Becoming a Professional Massage Therapist
The public demand for massage has been steadily rising. The American Massage Therapy Association analyzed a study on the use of alternative medicine that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association (November 1998) and estimated that consumers spend $4-6 billion a year on visits to massage therapists.
Massage therapists work in a variety of settings: massage therapy clinics, chiropractor's and physician's offices, airports, health clubs, cruise ships, shopping malls, convention centers, professional sports team clubhouses, salons and spas, hospitals, alternative medicine centers, and nursing homes, just to name a few. Many practitioners take advantage of the latest in cleverly designed portable massage equipment to provide on-site massage at office buildings or in a client's home.
The profession also offers an abundance of choice for those wishing to specialize. As scientific research continues to prove the validity of massage as a therapeutic agent, the spectrum of techniques and modalities available for the practicing therapist to learn only expands. Some focus on relaxation massage, while others take years of advanced training to master specific clinical applications or qualify to teach a particular discipline. Other therapists will choose to work with a special segment of the population, becoming experts in the use of massage to meet the needs of the elderly, pregnant women, athletes, infants, or those suffering the effects of a particular disease.
Are you ready to become a professional massage therapist?
You're an athlete or a dancer. You're interested in natural health and
healing and ways to keep your body fit and pain free. Your family and
friends or members of your sports team have always praised your
touching skills and asked you to help soothe neck and shoulder aches
with a quick back rub. But it's a big step from casually helping those
you know to providing skilled touch in a professional manner for
complete strangers.
One way to learn whether you're suited to be a massage therapist is to take an introductory course. Also consider receiving a massage from a professional therapist to see how a typical session progresses and to speak with someone in the field.
Find the Training That's Right for You: Accreditation and Curriculum
As the massage profession develops, many changes are taking place that
will impact those entering the field over the next few years. More
stringent standards for educational training programs are being
formulated. Additionally, over 30 states now regulate massage therapy
practice, meaning that several require a certain type or length of
training as well as passage of an examination. If you plan to settle in
a particular area, you'll need to know what those requirements are
before deciding which school best meets your needs.
Look for a program that 1.) is accredited or approved by a recognized national accreditation agency and 2.) provides a minimum of 500 in-class hours of instruction-especially because many states regulating massage require it.
Accreditation will mean that the school has been inspected by credible, impartial authorities and found to meet certain standards deemed necessary for providing adequate preparation for students to find success in the massage therapy field. Such accreditation agencies include the Commission on Massage Training Accreditation (COMTA) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).
It is often said that massage therapy is both an art and a science. You'll want to find a program that offers a well-rounded curriculum, with a balance between lecture and experiential courses. Look for a program that's very strong on the basics of massage-you'll have plenty of time to specialize later. You'll need both a solid grounding in anatomy and physiology of the human body and ample opportunity to develop your touch skills.
Remember, business and marketing courses are also essential in helping you develop the skills to identify and to help you identify and retain your clients, whether you are running your own business or working for someone else.
Editorial provided by Sara L. Corkery, Communications, Chicago School of Massage Therapy.
