Massage Therapy Careers - Three Options

There are a remarkable number of variations on massage techniques. Most professionals today concentrate on just a few of them, choosing to excel in a limited number of therapy models rather than be casually acquainted with a large number of massage techniques. This article addresses the most widespread massage professional specialties and discusses the education and certification requirements for the job.

The different styles of massage, or modalities as they are called, can be confusing to the layman. Reflexology, Swedish massage, acupressure, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage are terms that you'll encounter in most spas or massage studios. Because of its long affiliation with alternative medicine, massage techniques are occasionally referred to as "bodywork." Lesser known massage techniques such as Rolfing, Hellerwork, Aston-Patterning and Neurocranial Massage can often be found in massage facilities associated with holistic healing.

  • Day spas are a primary resource for massage treatments, and massage is important to the bottom line, typically contributing 50-60% of the facility's revenue. Relaxation massage is an invigorating experience when provided by an experienced professional, which is why many spas have repeat customers. Fees for this service are in the $50 - $75 range. Many new massage therapy school graduates gain experience in this environment and then hand out a shingle and develop their own personal practice.
  • Clinical massage has become a mainstream option in recent years. Practitioners in this sector of the trade often work with patients to reduce pain in a particular part of the body. Clinical massage is also used in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques to help in the rehabilitation of an injured extremity or muscle group. Therapeutic exercise designed to restore full range of motion in, for example, an injured shoulder or leg can be painful and tiring. Massage of the affected area is a way to induce relaxation following the workout.
  • Sports massage is designed to keep athletes in top shape. Many athletes today develop their own training regimens in order to maximize their careers. Often they will go beyond what coaches and trainers associated with sports teams expect of their athletes. Sports massage therapists work with injuries and soreness, but their primary focus is helping an athlete to maintain maximum flexibility. The sports field is a growing and lucrative message specialty.
Massage therapists learn their craft in privately run schools or academies, in some vocational schools, and in colleges. Massage therapy programs generally cover subjects such as anatomy; physiology, the study of organs and tissues; kinesiology, the study of motion and body mechanics; as well as hands-on practice of massage techniques. Many massage professionals seek training at more than one source so that they can learn the modalities they wish to specialize in.

As of 2007 thirty eight states and the District of Columbia had laws regulating the massage industry. Generally they require graduation from an accredited institution and passage of a national or state exam. There are two national certifying bodies, both of which require an exam. The prevalent organization is the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). Many States require that therapists pass this test in order to practice massage therapy.

Bob Hartzell writes about careers for GetDegrees.com. On the website you'll find comprehensive resources for massage therapy training as well as information on educational opportunities for hundreds of other professions.

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Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage

People often tend to think of Swedish massage and deep tissue massage as similar to each other but the truth is they are quite different. Here is look at the difference between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage.

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered massage technique, utilizing a firm pressure on the muscles. It involves employing a series of long yet gliding strokes. In this technique the massage therapist also kneads the muscles and makes some vibrating taps on the body. The therapists concentrate on improving the blood circulation, easing the tension in the body's muscles and improving the muscles' flexibility.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that aims at affecting the deeper tissue structure of the muscles. It also affects the connective tissue, known as fascia. It utilizes a large number of similar techniques and movements as the Swedish massage, but the movements tend to have much more pressure. The deep tissue massage is a more focused massage. During it the massage therapist tends to concentrate on releasing specific chronic muscle tension as well as the muscular knots, or adhesions.

A Swedish massage is given to help with increasing the flow of oxygen in the blood as well as releasing toxins from the body's muscles. It can really shorten the recovery time for a muscular strain by simply flushing the lactic acids, uric acids, and other type of metabolic wastes out of the body tissues.

Swedish massage is given to increase the circulation of blood without actually increasing the workload of the heart. It helps to stretch the ligaments and tendons to make them pliable and supple. It stimulates the skin as well as the nervous system to soothe the nerves. It is helpful in reducing both emotional and physical stress. In fact the massage is a staple in most stress management programs. It is also included in various other therapeutic procedures.

Deep tissue massage helps with both small muscle injuries as well as chronic problems. Massage is an excellent way to deal with a whiplash injury or a sports injury. Deep tissue massage is helpful in treating spasms as well as muscle tension.

Physicians sometimes prescribe deep tissue massage for the pain of Fibromyalgia or Osteoarthritis. It also helps to correct posture problems.

A Swedish massage may involve the use of various oils, especially essential oils, to reduce friction as well as for their aromatherapy benefits.

A deep tissue massage also may involve the use of various oils or lotions, but their application is a little different from the Swedish massage. At times, for deep work, oil or lotion is not necessary, and the best effect can come without them.

Banyan Healing, a Massage San Diego Clinic where you can get relaxation from stress, healing from injuries or trauma.

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Massage Tables Vs Stationary Massage Tables - Which is Best For You?

As a brand new professional massage therapist, you are ready to start exercising your skills and building a clientele. The most vital decision you will make as you embark on your career is what kind of massage table you will invest in. The importance of massage tables cannot be overstated: a table is, after all, your bread and butter; and clients will not return if they are not comfortable and fully at ease when in your hands. The question is, then, which type of table will be best for you? Here is a short look at both portable and stationary models to help you decide.

There are two basic types: portable massage tables and stationary massage tables. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the one you choose to buy will depend greatly on the type of business you plan to set up.

Portable Massage Tables

Rather than setting up permanent shop in a salon, many therapists prefer to travel to and from clients' homes, offering the convenience of coming to their homes and giving personalized service in privacy and comfort. For marketing purposes and to get their names known in their communities, many new therapists will also set up a table at local fairs, festivals, and so forth, offering complimentary or reduced-fee massages. Yet others may work several days a week at a salon then work several others at a chiropractor's office. In all of these cases, portable massage tables are the tool of choice because they can be taken virtually anywhere. A good portable model will weigh less than 30 lbs and the frame can either be made of hardwood or metal. The table must offer ease and convenience in setting up and breaking down and it must be designed for strength and especially stability in all situations.

Portability should never mean compromising comfort. Look for high quality models that offer soft polyurethane vinyl with at least 2 1/2 inches of cushioning to help your customers relax happily while under your hands. Portable tables are affordable since most are priced between $200 and $400.

Stationary Massage Tables

Stationary versions are ideal if you are planning on setting up shop in one place and do not plan on visiting clients in their homes or working elsewhere in town. Stationary tables offer the advantage of having self-contained storage cabinets and the therapist can also use a thicker cushion. It is versatile in that it can come with a tilt-top or Salon รข€"top if desired. They are built with heavier duty frames since its design doesn't have to accommodate portability. Some stationary tables come with electric motors and can be adjusted in height with the push of a button. Because of all the added features, the cost of a stationary massage table is considerably higher than a portable one. Models can run from $500 for the most basic design to $2000 for one with electric lifts.

Unless they have their own salons, most massage therapists will opt for purchasing portable massage tables since these models are stable and durable yet much more versatile than their stationary counterparts. Buying a table is an important investment; it is wise to take the time to research, assess your clientele's needs, and then make an informed decision.


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