Massage Therapists' Popularity is Rising
Your back curls like a question mark as you hunch over your keyboard.
As the hours wear on and you're still at work, your shoulders begin to tire
and your neck aches. You need a massage.
Massage therapists can help relieve sore and stiff muscles. A massage loosens
muscles that can control pain. A massage can also lessen the chance of injury
during sport or work. It can lead to overall better health.
Massage can treat soft tissue injuries such as whiplash and sprains. It
can help with diseases such as osteoarthritis. It offers relief for pregnant
women and people with low back pain. Massage can also help with psychological
problems such as stress, anxiety and depression.
A massage isn't simple. Many different techniques and theories can be applied
to the practice.
For example, Swedish massage is a system that uses long, kneading strokes.
The Rosen method employs a gentler touch and verbal communication. Other types
of massage therapy include sports massage, triggerpoint massage, reflexology,
shiatsu therapy and deep tissue massages.
Some massage therapists employ many different techniques. Others specialize
in just one method. "We're all trained in the same techniques," says Dennis
Caouette, a massage therapist.
"Some use all of these types on the job and others prefer to specialize.
For example, someone might only give massages for pregnant women."
More and more people are interested in having a session with these health-care
practitioners. And more doctors are referring patients to massage therapists.
As massage therapy becomes more popular, massage therapists can find work
in an increasing number of different settings. For example, professional athletes
are realizing the benefits of massage. Many are hiring professionals to look
after them.
Many other people are turning to massage therapists for relaxation. Health
spas are becoming increasingly popular destinations. According to the International
Spa Association (ISPA), the number of facilities and resorts that have spas
has grown rapidly over the last several years. This growth in the spa industry
means more job opportunities for massage therapists.
Steven Ticen owns a massage therapy school near the California town of
Calistoga. Calistoga is famous for its volcanic mud baths and luxurious spas.
Ticen says that up to 80 percent of his graduates find work in these spas.
The rest readily find work in the surrounding area.
"There are definitely employment opportunities here," he says. "I teach
a specifically spa-type massage, which is a Swedish massage. Just in and around
these spas, there is a great demand for massage therapists."
Many people are interested in using massage as an alternative form of medical
treatment.
"People are realizing the benefits of traditional therapies," says Sonya
Wilson. She is a shiatsu therapist. "They aren't turning their back on western
medicine, but they're finding complementary therapies."
Wilson says that over the past five years, a specialized massage therapy
called shiatsu has grown more popular.
"Even a few years ago, you couldn't earn a living just doing shiatsu,"
she says. "No one had heard of it. But now, more people are finding out about
it."
More people are interested in treatments such as acupressure [and] acupuncture,"
she says. "They are, in general, more receptive to eastern medicine and philosophy."
But before you leap into a massage therapy program, do some thorough research.
A lot of public and private schools offer all types of massage and bodywork
courses. But not all of these schools are accredited.
Massage therapists graduating from non-accredited programs can have problems
becoming certified.
In the United States, only 29 states have certification requirements for
massage therapists. However, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage and Bodywork offers independent certification for all massage therapists.
Check with this organization to find out the minimum number of training
hours currently needed to become certified. Also, check to find out what schools
offer the correct training.
Certification is important. It lets the public know that practitioners
have a certain level of competence and training.
If you're the type of person who enjoys communicating and helping others,
you may find a career opportunity in massage therapy. "You should be a giver
and really want to listen to people's needs," says Caouette.
Wilson agrees. "As I work with someone, I encourage feedback," she says.
"Sometimes it's almost like being a detective. You notice things and help
draw them out. With your help, a person can leave feeling better, more relaxed
and more grounded."
Links
American Massage Therapy Association
An organization for bodywork professionals
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
The certifying body for American massage therapists
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