Massage Instruction: Avenues to a Career or Recreational Activity

There are many places and venues to learn the art of massage therapy.  The most rigid massage instruction is, of course, becoming a massage therapist at a massage institution or a college offering a degree in massage therapy training. 

Requirements

There is virtually a massage therapy school or college in every major city and state.  Typically, a massage degree takes about one year of training in addition to extended internships being offered in specialized training.   A massage degree requires extensive study in human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, pathology, and clinical application.  It is a unique mix of both classroom instruction and practical application, contrary to standard college instruction. 

Massage jobs

After completion of the massage instruction the new massage therapist may work in a variety of settings including but not limited to: spas, wellness centers, cruise ships, chiropractic offices, physical therapy centers, hospitals, school events, health fairs, corporate events, marathons, triathlons, and other sporting events. The therapist helps the athletes pre and post event with stretching, massage, and hydrotherapy application. 

Massage as a hobby

Some people prefer to only study massage therapy as a recreational hobby rather than a career profession.  For these individuals, short sessions are available and can be done in a group setting with a partner.  These courses teach the inquisitive mind about the ancient art of massage therapy and techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, and roulement.  These courses are more Swedish-based in nature and don’t focus on the clinical application for sports injuries, etc.  These techniques described above induce relaxation, rejuvenation, promote cellular healing, decrease the heart rate, increase overall digestion, and eliminate toxins and waste products from the human body.  Experience the greatest form of relaxation-massage therapy!