Jul 25

Massachusetts Massage Therapy Schools

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Those who are interested in learning the art of massage will find many opportunities in Massachusetts Massage Therapy Schools to prepare for various massage therapy professions. Aspiring massage therapists can study for certificates or diplomas, or advance their studies to obtain two-year Associate of Science (AS) degrees or four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees.

The courses taught at all massage schools are geared toward helping students prepare to successfully pass national certification exams. They offer courses designed to develop skills in sports massage, prenatal massage, neuromuscular therapy, lymph massage, therapeutic massage, reflexology, acupressure, and kinesiology. Many of the various massage therapy schools in Massachusetts will even provide courses to facilitate smooth client relations, as well as client assessment and communications.

All massage therapy schools, in every state, have the option of becoming accredited, and students should consider only those schools that are accredited by state and national organizations. Affiliation with various massage and bodywork organizations can also give massage therapy programs and massage therapy institutions credence. Accredited massage schools assure that students will receive a quality education leading to a successful employment path. The basic training received in massage school can also be a stepping stone to advanced natural healing studies, such as acupuncture or chiropractics, to name just two exciting possibilities.

Massachusetts massage therapy schools (and others, for that matter) provide students with classroom and hands-on training to qualify for positions at the entry level. Courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, nutrition, health, and hygiene provide students with basic knowledge to help manage pain and prevent physical incapacity due to injury or disease. Later, students will take courses in theory and practice of massage, hydrotherapy, and reflexology to provide additional skills. Hands-on massage experience in a clinical setting will round out the students’ preparation for serving clients in athletic organizations, spas, and medical facilities. Some massage therapy schools even provide courses in management, marketing, accounting, and business ethics that give students the complete set of business skills for operating their own massage therapy practice.

Demands for the services of qualified massage therapists will continue to escalate in the U.S. as well as Canada. Graduates of massage therapy schools in Massachusetts should find numerous employment opportunities, as the industry is expected to grow steadily for the next several years. Massage practices in Massachusetts may be regulated by state statutes, and individual towns and municipalities may also regulate massage practices; however, many areas have no licensing requirements. The savvy massage therapist will carefully check with state and local governing bodies before beginning a practice.

Would you like to learn more? You can get more in-depth information about Massachusetts Massage Therapy Schools and other Massage Schools and Massage Therapy Schools by visiting our website today!

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

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Feb 04

Massage Therapy For Mental Health

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Technology has improved numerous elements of society; unfortunately, our physical and mental health is not one of them. Computer work in particular causes many of us to sit hunched over a desk all day long, contending with aching shoulder, neck, back, and leg muscles as a result. Instead of suffering in silence, people are opting for professional help. Enter massage therapy.

Letting Loose

You may be familiar with massage therapy in the context of relaxing and rejuvenation, with the goal of stress reduction and increased energy levels. But that’s only part of the holistic picture. Massage therapy is also used in the medical context to treat painful ailments, decompress tired and overworked muscles, rehabilitate sports injuries, and promote general health.

Here’s how it works: Through massage, therapists manipulate clients’ soft tissues to improve the body’s circulation and remove waste products from the muscles. Massage therapists can specialize in over 80 different types of massage, called modalities. Some of the more popular approaches include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage.

Training to Unwind

There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy training programs throughout the country. About 300 of these are accredited by a state board or department of education-certified accrediting agency. Massage therapy training includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, business, and ethics, as well as hands-on practice of massage techniques.

After completing massage therapy training, students may take one of two national certification exams administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, leading to the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) credential or the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage (NCTM) credential.

These credentials must be renewed every four years. In order to retain certification, those with massage therapy training must perform at least 200 hours of therapeutic massage during the four-year period, and complete a minimum of 48 massage therapy continuing education units (CEUs).

Relaxing for a Living

In such a tense society, there will always be a need for massage therapy. Massage therapists held about 97,000 jobs in 2004; about two-thirds were self-employed. And, employment is expected to grow faster than average over the 2004-2014 period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Though the work is physically rigorous, you won’t be putting in an 80-hour week. A therapist who gives massages anywhere from 15 to 30 hours per week is usually considered full time. And why not? Median hourly earnings of massage therapists, including gratuities earned, were $15.36 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $32.21.

If this seems like a career that interests you, start your research today so that you too can experience the personal and
professional benefits of massage therapy

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