Massage therapists often focus on areas that need special attention.
Massage therapy can provide relief for a variety of conditions: overused muscles, sports injuries, excessive stress and specific ailments. Massage therapy also promotes overall health. In addition, many people utilize massage therapy simply for its relaxation benefits. There are more than 80 types of massage (also called modalities). They include acupressure, Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology and sports massage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the massage therapy profession is expected to see 19 percent growth between 2008 and 2018. This growth is due to several factors: growth of upscale spas, which tend to include massage in their services; more recognition of workplace massage; a growing number of older people who use massage to promote a healthy lifestyle; and more use of massage among young adults.
Instructions
1. Examine state massage therapy requirements. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has prepared a state-by-state summary of massage therapist certification and continuing-education requirements. In addition, the AMTA website provides a list of states that regulate massage therapy practices (see Resources).
2. Find a massage therapy school. Massage therapy schools are affiliated with one of two national certification boards. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) has associated schools in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Advanced certification opportunities are also offered through the NCBTMB (see Resources).
Other massage therapists receive their education and certification through schools affiliated with the American Massage Therapy Association. The AMTA also offers continuing-education courses (see Resources).
3. Purchase massage equipment. Massage therapists primarily utilize two pieces of equipment: the massage table and massage chair. Portable massage tables are light enough to be carried from client to client and come in several price ranges. Spa massage tables are larger, include comfort padding and reclining capability, and are more expensive. Finally, portable massage chairs can be used for seated massages at a client's location (see Resources).
4. Visit spas and upscale hair salons. Day spas and exclusive beauty salons often include a private room dedicated to massage therapy. Learn about each facility's client services, and suggest specific massage modalities that would enhance the clients' experience.
5. Consult with chiropractic offices. In some cases, chiropractic doctors retain massage therapists to enhance service to their patients. The chiropractor's receptiveness may depend on the types of massage offered by the therapist. Visit several offices to increase your chances of success.
6. Search for alternative-medicine specialists. Medical practices that utilize alternative-treatment methods may be willing to include a massage therapist on their staff. Gather information on the practice, and schedule an appointment with the practice's manager if you feel there's an appropriate fit.
7. Explore seated-massage opportunities. For seated massages, clients sit in a special portable chair while their head, neck and upper torso are briefly massaged. Seated massages offer a chance to diversify your client base and perhaps break into a market that is difficult to reach.
For example, visit each office within a large office park. Talk about the benefits of seated massage, and offer discounted group massages during a lunch hour or at another convenient time.
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