Massage Therapy: A Hands-On Experience

The nature of Massage Therapy and its practical theories is to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body for an array of reasons. Massage therapy is used for rehabilitating sports injuries and treating painful ailments, reducing stress, relaxing tired and overworked muscles, relaxation and general health and well-being.

There are over 80 different types of massage that can be utilized in treatment. Some of the most popular modalities are reflexology, acupressure, deep-tissue, Swedish, neuromuscular and sports massage. Most masseuses are trained in more than one modality because the client or patient need can vary greatly from person to person.

Elderly clients are most benefited by effleurage, which is a slow, long stroke with the massage therapist pushing no more that ¼ inch into the skin. Special attention is given to the hands and feet of the elderly, used for stimulating blood circulation and warming of extremities. This is a world away from sports massage, which consists more of petrissage, a kneading action that is coupled with “stripping” which is isolation of a muscle, and circular friction.

Massage sessions can last anywhere from 10 minutes to two hours, depending on the client’s request and the reason for the massage. Relaxation massage sessions usually run about one hour in length.

Massage therapists are generally part-time or self-employed. They work by appointment, first meeting with a client to discuss the person’s needs and medical history. There are specialized fields of massage such as prenatal, geriatric and a school of massage referred to as Rolfing.

Massage therapists can work in a clinical or medical setting, spas and health centers, or in a client’s home. Home therapists, as a rule, bring their own equipment and supplies. Massage oils, lotions and creams are the normal mode of creating a smooth skin surface that allows for ease of manipulation. A table or chair, linens and pillows are also items the massage therapist will bring as part of their supplies.

Forty-two states require licensing and certification. Certification is generally granted after 500 hours of instruction and practical experience.

The field of massage therapist is expected to grow by 19% by the year 2018. Salaries vary between regions, types of massage and work location.