Massage Therapy is a Rapid Growth Industry!
Is there a demand for massage therapy?
The profession of Massage Therapy has become increasingly in demand . Because of the renewed interest in better health, there are more people seeking the services of Professional Massage Therapists. There are also more businesses employing Massage Therapists. Graduates from our program may find placement at hospitals, physical therapy offices, chiropractic and medical offices, health clinics and clubs, fitness centers and spas, beauty salons, cruise ships, resorts, senior centers, corporations, college athletic departments, and private practice.
A recent survey commissioned by the American Massage Therapy Association estimated 47 million Americans received a massage in the 11 months between August 2004 and July 2005. Approximatey 2 million people more than the prior year. A primary reason for the $11 billion industry's rapid growth, besides the fact that more and more people are appreciating the high-quality relaxation time, is the fact that massage therapy's growing acceptance and adoption within medical professions is increasing rapidly. Many professionals know that receiving massage on a regular basis provides more than temporary relief, the muscle and joint manipualtion and stimulation can be good for condition specific ailments and your overall health as well.
"Massage is no longer just a stress-relief modality. People are seeking it as a preventative medicine for their health and for wellness," says Dr. Leena Guptha, president-elect of the AMTA. "Some of the immediate benefits of massage are that it reduces heart rate and blood pressure, and increases blood and lymphatic circulation."
Massage is being used in a number of clinical areas, such as arthritis, cancer treatment centers, asthma and bronchitis. Visiting a massage therapist has been shown to decrease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, ease post-operative pain and reduce headaches. Those experiencing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can also benefit from massage. The results are ultimately endless, but in most medical situations, individuals should seek a physician before considering massage as a treatment option.
Today consumers visit massage therapists about 114 million times every year. The percentage of American adults receiving one or more massages from a massage therapist in the previous year (18%) more than doubled since 1997 (8%).
This is a great time for career growth in massage therapy since massage careers are expanding like never before. The public's use of massage as a healthcare modality has tripled in the last decade, which in turn has caused a tremendous increase in the demand for massage therapists. Today massage therapy career is a great opportunity for everyone. Massage therapists can be seen working almost everywhere, and spas, health clubs, cruise ships, physician's offices—even the local mall—are just a sampling of the places where a massage therapist can work.
The Meaning of Massage Certification:
There are various forms of verification in the massage industry, including massage school education, membership in professional organizations, city and state licensing, and national certification. Each of these achievements earns a document suitable for display, which assures the inexperienced consumer that the bearer has fulfilled specific requirements. The worth and value of these documents is determined by the reputation of the issuing institution.
Licensure:
Upon successful completion of the professional program students are granted a diploma certifying they have completed the program. This certification is NOT license to practice massage therapy. Graduates must apply to the appropriate state, county, or city agencies of the locality in which they wish to practice in order to obtain a massage license.
State licensing to practice massage is currently required in 40 states. Many of them have recently adopted massage regulations and follow the standards set by the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association). Acquiring a state license to practice massage may involve taking a written and practical exam, as well as showing proof of an adequate massage education. Applicants for a CA State Massage License must first go to: www.camtc.org to begin the application process.
National Certification:
The increasing credibility of massage therapy as a health profession is evidenced by the establishment of the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 1992. This Board exam establishes national entry-level standards for the practice of professional massage and bodywork and is being accepted by a growing number of states as one of the criteria for licensure. This is a voluntary exam.
