Alex Ram

By: M. Jedediah
Tired of having a dead-end low paying job? Or do you hate sitting behind a desk doing other people's dirty work? You have been wanted to find a new career, one that will not only provide a decent income but one where you could set your work schedule and interact with different people all the time. You have had a massage in the past and thought that this might be a possible career change for your future.

Massage therapists work in a variety of different places and can be self-employed or work for others and they are found everywhere today; in private offices, studios, hospitals, nursing homes, fitness centers, sports medicine facilities, airports, and shopping malls. Some self-employed massage therapists also provide at home service to their clients and it is common for them to divide their time among several different settings, depending on the clients and locations scheduled. Massages are given in dimly lit rooms on special tables. Many like to use candles and soothing music to help the customer relax and to be put at ease.

Because this profession is physically demanding, massage therapists must be trained in the proper technique and in most states, they are required to complete a training program that is accredited by a State board or other agency-these accreditations vary from state to state. Most of the boards governing massage therapy 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.

They are usually training in several areas including a general knowledge of the body systems; detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology; pathology; therapeutic massage assessment; therapeutic massage application; and professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices.

Massage therapists may want to take the national certification examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork. The exam is administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Some States require that a massage therapist pass this test in order to practice. In states that require accreditation, a candidate must graduate from a State-licensed training institute with at least 500 hours of training or submit a portfolio of training experience for review.

The most frequent problem is repetitive motion and fatigue from standing for extended periods of time. This risk of injury to the massage therapist can be limited by the use of good technique, proper spacing between sessions, exercise, and by receiving a massage from other therapist.

The physical requirements of the job and because time needed in between sessions is essential, massage therapists usually work less than 40 hours per week. Therapists who give massages anywhere from 15 to 30 hours per week usually consider themselves to be full-time workers.

If this is what you want to do, make it happen. Find a school, enroll in classes and pass the accreditation test. You will be able to get a job as a massage therapist almost anywhere. And, clients are never a problem as more and more people are learning about the benefits of receiving a great and relaxing massage.