People with massage therapy training treat painful ailments, rehabilitate sports injuries, relax and decompress tired, overworked muscles and work to improve their client's overall health. Massage therapy training teaches would-be therapists to manipulate the client's soft tissues with the goal of improving circulation and removing waste products from the muscles.

Working in a variety of settings, including studios, spas, sports medicine facilities, private hospitals, nursing homes, fitness centers, and even airports and shopping malls, those with massage therapy training may also travel to clients' homes and offices to perform massages. Many massage therapists split their time between several settings depending upon their client's needs and schedules.

Massage Therapy Training

Those who opt to obtain massage therapy training and pursue a career as a massage therapist can specialize in over 80 different kinds of massage, known as modalities, which are used depending upon the client's needs or their physical condition. Some of the most recognized modalities include Swedish massage, deep tissue, acupressure, sports massage, reflexology, and neuromuscular massage. At massage therapy training school, you'll not only learn about the various modalities but the techniques that are required to perform them. While some massage techniques require exaggerated strokes that range the length of the body, others utilize quick strokes with a cupped or closed hand.

Getting Started in Massage Therapy

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, training standards and requirements for massage therapists vary by state; however, nearly all states have laws regulating the practice of massage therapy. In addition to completing a formal massage therapy training program, most states also require those who intend to practice massage therapy to pass either the national or state certification exam and update their training on a regular basis.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Amy Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, Nevada.

Animation

Make your art come to life! Find an animation school that offers the training you're seeking. Choose from programs throughout the U.S. and set your imagination free today!

Automotive

Get the training you need to start your career as a mechanic or technician! Then go to work in the automotive and motorcycle industries.

Education

Become a teacher and change lives everyday. Get your teaching certification, a Master's in Education (MaEd), or earn continuing education credits.

Fashion Design

Learn about fashion schools and chase your dreams in New York, Paris, or Milan! Start a career as a designer, patternmaker, illustrator, or buyer.

Seeking certification or a degree in programming, IT, or networking? Learn more about schools offering technology degrees in your town or online.

Interior Design

Become an interior designer and decorate homes for a living! Get the information you need about degrees or certification in interior design or decoration.

Medical & Health Care

Get your training in nursing, therapy, dental or medical assisting, medical coding or billing, and more. Find a school for any of these medical degree programs.

Web Design

Find schools offering training in animation, graphics, layout, interactivity, video and other web design basics. Design video games or websites for a living.