A Career as Massage Therapist: Pros and Cons

The size of the massage industry in the US is much larger than you might think. With an increase in the popularity of alternative medicine, there has been an ever increasing demand for massage therapy, and as a result, massage therapists. A certified massage therapist can find a good job in various sectors such as spas, hospitals, hotels and physiotherapy centres. What’s more, a massage therapist can even work as an independent professional and operate from home. Sounds interesting? Please go through this article and make an informed decision.

1. Becoming a certified massage therapist

You might have come across various programs that offer courses in massage therapy. What is important to consider here is whether the institute is nationally accredited. National accreditation means that the program (and the institute) has been evaluated by a competent authority to ensure that it offers high quality learning opportunities. Some questions you could ask before enrolling for a program are: Will I qualify to practice massage following my graduation? What are the steps to get licensed? Do I qualify to take the national certification exam after graduation? What is your placements statistics?

2. After graduation

After completing your course you need to make a choice – would you work for a third party (a spa, a cruise, a hotel, a hospital) or start your own practise.

Pros: if you really enjoy this work, you will never tire of working. It can be really encouraging when a client is visibly satisfied by your service and tells you how much s/he loves the style of your massaging. The hours of work are more often than not flexible. The pay is much better than the average, and can potentially increase beyond limits depending on your own skills, experience and location. And if you are working on your own, there is practically no investment and 100% profit!

Cons: After a few years of practise, you might start finding the work monotonous, and just not feel like doing it anymore. Apart from this “burn-out”, you might develop certain physical discomfort that might prevent you from practising – the Carpel Tunnel syndrome or a backache problem due to continuous bending for long periods of time. After all, there is a lot of physical effort that goes into practising massage therapy. The work might not be steady at all times, and you may take a hit during bad economic times – luxuries cannot prevail when the wallet is not as full.

3. Misconceptions about a massage therapist

At times, massage therapists may be mistaken for people who perform for pleasure only. This can be a sensitive issue for some. However, with an increase in state training and degree programs, and licensing requirements, massage therapists are now receiving more “official” recognition and enjoy more credibility with doctors. Physicians today are regularly recommending massage therapy for their patients, and recognizing the healing benefits of massage therapy.

In the end, it’s all about your personal preferences and priorities in life. If you feel comfortable with the profession as a massage therapist, do go ahead with it, and see your dreams fulfilled! You are most likely to start a career that will make you happy and satisfied for the rest of your life.

My recent experience with Massage Therapy

I went to a spa resort last weekend where I got a whole body massage. The experience was so exciting that I thought I’d share it with you in order to make you aware of the great effects and to motivate you to go for one yourself.

Working through the week, and resting through the weekend – this becomes the routine after a while, and things start getting monotonous. I’m sure this resonates with most of you. At a certain point of time, you desperately need a break! So, I took that much-needed break, and we went on a weekend getaway to a place about 100 miles from our home. This is a resort spa, and it has beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains, birds chirping, and geese flocking all over the place. Trust me, the place itself was truly invigorating.

I went for a whole-body massage there. This was a 90-minute session. The massage therapist first introduced herself, then went on to explain the massage she would be performing. She explained to me that I would be given a Swedish massage. Swedish massage is a relaxing type of massage, and does not involve lots of pressure. Those are therapeutic massages, and are performed by trained, licensed massage therapists. The therapist told me that she would be using a mix of medicated oils for lubrication during the massage.

The massage started with a head massage. I really liked the way the therapist did this. She first started with some gentle strokes, and then went on to slightly firmer movements. She told me that these movements warm up the scalp, releasing tension and promoting relaxation. Following the head massage, she went for the neck and shoulders, which she did well at. Following these initial massages, I was advised to lie down on a massage table face down. The therapist then started with the back and used a variety of massage strokes – kneading, stretching, tapping, and pressing. What came as a surprise to me was her use of a hot pouch-like thing that she kept placing over my back, while applying slight pressure. This one felt awesome. Following the back massage, the therapist went on to massage my legs and then my arms. This was extremely relaxing and I loved how perfectly she used her skill – the pressure she applied was just right!

It was actually after the massage session that I came to fully realize its true effects. That night, I slept like a baby! I could feel my entire body relax and feel refreshed the next day! There are great benefits attached to massage therapy. I definitely recommend for you to indulge in massages and pamper yourselves at least once a month or very other month. It’s just awesome!

Why do I need to drink lot of water after a massage?

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is an association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools, and works towards advancing the art, science and practise of massage therapy.

The AMTA provides various tips to get the most out of a massage. Interestingly, it recommends drinking extra water after a massage session. This tip is the same with any massage therapist you go to. They will always recommend that you drink a lot of water after a massage. This article will explore the reason for this recommendation. Is there a scientific basis for it, or just a myth that has been around, and so everybody recommends it? Let’s take a look.

One of the main benefits of getting a massage, especially deep tissue massage, is to detoxify the body. So, how exactly does the “detoxification” happen? Toxins are chemical substances that need to be physically thrown out of the system. During massaging, it is believed that toxins are pushed out of the cells, and into the blood stream. As you know, kidneys are the organs in our body that filter out toxins from the blood stream and throw them out of the body in the form of urine. Drinking lot of water helps in diluting the concentration of toxins in the blood stream, and eases the pressure on the kidneys to handle high concentrations of toxins.

However, according to massage therapist Tracy Walton, the detox benefit of massage therapy does not find firm research support. There is a need for systematic research to firmly establish the fact that massaging indeed causes the release of toxins from cells of the body.

That said, drinking water is essential to good health, and water is often associated with its ability to dilute the toxins present in the blood stream – whether or not due to massaging. Water also improves the capacity of the body to transport oxygen and other nutrients to all its cells. Thus, even though there might not be sufficient research evidence to prove that drinking water after massaging is necessary, just go with the fact that drinking lot of water is good for your health.

Can Anyone get a Massage?

Massage is known to be beneficial in improving blood circulation, accelerating healing, reducing stress, enhancing metabolism, and even improving cell growth. Given the many benefits of massaging, massage therapy is fast becoming a popular means for people to reinvigorate their mind and body. And, this popularity is uniformly distributed across the population, i.e. massage therapy is not only limited to a certain age group of people, or to only people of any specific occupation. Massages can be of many types, targeting different groups of people – babies, children, older people, and even pregnant women!

Let us take a look at the benefits each of these age groups can obtain from massage therapy, and how each type is different from the other.

1. Massage for babies

Infant massage is a proven technique to help improve sleep, relax the baby, strengthen its growing muscles and bones, improve digestion, and also reduce colic. Massage is also an excellent way to build a bonding between the mother or father and the baby by means of the touch therapy. Touching, stroking, and caressing also increases the levels of growth hormones and helps achieve various development milestones. Massaging a baby involves gentle stroking in each and every part of the baby’s body. Always make sure you are using baby oil, and that the room is sufficiently warm (since you will be taking off your baby’s clothes during massaging). Detailed descriptions about massaging babies of different ages are provided at babycenter.com.

2. Massage for children

Children, as such, do not NEED massage, but massaging can be a good way towards the overall well-being of your child. Massaging infants is a relatively easy task, since an infant isn’t very mobile. But as the child grows, massaging her will depend on her own wish. Children’s attention spans are short, and they may not particularly like longer massage sessions. A short 15-minute massage that concentrates on the arms and legs, especially on the fingers and toes, and some amount of gentle massaging of the head would be sufficient for a child. Sometimes, the child might fall asleep during massaging, which is a good sign, indicating that the massage has created a soothing and relaxing effect on the child. Massaging has been found to be especially effective for children suffering from diseases such as diabetes, hyperactivity disorders, psychiatric problems, and autism as well. It is believed that the reduction in stress, and the improved blood circulation help alleviate the effects of these diseases to some extent.

3. Massage for older people

Just as good massage can be to an infant, it can benefit an elderly to the same extent. Massaging is known to improve cell growth and accelerate healing. Massaging helps keep elderly fit and active by having the mind and body function optimally. Massaging promotes healthy skin, boosts immune system functioning, reduces muscle tension and friction, reduces anxiety, stress, improves sleeping, enhances flexibility, and also helps in arthritis. The warmth that is created during the rubbing of the skin whilst massaging provides a soothing effect on the muscles of the elderly and relieves joint pains. It is highly recommended that the elderly receive regular massaging (at least once in a week) for their better health and overall sense of well-being.

4. Massage for pregnant women

All the benefits of massaging mentioned in the previous sections apply to a pregnant woman as well. However, there are certain precautions that need to be considered when massaging a pregnant woman.

A. Any form of massage or essential oil usage should be avoided during the first trimester.
B. Every massage session should be followed with good amount of water intake.
C. Avoid placing any pressure on the abdomen area.
D. There are certain pressure points on the ankles and the wrist that can stimulate uterine and pelvic muscles, and cause contractions. Be careful and avoid such areas.
E. Always use only gentle, light strokes
F. Discontinue immediately in case of ANY form of discomfort.
G. Always consult your medical practitioner before initiating massage therapy for a pregnant woman
H. Consider taking the services of a certified massage therapist.

Anyone can benefit really from massage therapy. Nobody is too young or too old to get their first massage.

How Can Massage Therapy Help Me?

Massage therapy is a general term for the various techniques used to manipulate the superficial and deeper layers of muscle and tissues by systematically applying pressure to various parts of the body. The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent or relieve pain. Massage therapy benefits people of all ages.

There can be different ways to administer massage therapy, some are listed here:

Swedish massage: This is a type of massage which starts from light pressure to medium pressure. It is a gentle form of massage. It helps to promote blood circulation and lymph movement. This type of massage is good for stress related conditions and also for chronic pain.

Deep tissue massage: This massage technique starts with a slower movement, but with more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Deep tissue massage is found to be very helpful in healing muscle injuries. It releases muscle tension and provides deep pain relief.

Sports massage: This type of massage is similar to Swedish massage. But it is mainly concerned with people who are involved in sports activities. This massage also helps to prevent or treat injuries occurred to sportsmen. It promotes flexibility and also decreases the risk of injuries. This massage improves endurance and reduces post-workout recovery time.

Trigger point therapy: This technique focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers and relieves the tight areas within muscle tissues.

Foot scrub therapy: This type of massage therapy mainly concentrates on the foot. It makes the feet smoother, hydrates and protects the feet. This type of massage also relieves foot pain and reduces any discomfort of the foot.

Therapists usually evaluate new patients by touching various strategic points to locate painful or tense areas and determine how much pressure to apply. The patient lies on the table either in loose fitting clothes or undressed (covered with a sheet, except for the area being massaged). Oil or lotion is used to reduce friction on the skin.

Some important benefits of massage therapy are as follows:

· Boosts immunity.
· Eases medication dependence.
· Relieves migraine pain.
· Improves blood circulation.
· Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissues and stretch marks.
· Reduces fatigue.
· Helps reducing pain and anxiety.
· Helps curing digestive disorders, headaches and sports injuries.
· Revitalizes the skin.
· Helps to relax and soften injured, tired and overused muscles.
· Improves concentration.
· Enhances sleep.
· Relieves back and neck pain.
· Promotes deeper breathing.
· Enhances skin tone and skin health.
· Increases and prompts joint flexibility.
· Creates a calm mind.
· Increases peace of mind.

Massage therapy is not only useful for our body, but also useful for our health and skin, and provides a holistic approach to well-being. When is your next massage appointment?

Which Type of Massage is Best for You?

Massage therapy can have a variety of benefits and is gaining popularity among various age groups. Below you will find a list of different types of massage options for you to choose from.

1. Swedish Massage Therapy:
This one is the most common of all types. Swedish massage therapy using long, smooth strokes, pressing and circular movements. This type is a superficial massage, and does not penetrate deeper into tissues. Swedish massage is the best for beginners, and for those who want to just relax their body and de-stress.

2. Deep Tissue Massage:
This type, as the name suggests, targets deeper layers of the skin and muscles. This therapy can be quite vigorous, and often makes people feel sore for a couple of days following the massage. This type of massaging is targeted against painful muscles, injuries, and postural problems.

3. Reflexology:
This type is concentrated on the feet, but is beneficial for the whole body! There are certain known pressure points in our feet that correspond to various systems and organs in the body. Targeting these points can benefit the respective organs and systems. Reflexology can also be very soothing for the feet.

4. Sports Massage:
Sports massage is more appropriate for people involved in physical activities. This type is targeted at preventing or treating injury and pain arising from work-outs and sports. This therapy also helps increasing the flexibility of the muscles.

5. Back Massage:
A back massage can be extremely helpful for people with chronic back pain, or certain back injuries. Regular sittings may be required for long-term relief.

6. Head Massage:
As the name suggests, this is concentrated on the head, more particularly, the scalp. Essential oils are generally used for these massages, and can be an excellent solution to relieve your day-to-day stress. This massage also provides moisture to the scalp which helps to improve blood circulation which is beneficial for the scalp and the hair.

7. Pregnancy Massage:
Pregnancy massage, also called prenatal massage, is gaining popularity among expectant mothers. Certified massage therapists use certain techniques that help reduce stress, decrease swelling, and relieve pains and aches. The massage therapist will first discuss the needs of the woman who is expecting, and will then customize the massage for her particular demands.

8. Aromatherapy Massage:
This type uses the benefits of essential oils to de-stress, relax, and energize.

9. Ayurvedic Massage:
Ayurvedic massage therapy has been practised since ancient times. Because the ayurvedic massage has been around for so long, the massage technique has been optimized over the years. The special techniques used in this therapy, and the ayurvedic oils used provide benefits such as relaxation and detoxification. If adopted as a routine, this therapy can help rejuvenate the body, and provide relief in a variety of diseases. 

10. Hot Stone Massage:
Heated smooth stones are placed at certain points of the body to warm and loosen certain muscle groups and to balance energy centers in the body. The therapist also applies slight pressure over the stones, which can be extremely relaxing.

Many therapies to choose from. Hope you found out what is right for you.

Gift voucher for a personal massage on your very own massage table

Are you one of those zealots who LOVES to be pampered with massages? I’m sure you must have spent a fortune on spas and salons. Massages are a great way to indulge, and set your body into a relaxing mode. Massages are also an effective way to comfort your aching bones and muscles. Massages are found to be very beneficial after exercise – it relaxes tense muscles and speeds up the healing process. Massaging improves the circulatory system and increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.

Did you know that you can hire massage therapists, and get all the benefits of massages without having to shell out lot of money in expensive spas and salons? Think about the possibility of getting a personal massage right in your home. Wouldn’t that be just awesome? But where can you find a massage therapist willing to visit your home? Well, the massage industry is actually much bigger than you imagined. There is a growing interest in students in pursuing a career as a masseur or masseuse. With advances in technology, it has become very easy to tap into this resource and book a good 60- or 90-minute massage from a certified massage therapist. Especially with apps such as Zeel, you can book a massage therapist as early as an hour before the massage.

And, what if you had a personal massage table at your home? There are three benefits: 1. You pay less to the massage therapist, who doesn’t have to bring his/her own portable table; 2. You have your own customized table that you feel most comfortable on; and 3. By investing in a massage table, you guarantee yourself that you will regularly go for massaging, thereby ensuring all the benefits that a massage can give to your body.

Opt for a massage table that best suits your body type and needs, and book your massage therapist to indulge in the most relaxing experience for soothing your mind and body. Choose from a variety of types and brands – folding massage tables, stationary massage tables, electric massage tables, Reiki massage tables, heated massage tables, spa/salon massage tables. The most reputable and reliable brands include IronMan, Custom Craftworks, Body Choice and Master Massage. What’s more, this could also be a great gift idea for your partner’s birthday, or your anniversary. A gift that your partner will love, and that can double-up as a gift for yourself too!