Massage therapy is one of today's most popular fields of holistic healing. It refers to the application of different techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. It includes application of fixed or movable pressure for the benefit of musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous and other systems of the body.

The career outlook for a massage therapist is good. They make on average $37-$57 thousand a year.

Massage therapy is a beneficial form of healing that relaxes the whole body and loosens tight muscle, relieves tired and achy muscles, increase flexibility and range of motion, calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure and heart rate and many more. It is one of the most sought after alternative form of healing.

Massage Therapy Education and Training

In today's busy society, many people call on the services of massage therapist to provide them with the healing touches that can do wonders for both the giver and the receiver. People that are interested in massage therapy education can learn through massage therapy school and other therapeutic-oriented programs. These programs are usually offered in vocational schools, community colleges as well as some universities. Most states require at least 500 hours of training for an individual to be given a license and certification.

With the current growth in massage therapy, massage therapists face a wide range of career choices and opportunities as well as a very optimistic future. The American Massage Therapy Association says that massage therapists will likely experience a 20% to 35% increase in demand in the coming years.

Massage Therapy Careers and Certifications

If you are considering a massage therapist career, you have to keep in mind that becoming a massage therapist takes a considerable amount of time. Depending also on the state you are in, you may decide to have the minimum training required or enough education to master the discipline. Most states have massage licensing laws and many locales have licensing laws that apply within the city. Legal minimum training and education range from 330 to 1,000 contact hours.

Massage therapists are usually self-employed, but many also work along health professionals in alternative health clinics. Massage therapists are also highly demanded in spas, health clubs, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. How much a massage therapist earn vary with experience and the specific field.

Massage Therapist Resources

*Acupressure's Potent Points: a Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments
*Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch
*Review for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Certification (LWW Massage Therapy and Bodywork Educational Series)
*A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology (Lww Massage Therapy & Bodywork Educational)
*Deep Tissue Massage, Revised: A Visual Guide to Techniques

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