the time.
Once the client has had time to get undressed and comfortable on the table the therapist will then knock on the door to make sure that the client is ready. Once the therapist enters the room they will insure that the face rest and the pillows are in the correct position as well as insuring that the client is comfortable. Also, it is not uncommon for therapists to ask their patient’s thoughts about the room temperature so they can make adjustments as needed.
More often than not a massage therapist is going to be using oils or lotions on the client’s skin when the massage is being given. Usually, they begin with the clients back and proceed to go down and massage their legs. Once the back of the body has been fully massaged the client will then be required to turn over to their front side so the process can be administered there as well.
Once the massage has been completed the therapist will leave the room again so the client can take a few minutes to relax and get dressed. When they return most therapists will ask the clients opinion on their session so they can use their feedback to help them improve their next massage session. Not to mention the fact that during this time the therapist may also schedule the clients next session.
Read more about How much a Massage Therapist Makes and tips on Picking The Right School.