What do massage therapist do?

Massage therapists can specialize in over 80 different types of massage, called modalities. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage are just a few of the many approaches to massage therapy.

Most massage therapists specialize in several modalities, which require different techniques. Some use exaggerated strokes ranging the length of a body part, while others use quick, percussion-like strokes with a cupped or closed hand. A massage can be as long as two hours or as short as five or ten minutes.

Usually, the type of massage therapists give depends on the client’s needs and the client’s physical condition. For example, they use special techniques for elderly clients that they would not use for athletes, and they would use approaches for clients with injuries that would not be appropriate for clients seeking relaxation. There are also some forms of massage that are given solely to one type of client, for example prenatal massage and infant massage.

Massage therapists work by appointment. Before beginning a massage therapy session, therapists conduct an informal interview with the client to find out about the person’s medical history and desired results from the massage. This gives therapists a chance to discuss which techniques could be beneficial to the client and which could be harmful. Since massage therapists tend to specialize in only a few areas of massage, customers will often be referred or seek a therapist with a certain type of massage in mind.

Based on the person’s goals, ailments, medical history, and stress- or pain-related problem areas, a massage therapist will conclude whether a massage would be harmful, and if not, move forward with the session while concentrating on any areas of particular discomfort to the client. While giving the massage, therapists alter their approach or concentrate on a particular area as necessary.

How to become a Massage therapist?

Training standards and requirements for massage therapists vary greatly by State and locality. In 2004, 33 States and the District of Columbia had passed laws regulating massage therapy in some way.

Most of the boards governing massage therapy in these States require practicing massage therapists to complete a formal education program and pass the national certification examination or a State exam. Some State regulations require that therapists keep up on their knowledge and technique through continuing education. It is best to check information on licensing, certification, and accreditation on a State-by-State basis.

There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy postsecondary schools, college programs, and training programs throughout the country.

Massage therapy programs generally cover subjects such as anatomy; physiology, the study of organs and tissues; kinesiology, the study of motion and body mechanics; business; ethics; as well as hands-on practice of massage techniques. Most formal training programs require an application and some require an in-person interview. Training programs may concentrate on certain modalities of massage. Several programs also provide alumni services such as post-graduate job placement and continuing educational services. Both full- and part-time programs are available.

These programs vary in accreditation. Massage therapy training programs are generally accredited by a State board or other accrediting agency. Of the many massage therapy programs in the country, about 300 are accredited by a State board or department of education-certified accrediting agency. In States that regulate massage therapy, graduation from an approved school or training program is usually required in order to practice massage therapy.

Specialization for massage therapist:

Some of the areas of specialization for massage therapists are:

Trigger Point Therapy:

Trigger Point Therapy is a fast growing modality used to identify hyper-constricted muscle areas, their pain patterns and deactivating the associated trigger points.  This therapy is being used in hospitals, doctors and chiropractic offices for pain management and restoration.

Yogic Neuromuscular Therapy:

An innovative and powerful form of therapeutic bodywork which draws upon the dynamics and principles of Deep Tissue Release, Kundalini Yoga and Reiki.  Yogic Neuromuscular Therapy releases stress, tension, pain and trauma on physical, energetic and emotional levels by unwinding the traumatized tissues in a series of specific movements.

Thai Massage:

Traditionally practiced by monks and nuns in Thailand, this work facilitates profound mind/body health and rejuvenation.  The sessions are beautifully choreographed sequences that include rocking, compression and stretching postures using the hands, forearms, elbows, knees and feet. 

Anma (Japanese Deep Tissue Massage):

Anma is a powerful, transformational deep tissue technique that can be applied on the table or floor, over clothing, sitting or lying down.  This technique is the oldest massage form in East Asia.  Anma is very effective in dealing with chronic muscle conditions.  Students can mix this work with their other massage or shiatsu techniques.

Other fields of specialization are:

Deep Tissue, Stepping, Shiatsu, Thai Style Reflexology, Swedish, Facials (includes head, neck, and face), Prenatal and Hawaiian Lomilomi.

How to identify a good Massage therapist?

Some massage therapists claim to understand the metaphysical reasons for the uplifting and relaxing effect of massage. Their explanations vary. Since massage therapy is essentially an unregulated profession, making claims that they are qualified to treat medical conditions such as allergies, infectious diseases, phlebitis, and the like, seems like quackery. This has not stopped the profession from expanding to the point where even dogs and horses can get a healing massage.

So, when looking for a good massage therapist we suggest you avoid the one's that identify themselves with some sort of metaphysical quackery or New Age energy manipulation.