Massage therapy is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. There are a lot of places to find massage therapy jobs, from spas to retail stores to hospitals to nursing homes. It’s a good way to earn money while being able to give your clients some well-needed relaxation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists earned an average annual wage of $43,000 as of 2017. That’s almost double the average annual wage of $26,000 earned by all other occupations. So, what are the best places to find work as a massage therapist? Let’s take a look!
In addition to the traditional brick-and-mortar locations, hundreds of massage therapy schools and training programs are available across the country. If you’re interested in getting a massage therapy license, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $10,000 or more. Regardless of where you go to school, the most important thing you can do to get a job in the massage industry is to build a strong portfolio of work. Massage therapy can be a valuable resource for those looking for work. It can be a way to get started in a new career, or it can allow you to expand upon an existing one. For many, massage therapy can be a viable path toward a better-paying job with benefits. Depending on their qualifications and interest, the industry offers several avenues for people to explore. This includes working in a variety of massage modalities and earning a variety of client reviews.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a form of manual manipulation of soft tissues of the body. The therapist is often referred to as a massage therapist. While a massage therapist can work in any location, many choose to work in spas or clinics because they can offer specialized treatments and equipment that would not otherwise be available. Many clients come to massage therapists for stress relief, relaxation, and physical and mental health. Massage therapists may use oil, lotion, and other substances to manipulate the body’s soft tissues. The term “massage” comes from the Latin word “Massa,” which means “to press, squeeze or knead”. Massage therapy has been practiced for at least 5,000 years and has a long history in Eastern and Western cultures. It is also one of the world’s oldest known health care systems. In many cultures, massage was used to maintain good health, promote healing from illness, and relieve pain.
Types of Massage Therapy
When looking for a massage therapist, you should consider what type of massage you would like to receive. An aromatherapy massage is one of the most relaxing forms of massage. It uses essential oils that are applied directly to the skin. Swedish massage is a popular technique that is very relaxing. The therapist will use slow, rhythmic strokes to relax the muscles. Sports massage is a common treatment for athletes. The therapist will work on the entire body, focusing on the areas strained from exercising. Deep tissue massage relieves pain and stiffness in the deeper muscles. Neuromuscular massage is a great treatment to help prevent injuries and alleviate chronic pain. Myofascial release is a treatment that is often used to release tension in the muscles and joints.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapy can help to treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to insomnia. Massage therapy has been a healing practice for thousands of years, dating back to the Egyptians. It is also practiced in many Eastern countries, such as China, Japan, Korea, and India. The benefits of massage therapy include improving relaxation and stress relief, increasing circulation, easing muscle tension, and improving blood flow. It can also help treat arthritis, lower back pain, headaches, insomnia, and depression. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider massage therapy a proper medical treatment.
How to get started with massage therapy?
You’ll first need to attend a certified school to get started with massage therapy. Certification exams are required by most states and will test your ability to perform basic massage techniques. After you pass the exam, you will be given a license to practice. Some schools will also require you to complete a residency or internship. This is typically a minimum of four months long. You’ll be trained on how to treat common injuries, and you’ll learn to be comfortable with different body types. You’ll also be taught how to give a professional massage, so you can start making money immediately.
Who needs massage therapy?
People are increasingly seeking out the benefits of massage therapy. According to a recent survey, 71% of Americans consider massage therapy a form of stress relief, and nearly half said they would use massage as a preventative measure for chronic pain. One of the biggest concerns with massage therapy is finding work. Although the market is competitive, there are still opportunities for those looking to provide massages in a professional setting.
Frequently asked questions about massage therapy.
Q: What’s the most common injury a massage therapist sees?
A: Back and neck injuries are the most common injuries that therapists see.
Q: How can you prevent these injuries?
A: A good back brace can help with back and neck injuries. Having good posture and breathing techniques can also help.
Q: What does a massage therapist do?
A: A massage therapist focuses on the body as a whole and tries to find out what parts of the body need more or less attention.
Q: What is the difference between a regular and sports massage?
A: Generally, a sports massage focuses on the area used the most.
Q: Can a massage therapist help you recover from an injury?
A: If an injury happened from using your body incorrectly, then a massage therapist can help you recover from that injury.
Myths about massage therapy
1. Massage therapy is expensive.
2. It costs more to have someone else do it than yourself.
3. Massage is for relaxation only.
Conclusion
I think the best way to do this is first to research the various types of massage. There are several types of massage that different massage therapists offer. There are also several different types of clients that might seek out a massage therapy. I recommend going to a local massage therapist to get your feet wet and work up to the more expensive services.
