Massage Therapy Training Grand Rapids MI

Ancient Field of Massage Therapy Undergoes New Growth Spurt

Unlike massages given solely for relaxation, massage therapy refers specifically to massages given by trained professionals that benefit a client's medical health.

The increased popularity of massage therapy in recent years belies the fact that it has been around since 400 B.C., when Greek physician Hippocrates first documented the medical benefits of "friction."

What Does Massage Therapy Training Involve?
Most states have laws regulating massage therapy, including formal training and passing an examination. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) has an exam that covers six areas:

• The body systems
• Anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
• Pathology
• Therapeutic massage assessment
• Therapeutic massage application
• Professional standards, ethics, business, and legal practices

There are over 80 types of massage techniques you can learn, known as modalities. These include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, and acupressure. Massage therapists generally specialize in several modalities. The type used depends upon the client's needs. For instance, an elderly client would receive a different massage than a professional athlete.

Even in states with no formal requirements, massage therapists should undergo some training to prevent common injuries to themselves caused by improper techniques, such as repetitive motion problems or fatigue due to standing for extended periods.

Massage Therapist Working Conditions
A full-time week usually involves no more than 15 to 30 hours of massages. And while self-employed massage therapists with several regular clients often earn the most money, in truth massage therapists can work anywhere, including:

• Private offices
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Fitness centers
• Sports facilities
• Spas
• Hotels
• Shopping malls

Many therapists divide their time among different settings.

Increased interest in holistic medicine and healthcare providers recognizing the legitimate treatment benefits of massage therapy contribute to the expectations that this field will grow faster than the national average for all occupations through 2014, leading to excellent opportunities for certified massage therapists across the county.

Source
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics