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Massage Therapy Schools
Massage Therapy
* 2002 employment: 92,000
* Projected 2002-12 employment change:
Faster than average
* Most significant source of training:
Postsecondary vocational award
Many physicians have been recommending massage therapy for years.
Nearly 2,400 years. The medical benefits of
“friction” were first documented in Western culture
by the Greek physician Hippocrates around 400 BC. Today, massage
therapy is being used as a means of treating painful ailments,
decompressing tired and overworked muscles, reducing stress,
rehabilitating sports injuries, and promoting general health. This is
accomplished by manipulating a client’s soft tissues in order
to improve the body’s circulation and remove waste products
from the muscles.
While massage therapy is done for medical benefit, a massage can be
given to simply relax or rejuvenate the person being massaged. It is
important to note that this type of massage is not intended for a
medical purpose, and provides medical value only through general stress
reduction and increased energy levels. Massage therapy, on the other
hand, is practiced by thoroughly trained individuals who provide
specialized care with their client’s medical health in mind.
Massage therapists can specialize in over 80 different types of
massage, called modalities. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage,
reflexology, acupressure, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage are
just a few of the many approaches to massage therapy. Most massage
therapists specialize in several modalities, which require different
techniques. Some use exaggerated strokes ranging the length of a body
part, while others use quick, percussion-like strokes with a cupped or
closed hand. A massage can be as long as two hours or as short as five
or ten minutes. Usually, the type of massage therapists give depends on
the client’s needs and the client’s physical
condition. For example, they use special techniques for elderly clients
that they would not use for athletes, and they would use approaches for
clients with injuries that would not be appropriate for clients seeking
relaxation. There are also some forms of massage that are given solely
to one type of client, for example prenatal massage and infant massage.
Massage therapists work by appointment. Before beginning a massage
therapy session, therapists conduct an informal interview with the
client to find out about the person’s medical history and
desired results from the massage. This gives therapists a chance to
discuss which techniques could be beneficial to the client and which
could be harmful. Because massage therapists tend to specialize in only
a few areas of massage, customers will often be referred or seek a
therapist with a certain type of massage in mind. Based on the
person’s goals, ailments, medical history, and stress- or
pain-related problem areas, a massage therapist will conclude whether a
massage would be harmful, and if not, move forward with the session
while concentrating on any areas of particular discomfort to the
client. While giving the massage, therapists alter their approach or
concentrate on a particular area as necessary.
Many modalities of massage therapy use massage oils, lotions, or creams
to massage and rub the client’s muscles. Most massage
therapists, particularly those who are self-employed, supply their own
table or chair, sheets, pillows, and body lotions or oils. Most
modalities of massage require clients to be covered in a sheet or
blanket, and require clients to be undressed or to wear loose-fitting
clothing. The therapist only exposes the body part on which he or she
is currently massaging. Some types of massage are done without oils or
lotions and are performed with the client fully-clothed.
Massage can be a delicate issue for some clients, and those clients may
indicate that they are comfortable with contact only in specified
areas. For this reason—and also for general purpose business
risks—about half of all massage therapists have liability
insurance, either through a professional association membership or
through other insurance carriers.
Massage therapists must develop a rapport with their clients if repeat
customers are to be secured. Because those who seek a therapist tend to
make regular visits, developing a loyal clientele is an important part
of becoming successful.
Massage therapists work in an array of settings both private and
public: private offices, studios, hospitals, nursing homes, fitness
centers, sports medicine facilities, airports, and shopping malls, for
example. Some massage therapists also travel to clients’
homes or offices to provide a massage. It is not uncommon for full-time
massage therapists to divide their time among several different
settings, depending on the clients and locations scheduled.
Most massage therapists give massages in dimly lit settings. Using
candles and/or incense is not uncommon. Ambient or other calm, soothing
music is often played. The dim lighting, smells, and background noise
are meant to put clients at ease. On the other hand, when visiting a
client’s office, a massage therapist may not have those
amenities. The working conditions depend heavily on a
therapist’s location and what the client wants.
Because massage is physically demanding, massage therapists can succumb
to injury if the proper technique is not used. Repetitive motion
problems and fatigue from standing for extended periods of time are
most common. This risk can be limited by use of good technique, proper
spacing between sessions, exercise, and in many cases by the therapists
themselves receiving a massage on a regular basis.
Because of the physical nature of the work and time needed in between
sessions, massage therapists typically give massages less than 40 hours
per week. Therapists who give massages anywhere from 15 to 30 hours per
week usually consider themselves to be full-time workers.
Training standards and requirements for massage therapists vary greatly
by State and locality. In 2004, 33 States and the District of Columbia
had passed laws regulating massage therapy in some way. Most of the
boards governing massage therapy in these States require practicing
massage therapists to complete a formal education program and pass the
national certification examination or a State exam. Some State
regulations require that therapists keep up on their knowledge and
technique through continuing education. It is best to check information
on licensing, certification, and accreditation on a State-by-State
basis.
There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy postsecondary schools, college
programs, and training programs throughout the country. Massage therapy
programs generally cover subjects such as anatomy; physiology, the
study of organs and tissues; kinesiology, the study of motion and body
mechanics; business; ethics; as well as hands-on practice of massage
techniques. Most formal training programs require an application and
some require an in-person interview. Training programs may concentrate
on certain modalities of massage. Several programs also provide alumni
services such as post-graduate job placement and continuing educational
services. Both full- and part-time programs are available.
These programs vary in accreditation. Massage therapy training programs
are generally accredited by a State board or other accrediting agency.
Of the many massage therapy programs in the country, about 300 are
accredited by a State board or department of education-certified
accrediting agency. In States that regulate massage therapy, graduation
from an approved school or training program is usually required in
order to practice massage therapy.
After completion of a training program, many massage therapists opt to
take the national certification examination for therapeutic massage and
bodywork. This exam is administered by the National Certification Board
for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), which has eligibility
requirements of its own. Several States require that a massage
therapist pass this test in order to practice massage therapy. In
States that require massage therapy program accreditation, an exam
candidate must graduate from a State-licensed training institute with
at least 500 hours of training or submit a portfolio of training
experience for NCBTMB review; in locations that do not require
accredited training programs, this is unnecessary. After the applicant
is approved for testing, the applicant may schedule a test time at a
local testing center. Tests are available six or seven days a week,
depending on the test site, and are entirely computer based with
multiple choice questions. The exam covers six areas of content:
general knowledge of the body systems; detailed knowledge of anatomy,
physiology and kinesiology; pathology; therapeutic massage assessment;
therapeutic massage application; and professional standards, ethics,
business and legal practices.
When a therapist passes the national certification exam for therapeutic
massage and bodywork, he or she can use the recognized national
credential: Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
(NCTMB). The credential must be renewed every four years. In order to
remain certified, a therapist must perform at least 200 hours of
therapeutic massage during the four year period, and complete a minimum
of 48 credit hours of continuing education. In 2005, the NCBTMB
introduced a new national certification test and corresponding
professional credential. These are the national certification exam for
therapeutic massage and the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage
(NCTM) credential. The new test covers the same topics as the
traditional national certification exam, but covers fewer modalities of
massage therapy. Recognition of this new national certification varies
by State.
Many of the national, State, and local requirements coincide. States
that require the national credential also require accredited training
programs to comply with NCBTMB standards of training. Professional
associations require that a professional member graduate from a
training program that meets NCBTMB standards, have a State license,
and/or have a national certification from the NCBTMB. Actual
requirements differ on a State-by-State basis.
Because of the nature of massage therapy, opportunities for advancement
are limited. However, with increased experience and an expanding client
base, there are opportunities for therapists to increase client fees,
and therefore income. Both strong communication skills and a friendly,
empathetic personality are extremely helpful qualities for fostering a
trusting relationship with clients and in turn, expanding
one’s client base. In addition, those who are well organized
and have an entrepreneurial spirit may even go into business for
themselves. Self-employed massage therapists with a large client base
have the highest earnings.
Massage therapists held about 97,000 jobs in 2004. About two-thirds
were self-employed. Of those self-employed, most owned their own
business, and the rest worked as independent contractors. Others found
employment in salons and spas; the offices of physicians and
chiropractors; fitness and recreational sports centers; and hotels.
About three-quarters of all massage therapists worked part-time or had
variable schedules, although as mentioned earlier many massage
therapists who work 15 to 30 hours per week consider themselves to be
full-time workers.
Employment for massage therapists is expected to increase faster than
average over the period from 2004 to 2014 as more people learn about
the benefits of massage therapy. In States that regulate massage
therapy, therapists who complete formal training programs and pass the
national certification exam are likely to have very good job
opportunities. Because referrals are a very important source of work
for massage therapists, networking will increase the number of job
opportunities. Joining a State or local chapter of a professional
association can also help build strong contacts and further increase
the likelihood of steady work.
Massage is an increasingly popular technique for relaxation and
reduction of stress. As workplaces try to distinguish themselves as
employee-friendly, providing professional in-office, seated massages
for employees is becoming a popular on-the-job benefit.
Increased interest in alternative medicine and holistic healing will
mean increased opportunities for those skilled in massage therapy.
Healthcare providers and medical insurance companies are beginning to
recognize massage therapy as a legitimate treatment and preventative
measure for several types of injuries and illnesses. The health care
industry is using massage therapy more often as a supplement to
conventional medical techniques for ailments such as muscle problems,
some sicknesses and diseases, and stress-related health problems.
Massage therapy’s growing acceptance as a medical tool,
particularly by the medical provider and insurance industries, will
greatly increase employment opportunities.
Older citizens who are in nursing homes or assisted living homes are
also finding benefits from massage, such as increased energy levels and
reduced health problems. Demand for massage therapy should grow among
older age groups because they increasingly enjoy longer, more active
lives and persons age 55 and older are projected to be the most rapidly
growing segment of the U.S. population over the next decade. However,
demand for massage therapy is presently greatest among young adults,
and they are likely to continue to enjoy the benefits of massage
therapy as they age.
Median hourly earnings of massage therapists, including gratuities
earned, were $15.36 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between
$9.78 and $23.82. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.16, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $32.21. Generally, massage
therapists earn 15 to 20 percent of their income as gratuities. For
those who work in a hospital or other clinical setting, however,
tipping is not common.
Other workers in the healthcare industry who provide therapy to clients
include physical therapists, physical therapists’ assistants
and aides, chiropractors, and workers in other occupations that use
touch to aid healing or relieve stress.
Source: BLS
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