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Massage Therapist
Massage therapists generally work one-on-one with clients in a quiet setting. Depending on the depth of training, a massage therapist's purpose may vary from providing stress reduction and health enhancement to working cooperatively with other health care providers in pain management and injury rehabilitation. Massage therapists may see as few as one or two clients a day in private practice, to as many as ten or more in a health club or spa. Sessions may range from fifteen minutes to two hours in length, depending of the purpose of the massage.
A few massage therapists may work with physicians and physical therapists, while most will find employment in health clubs, hotels, YMCAs and YWCAs, massage centers, resorts and spas, beauty salons, nursing homes, chiropractic offices, or private practice.
| Some massage therapists focus their work on one or two systems, while others are more eclectic - combining them as needed. Here are a few: |
Swedish Massage
uses a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. Used primarily for a full-body session: promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of motion, relieves muscle tension.
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Deep Muscle/Connective Tissue Massage
as the name implies, releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressures on contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. Can be used for specific work or full body.
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Trigger Point Therapy
applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" - painful irritated areas in muscles - in order to break the cycle of spasm and pain. Often used to deal with pain.
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Shiatsu and Acupressure
are Oriental-based systems of finger-pressure massage which treat special points along acupuncture "meridians" - the invisible channels of energy flow in the body. Blocked energy along these meridians can cause physical discomforts, so the aim is to release the blocks and rebalance the energy flow.
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Reflexology (Zone Therapy)
is organized around a system of points on the hands and feet that are thought to correspond, or "reflex" to all areas of the body.
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Polarity Therapy
is an energy-based system. It attempts to harmonize the body's energy flow and structural balance through both gentle and deeper contacts. It is a subtle and esoteric approach, but very powerful.
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Hydrotherapy
is traditionally used as an adjunct to massage. It includes modalities such as hot packs and ice applications, along with saunas, steam baths and whirlpools. Water is highly regarded for its therapeutic properties.
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Job Outlook
The job market is expanding. As the trend toward health and wellness continues, massage therapy will be an important part of that trend.
Educational Requirements
Requirements for education and training vary among states that license massage therapists, and unlicensed states, which regulate massage through municipal ordinances. Most massage therapists learn their skills in schools that teach massage. The American Massage Therapy Association has approved over fifty massage programs in North America. These vary in length from 500 to 2,200 hour curricula taught over a period of six to twenty-four months.
Fourteen states presently require massage therapists to take a state licensing examination after completing their training.
There is no formalized advanced training. After completing the entry-level education, many therapists undertake in-depth study in a variety of techniques for such areas as: infant massage, sports massage, and lymph drainage massage.
Educational Programs
Chicago School of Massage Therapy
2918 N. Lincoln
Chicago, Illinois 60657
(773) 477-9444
http://www.csmt.com/
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