Massage Therapy for Real Troopers

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By AJ Fanter

Massage therapy isn't just for businessmen and hippies anymore. Two Alaska-based massage therapists have found success by focusing on the special needs of a unique group of clients--members of the U.S. military.

Training Day

In Massage Today, the therapists note that stress and daily physical exertion are two of the typical reasons why service members need massage therapy. However, members of the armed forces have additional reasons for getting treated. They frequently need massage therapy when they are training for or recovering from a particular mission, or working out in preparation for regularly scheduled career physicals, which are part of their reviews.

Table Talk

While both of the featured therapists have received traditional massage therapy training, they also bring something extra to the massage table--knowledge and experience of this particular niche market. In addition to knowing the lingo, being knowledgeable and respectful of differences in rank, and putting added emphasis on confidentiality, they recognize that military clients have additional stressors of combat and extended time spent away from their families. Working with these particular clients, they say, is the most rewarding use of their massage therapy training.

Massage Therapy Training

If helping to reduce stress, soothe aching muscles, and making all manner of clients (including those on the front lines) feel better sounds rewarding to you, then it might be time to consider massage therapy training.

Source:

• Massage Today, March 2006

About the Author
Amy Fanter is a freelance writer. She holds a B.A. in English from Colby College.