A Career in Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is not new to the modern world it has been around for centuries. Historians and archeologists have uncovered that the art of massage therapy has been studied in Japan, Africa, and is dated as far back as early Mesopotamia. Massaging consists of kneading or manipulating body tissue to release stress or pain. Typically pressure is applied to the areas of interest by using hands, fingers, elbows and even knees to accomplish relief.

Massage Therapy in the New Millennium

The world of massaging has changed tremendously over the years. Once associated with medicine and health centuries ago; to being associated with not so much of a great profile. But thanks to changing times, massage therapy is back in to the health arena. With the resurgence of individuals taking a more healthier approach to life; message therapy has become very popular with relieving stress and pain. 

Another reason why massage therapy is trending so high now is because of technology. With the creation and advancement of the internet, consumers can educate themselves on what massage therapy is and the benefits of its therapy. Not only is the internet increasing interests, but also the many doctors are also suggesting this therapy to their patients. No longer is massage therapy just useful for stress and pain, but for additional health reasons that have been researched recently. Doctors are now prescribing massage therapy for patients that suffer from cancer related fatigue, those suffering from osteoarthritis, helps hypertensive patients with lowering blood pressure, and so many more great benefits. 

Through the advancement of technology and medicine, there have been new and innovative methods of massage therapy introduced over the past 10 – 20 years. Besides the traditional massage therapy, were patients lay on a table, there are new formats to administer massage therapy. You can have massages for specific areas like the face or back. Massages now consists of hot stones, hot organic oils, deep tissue massages, active release, Ayurvedic, Burmese and many more. So, depending on the individuals needs, your massage therapist will discuss the type of massage that is best for you.

How to Become a Massage Therapists

Each state has guidelines when it comes to massage therapy. One thing that is important is to check with the school to see what requirements you must have to receive your degree or certification. For instance a massage school chicago il requirements are: registering with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation costing a cool $175.00; and lastly, have a minimum of 600 hours of supervised and classroom training from institution or program certified by National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

There are many schools available for individuals interested in becoming a massage therapists. The best thing to do is to do your research and find the best curriculum offered and if the school offers degrees, certifications, or both. Most curriculums consist of 500 or more hours of training depending on state requirements. The curriculum will include studies in physiology, anatomy, tissue and organs so be prepared to study hard.