Massage Therapy Overview

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage is the manipulation of both the superficial and deeper layers of muscle tissue to enhance healing and function. Massage therapy is a field of physical therapy that incorporates massage as a technique in the total plan of care for a patient. There are many forms of massage, each with its own purpose. Massage therapists master a variety of massage techniques that they use to help patients with physical problems.

Massage therapists work in a variety of venues, and often consult with other healthcare specialists to determine the type of massage that will be most beneficial for a patient. Physical therapists may assign a patient to massage therapy as part of a larger rehabilitation program, while doctors may recommend massage therapy as a means of bolstering a patient?s health and comfort.

Is Massage Therapy Really A Science?

For many years, massage therapy was not regulated, and many unlicensed practitioners performed massage techniques in many questionable locations. However, the rising interest in massage therapy has led to a regulation of the practice and an imposition of standards which raise massage therapy to the level of a healthcare science.

Like other areas of healthcare, massage therapy is now regulated by state boards, and many states require massage therapists to be licensed according to state standards. In these states, massage therapists must pass a state exam which gives them a license to practice massage therapy in healthcare environments. Not all states require licensure for massage therapists, but most reputable doctors and physical therapists will not use massage therapists unless they can show they have been properly trained in an accredited school.

There are approximately 1,300 training programs currently in the United States that train students to pass state exams and administer massage therapy safely. Massage therapy is considered a specialization of physical therapy in many schools, and some physical therapy programs offer special certificates or degrees in massage therapy.

Many professionals incorporate massage into their therapeutic routines. Physical therapists, chiropractors, and occupational therapists may utilize massage therapy as part of a larger treatment program for appropriate cases.

How Can I Become a Massage Therapist?

Depending on your goals, there are several routes to massage therapy certification. Some physical therapy programs offer special diploma or certificate programs in massage therapy separately from their regular physical therapy curriculum; other schools incorporate massage therapy as a specialization in their physical therapy degree programs. In general, the shorter the program duration, the fewer earnings a graduate can expect. Simple one-year massage therapy certification programs produce graduates who earn far less than physical therapists who earn a master?s degree.

What Is the Job Outlook for Massage Therapists?

The job outlook for massage therapy is optimistic, due to the growing popularity of massage as a form of physical therapy and for relaxation and holistic health. Massage therapists will find work in spas, doctor?s offices, and physical therapy offices, as well as at hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

Massage therapy as a field is expected to grow by 19 percent over the period between 2008 and 2018; this is a faster than average growth when compared to most job fields.

If you are interested in massage therapy as a career, the first decision you must make is what type of massage therapy degree you want. If you are interested in going to work quickly, many schools offer one-year certification programs which will enable you to begin massage therapy right away. If you are interested in a physical therapy career with a specialization in massage therapy, you should look for a school that offers this specialization as part of its curriculum.

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Source: http://www.ptschools.com/massage-therapy/

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