CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd asked:


At the present time, massage therapy is one of the fastest-growing, complementary healthcare treatments today. As well, the field of massage therapy is expected to experience a good rate of growth because more of the population is turning to this and other natural medicine to address common health concerns.

Though each State and/or Province varies in educational requirements, most States do require formal training in massage therapy, as well as certification to practice. Depending on the individual healing arts school, massage therapy training may range between 300 and 500 hours; but in some cases, may well exceed these numbers. In addition to hands-on training in core massage therapy modalities like deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and sports massage, a great many institutes have integrated more advanced training modules including Shiatsu (acupressure), reflexology, craniosacral therapy, Gestalt therapy, Rolfing, myofascial release, and lymph drainage, among several others.

While massage therapy is commonly known for its stress-relieving attributes, more people are turning to specific massage methods to help in healing chronic pain disorders like fibromyalgia, arthritis, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, fatigue, and more.

Expectedly, the professional massage therapist will have acquired quality training from one or more natural health schools in a range of massage therapy techniques. In addition to practical education, massage therapists today will have been trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, CPR and first aid, kinesiology (muscle testing), communication, and general business management and marketing.

While some massage practitioners work alongside chiropractors and acupuncturists in health and wellness clinics, some practice massage therapy from their home offices, or by making home visits to patients desiring home-based massage therapy services. While entrepreneurs may face longer hours than standard office practitioners, the payoff may well exceed traditional earnings of up to $32 hourly.

In addition to abovementioned employment atmospheres, massage therapy practitioners commonly work in medical hospitals, nursing homes, day spas, fitness centers, sports medicine clinics, on cruise ships, at sporting events, veterinary/equine clinics, as well as in airports.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like natural healing, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore massage therapy near you.

*Occupational Source: BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The Modern Massage Therapist

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Jonathan Hook asked:


When choosing a massage therapist it is important to check his or her credentials before you commit to a session. One of the most important things to realize is that every state has different requirements for the certification process. Some states may require that the massage therapist become licensed while others may simply require them to obtain a certificate by graduating a course. You should contact your state’s licensing board to determine what credentials massage therapists need to obtain to practice legally within your state. If you have difficulty contacting the right agency, you may want to simply call a local massage therapy school and ask them what the laws are regarding the requirements needed to operate as a massage therapist. Chances are that the massage school will have all of the information that you need, and if they don’t, they can point you in the right direction.

Once you determine the state’s requirements, you must take the time to ask different therapists for their credentials before choosing one. If your state requires that the therapist receive a license you’ll discover that this means the state is regulating their practice. This offers the most protection for the customer and ensures that you will have legal recourse should something go astray. For a massage therapist to become licensed means that he or she attended a school and successfully met all of the requirements needed to graduate. Some of these states will even have a state operated massage licensing board governing their practices.

If your state doesn’t require the therapist to become licensed, they may require them to obtain a certificate. This would result in the massage therapist having the title, Certified Massage Technician. The certificate shows that the therapist attended some sort of training and their work has been completed satisfactorily, however the Certified Massage Technician would have typically undergone less training than a Licensed Massage Therapist normally would. Some states require a certain amount of schooling, as denoted by required training hours. In addition, the school may require an exit exam to be completed before a student may graduate. It’s also important to realize that some states have absolutely no policies in effect governing the massage therapy industry. Whether through a license or a certificate, it is important to verify that the massage therapist has met the legal requirements necessary to practice within your local geographical region.

If you have selected a massage therapist but have discovered that your state does not license or certify massage practitioners, you may want to contact your local courthouse and ask if there are any laws or rules that apply to massage therapists. Many times there are certain laws that will apply to massage therapists, even if they do not expressly say so.

In addition to licensing and certification, it is important that massage therapists stay involved in their field. This can be accomplished through joining associations and staying current with industry trends. You should ask the therapist if they are involved with any outside affiliations.



Massage Therapist

Annalisa Zisman asked:


For anyone wanting to get into the field of massage, there is an ever growing range of choice in the type and style of therapy work you could do. Being a massage therapist can be a lucrative career, but the choice of course is important in offering the therapist the widest number of career options. There are now so many different types of massage that you could specialise in, it makes choosing a course almost more difficult, so good research is crucial in deciding your career path.

Your first task then, is to decide exactly what type of therapist you would like to be. Would you like to work closely with the medical field as a physical therapist, helping those who have been injured due to accidents, and even this can be broken down to such categories as sports injuries, work injuries, etc. Though being a physical therapist does involve knowing many types of massage, it also entails knowing other forms of therapy as well, so training should be detailed and in-depth. A training course in massage therapy as part of a physical therapy course should be done at an accredited school; one that will eventually lead you to certification in many areas and be a stepping stone for working closely with the medical profession.

What if you are just interested in massage therapy in and of itself? Is certification still necessary? If you are simply interested in learning the techniques of giving a good massage, then certification is probably not necessary, and you may be able to learn through books, videos, non-credit courses, or by being mentored by a masseuse. If you are going to be charging fees for your massage services, however, then you will need to become certified and insured. In fact, to work in a clinic environment it is required. How then, do you find a good massage course that not only teaches you how to give an effective massage, but also provides you with recognized certification?

The first thing that you will need to do is check the rules and regulations for massage certification in the state in which you live. Though most regulations will be similar from area to area, it is best to know the details of where you live. Also, external vocational examining bodies should be able to give you a list of schools that can provide you with the type of training that should suit your goals and needs. After obtaining a list of schools that you feel would fit your needs, start narrowing down your choices by such factors as location, expense, length of training before certification can be accomplished, and possibly even graduate placement record. Check references, and make sure that all schools that you are interested in attending are themselves board certified.

Never discount the advantage of having a mentor in the field, and if you possibly can, try to network with different types of massage therapists so that you can get a feel for different types of techniques. Experience and diversity are key factors when it comes to attracting and maintaining loyal clients once you go into business.



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Ken Wilson asked:


Solid training in massage can be obtained in no other way than by attending the courses of an accredited massage school. This way, you become a massage therapist, and through your knowledge, you can make excellent money as well as help as many people as a doctor does, only in a much more relaxing and pleasant way. Most massage schools from the United States offer you the possibility to choose between various styles of Eastern or Western massage as well as specialized courses such as massage therapy for chronic pain, trauma massage, medical massage, sports massage, and others.

All those who take the courses of massage schools and specialize in medical massage, for example, are taught how to put the emphasis on (and most importantly, teach their patients to do the exact same thing) general wellbeing. This may be no more than a relaxation associated word and technique for some (with problems no more complicated than stress or fatigue), but it may very well save the lives of others.

To form a general idea of what this means, look at it this way: after graduating from a massage school, anyone has a number of options. They generally fall into two categories: you can start your own business, by making use of the business skills you usually acquire in school, or you can take a position in a number of centers and institutions. These include sports medicine clinics, orthopedic offices, naturopathic clinics, yoga retreat centers, cruise ships, physical therapy offices, chiropractic offices, pain management clinics, beauty salons, athletic clubs, nursing homes, resorts, and many other locations. Some even come to teach in massage schools.

Considering this, it would be safe to conclude that the number of people you can help after taking the course of a massage school is absolutely immense. Indeed, someone on a cruise ship may simply be looking for an hour of complete relaxation, but in places like nursing homes, a good massage can make a very big difference.

Plus, contrary to popular belief, especially to that of those who take massage schools likely, a massage therapist can be useful in more situations that he is taught in school to handle. First of all, someone like this gains an extraordinary intuition about a person’s body, together with a comprehensive knowledge of bones and especially muscles, also learned in a massage school. This means that in various situations, especially accidents and sudden muscle failure, having a massage therapist around may just save the day.



Massage Therapist

Michael Tasker asked:


As massage becomes ever more popular as a means for either relaxation or undertaken as a natural remedy for medical reasons, it is a good idea to have some basic idea what form the session for various types of massage therapy will take and what you can expect. This will ensure you arrive in a relaxed frame being familiar with the procedure that you will undertake during the massage session.

The therapist should start the session by asking you some basic questions about your health. This is important because there are certain conditions which are contraindicated for massage, such as early pregnancy or recent serious operations. In fact, there is a surprisingly long list of conditions that make this type of therapy off limits. The therapist will then ask you to undress and will provide towels to cover you (if you are receiving a full body massage then you will usually be asked to remove all your clothes). For most types of massage you will lie on a couch covered with towels. Massage therapists are trained to ensure that you are comfortableat all times including arranging towels so only the part of the body that is being worked on is actually exposed.

The room should be warm and you should feel comfortable at all times. Soothing calming background music is often played and the therapist will ask you what type of massage you were requiring eg. relaxing or stimulating. The use of oils helps to warm the muscles and ease the movement of the hands. These will not be overused and are normally fragrant.

A full body massage should cover almost all of the body, however, some therapists prefer not to massage the chest and stomach areas, as they find that some clients are not comfortable with this. You can discuss your requirements and particular needs with your therapist before you start and agree together what the session will include. Don’t forget the fact that it is your massage. So feel free to ask the therapist to adjust the pressure to suit you. You may like a really firm workout, perhaps as part of rehabilitation from an injury or you may prefer a lighter touch if your main objective is one of relaxation of the muscles and easing stress.

There are time when a session will only be concerned with a certain pary of the body such as the facial area, the head or the back and neck areas. This may be a good introduction if maybe it is your first experience or if you’re a little nervous. Or, you may be having it for a specific physical problem maybe for the shoulder or legs. Whatever your requirement, massage therapy will offer you are range of types and options to choose from to achieve fulfilment from the procedure.



Medical Clinics

Jesse Miller asked:


Being a massage service it is very important that you take on the responsibility of creating an environment that is conductive to a healthy and relaxing but yet satisfying experience for your client. So I’m going to give you a little information that will help you further your business at as a massage therapist. When deciding on what type of massage therapist, you would like to be you should think of things like.

Your massage table should be very comfortable and be accessible to you and your clients. Determining what type of massage table is right for you and your client will factor and to the things that you should need while doing each massage. For instance, you may need side pockets for your table, which will make it more accessible to move around your client and still be able to get the massage oils and cranes that you need as well as other products that may be involved. For instance, if you are going to have a brick and mortar type business then you would need a stationary type to bed and you could also use tabletops to place your oils and cream. But if you are a traveling massage therapist, who does house also then you would think of a different type of massage table or bad that you would use. But no matter what type of sized table, you decide on, make sure that it is very comfortable and very accessible To each and every client that you have.

When determining a great massage table, you should also think of the face cradle and how it would fit each client and it is adjustable or very comfortable with enough padding that your clients are not uncomfortable. You’d also want to make sure that your massage table has enough padding that heavy your clients are still comparable with their weight pressing down on the table and they are not uncomfortable as well. Each bed should be able to hold a maximum weight of a 550 pounds. Not that you will have this to contend with, but it is just a safety measure to have for your larger clients

You should always think of your clients first in their comfort, but because they are coming to you to solve a problem. And they should be a will to get the full benefits and more if possible, this will always satisfy them and give you more credibility toward your future in the business. You could also think of using arm foam for comfort, extra sturdy legs, rustproof instruction and light weight. But remember, the more you add to your table of the war the table will cost you buy in the and is it worth the extra money to gain a clients trust and repeat business. The meta what the reasons for the massage massage their biz as a professional is always under the obligation to respect and honor the boundaries set by each and every client and the massage therapist should establish his or her own boundaries as well, a therapeutic massage is by nature a sensual experience however it should never be intended to be sexually in any way.

Stop Your Stress from piling up and relieve your pain with a great Massage, and you can start with a Full Body Massage Or you May Want to Go With the Hot Stone Massage which is more in the area of gently rubbing, but if you want the full deal the entire Spa treatment you should go with the Spa Massage and you will get the royal treatment.

If a client mellower female makes it any special requests or suggestions in the therapist is obligated to professionally and forcefully identify the inappropriateness of these comments and deal with it in a professional way. A therapist should never take the liberty or advance themselves to a area that is not relevant to the area of the massage and the body that it should be used during a massage. If you fill that this information has helped you in any way to succeed in your business then look for a follow up on future articles that will be published to help you succeed and become the best massage therapist in your area.



Singapore Hospitals

Art Gib asked:


It’s easy to get a little stressed out in big cities like Los Angeles. Just thinking about the daily commute to, well, anywhere is enough to drive a peaceful mind into a chaotic panic.

Massage therapy is an ancient art that, like all arts, has a multitude of styles to suit your specific needs no matter what muscles tense up and where, or what type of stress you are feeling.

Relax! Los Angeles Massage Therapists are at Your Fingertips

Getting a massage is a great way to release tension that builds up throughout the day or over the course of a work week. Getting through your weekend with all the built up tension and stress from work just isn’t good for you.

Rather than searching through the yellow pages and calling every Los Angeles massage therapist that is listed for rates, availability, experience, expertise, whether they service your area, and everything else you need to know to ensure a quality massage, you can do the same without the phone calls thanks to the increasing popularity of online directories that help you find local help for nearly anything you need whether it’s for a plumber, TV repairman, custom tailor, and yes, even massage therapists from Los Angeles to New York and everywhere in between.

What is an Online Directory?

Even if you don’t know what an online directory is, you’ve probably used one before without even realizing it. Online directories abound on the Internet right now.

If you’ve ever used the online yellow pages, then you’re already a veteran of online directories. But in addition to the online yellow pages, which doesn’t have any particular specialty, specialty directories focus on just one thing — massage therapists for example.

The advantage of a specialized directory is that you are likely to have access to a much wider variety of whatever it is you’re looking for, and will be provided with more detailed information.

Using an Online Directory to Relax Your Back

Getting a great massage in Los Angeles from someone with the mythical “magic fingers” is easier than you think. Typically, the easiest way to find a specialty directory is to search for it via your favorite search engine. To find a massage therapist locally, a search along the lines of “directory of massage therapists in Los Angeles” should do the trick. Once you’ve found a directory, a good one will allow you to punch in your zip code to produce a list of dozens of local massage therapists no matter where you live.

If the programmers of the online directory have really done their job, then you can simply click any of the listed massage therapist profiles to learn everything you need to know. In just a few minutes, you’ll be able to find the perfect massage. Whether you’re looking for the most experienced, lowest cost, or for a therapist that is expert in a specific massage type, you’ll be able to find what you want in minutes.



Medical Clinics

Jesse Miller asked:


Being a massage service it is very important that you take on the responsibility of creating an environment that is conductive to a healthy and relaxing but yet satisfying experience for your client. There are many different essentials that you will need to begin your massage therapy business, first thing you should always be aware that you will need money to start, and you should began with a great massage table.

Your massage table should be very comfortable and be accessible to you and your clients. Determining what type of massage table is right for you and your client will factor and to the things that you should need while doing each massage. For instance, you may need side pockets for your table, which will make it more accessible to move around your client and still be able to get the massage oils and cranes that you need as well as other products that may be involved. It is normal to be completely undressed for the full body or a Swedish massage, but can be avoided or Ousley is not necessarily if the client does not want that. If clients prefer to wear panties or breeze during size. And should not be pushed upon the client to do otherwise. Remember each and every client should be a what to wear whatever they choose, regardless of the therapist or the type of massage that they have done.

When determining a great massage table, you should also think of the face cradle and how it would fit each client and it is adjustable or very comfortable with enough padding that your clients are not uncomfortable. But not too much padding that it will affect their posture and call is irritation or pain to their neck and back. You should also look at tables that have adjustable height settings and arm slings for your clients. Having arm slings is mainly for comfort for your client or patient. While this would not be considered a need for a good table. It certainly is something you should think of to have a step ahead of the other competition. The more you put into your business and the comforts of your clients, the more satisfied they will become and will determine repeat visits from them.

There are different types of tables some or more advanced and calls more so be aware this a good massage table will run you and your means to $600, which this is something that you will make back from your business. Next you will need to decide on what types of massage oil and massage cream that you would need for each client. Be aware of every client and their allergies, make sure that each client give you a complete history of allergies to avoid this issue and causing the client more trouble. This sounds personal, but if you explain this to your clients they will appreciate it in the end and you will avoid having issues later in your business. The meta what the reasons for the massage massage their biz as a professional is always under the obligation to respect and honor the boundaries set by each and every client and the massage therapist should establish his or her own boundaries as well, a therapeutic massage is by nature a sensual experience however it should never be intended to be sexually in any way.

Stop Your Stress from piling up and relieve your pain with a great Massage, and you can start with a Full Body Massage Or you May Want to Go With the Hot Stone Massage which is more in the area of gently rubbing, but if you want the full deal the entire Spa treatment you should go with the Spa Massage and you will get the royal treatment.

If a client mellower female makes it any special requests or suggestions in the therapist is obligated to professionally and forcefully identify the inappropriateness of these comments and deal with it in a professional way. A therapist should never take the liberty or advance themselves to a area that is not relevant to the area of the massage and the body that it should be used during a massage. Being aware of these types of issues will help you further your career as a massage therapist and will allow you to give each and every client a great experience, that will bring them coming back again and again for your service.



Singapore Hospitals

Ben Thompson asked:


With a range of national massage therapy professional regulations, and states with little to no professional therapy requirements, it is easy for consumers to get lost. But quality licensed massage therapy as performed by a true professional is essential to getting not only the best results, but the safest as well.

Many people looking for massage therapy services are not even aware that they should be looking for licensed professionals. The incongruity between state requirements and a lack of federal regulation has resulted in confusion for the massage-buying public. And though it is in no way practical for a potential client to research every detail of his or her state’s laws regarding the requirements for licensed therapists, there are some questions a consumer can ask of a prospective therapist before committing to his or her care, and there are some additional steps that can be taken to further research qualifications for a given therapist.

Questions For Consumers To Ask

Starting very simply, ask outright

* Are you licensed in massage therapy?

* Who granted your license?

* Is your license valid in this state?

* Where did you complete your training in massage therapy?

* What did your training include?

* If you are interested in specialized massage therapies, ask about the therapist’s background in specific types of massage. You might ask, do you specialize in any types of massage? Do you have specialized certifications?

* Are you certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)?

It is important to understand that not all states have a requirement for licensure to practice massage therapy; only 37 states and the District of Columbia have requirements regulating it. While this means that a therapist may not be legally required to hold a license, it does not mean that receiving therapy from an untrained “therapist” or “masseuse” is a good idea. If the answer to the first question above is ‘no’, ask ‘why not’, and continue to ask what training and certification (such as an NCBTMB certificate) proves his or her professional abilities and expertise. Certification by the NCBTMB and membership in a professional organization (namely, the American Massage Therapy Association, or AMTA) can be taken as a respectable substitute for a state license, as these are the standards that are used by most states that require licensed massage therapy for the licensing of massage therapists (just be sure the certification is current and in good standing).

Certain safeguards online can be used to double-check information as provided by a massage therapist. In most states, licensing status for licensed massage therapy providers is accessible through state databases, and the AMTA can also be queried regarding certification status of individuals. Of course, an easy online search is a quick way to determine whether a training program looks legitimate as well.

Surely, taking the steps to learn about licensed massage therapy does take some added effort, but the time is worthwhile; after all, more than relaxation is at stake, health and safety are as well.



Singapore Hospitals

Scott Goodman asked:


Of all the different massage types there are, one of the most commonly performed is the deep tissue massage. The deep tissue massage technique is one that is unique and unlike any other technique in the massage field. To properly learn about the deep tissue massage technique and how to perform it, you first need to understand more about the deep tissue massage in general, its purpose and what it is all about.

What it is

The deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on the realigning of deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. It is certainly one of the most intense types of massage, and the deep tissue massage technique is usually only used in more serious cases, when a person is experiencing problems because of sore muscles and joints. If you are in this category, you should definitely consider getting a massage.

How it Works

The way in which the deep tissue massage technique works is pretty easy to understand. It works by physically breaking down adhesions in the body which can end up blocking circulation and causing pain and limited movement, and as a result relieving pain and restoring normal movement to the client’s body. Remember that deep tissue massages often cause discomfort or pain, and so the client will need to be prepared for this and of course you need to make sure that you are doing it correctly so you do not end up leaving them in more pain.

You really need to practice the deep tissue massage technique over and over until you get it right. It is not considered as being one of the most difficult types of massage to learn, however, because it is so intense and there is such a risk of injury to the client, it is therefore one that needs to be practiced repetitively until the massage therapist is sure that they are doing it correctly.

There is also the deep tissue sports massage which is used on athletes who play professional sports. If you have ever watched a professional sports game surely you have noticed a massage therapist either going onto the field to help a player or working with them on the bench.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a certified massage therapist should really attend a legal course or class on massage therapy. There will be a qualified and experienced professional there who can make sure that training is proper and that the right techniques are being used.



Singapore Hospitals