Opportunities for Massage Therapy Massage therapists see patients with a wide spectrum of needs. Some massage patients have injuries or chronic conditions and benefit from medical massage therapy, while others are merely looking for stress relief, relaxation or a little bit of pampering. Whatever the patients' reasons for seeking massage therapy, the growing popularity of the massage industry is indisputable. Massage is a multi-billion dollar industry with employment growth predicted around 20 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wide acceptance of massage therapy as a medically beneficial practice is fairly recent in the Western world. It has only recently been acknowledged by the medical and insurance industries, and professional massage organizations are striving to strengthen alliances and create even more opportunity for licensed massage therapists.  Who Becomes a Massage Therapist? With the massage industry becoming more mainstream, this is a great time to learn massage therapy. So is a massage therapy career right for you? Here are some traits that help massage therapists succeed. Interest in Promoting Health Since massage therapy is a healing art, an interest the physical condition is imperative. You'll apply your knowledge of the body to promote healing and overall wellness in your patients. Desire to Help A desire to help people recondition and rehabilitate their bodies is a good basis for becoming a massage therapist. Communication Skills Good communication skills are essential. Clients can have both physical and emotional limitations when it comes to their bodies. Others may have physical injuries that should not be handled. You must be a good listener, as well as a good communicator. Enjoyment of Learning Massage is a field of endless learning, particularly in regard to human physiology. A desire for continuing education is a plus the in the massage therapy profession. Getting Started: Learn Massage Therapy If you would be gratified by a career assisting people one-on-one to renew their physical strength and improve their well-being, while remaining dedicated to a continuing learning process, massage therapy is an excellent career choice for you. Find out more about this exciting profession by contacting massage therapy schools near you for more information.  |
