The health care field is one of the fastest growing sectors in today’s economy; and as part of this industry, massage therapy is projected to experience faster than average growth. If you want to work in the field of healthcare, and enjoy helping patients, but you don’t want to spend years in medical or nursing school, you may want to learn massage therapy.

Massage therapists use the science and art of touch to manipulate the soft-tissues and muscles of the body. Massage improves circulation, muscle tone and promotes general overall health. Training in massage therapy focuses on the rehabilitative effects of massage therapy. Massage is used for variety of conditions, to treat painful ailments, overworked muscles, reduce stress, and to rehabilitate injuries. As a licensed massage therapist you can work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, health care facilities, sports clinics and fitness studios. You also have the option to travel to your patient’s home or workplace. Doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors often recommend massage therapy for specific health conditions; in addition, health insurance companies support the practice of massage therapy in many instances. You can typically complete training for massage therapy within a few months. A quality massage therapy program will prepare you for a career as a licensed massage therapist.

If you choose to train in massage therapy you have the option of learning more than 80 different types of massage, from Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, reflexology, and acupressure, to sports massage, and neuromuscular massage. The type of massage you use will depend on your client’s health needs and physical condition. You may apply specific techniques for the elderly, and others for athletes. There are also forms of massage for pregnant mothers, new mothers and even infants. When you learn massage therapy you will also learn how to use aids such as oils, antiseptics, creams, salt glows, herbal preparations, and hot and cold packs to enhance the benefits of the massage.

Keep in mind that giving massages can be physically demanding; if you want to give massages you should be in good physical condition and health. It is important that you train to use proper techniques to avoid injury while giving massages. The repetitive movements you use and fatigue from standing long hours can be very taxing on your body. You can lessen your risk of injury by using proper massage techniques, spacing enough time between your massage sessions, and by staying in good shape. You should also consider getting a regular massages yourself from another licensed massage therapist.

When you learn massage therapy you will get hands-on experience and training that will prepare you to take the National Certification Exam. Massage therapy programs also generally include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, business management, and ethics. Training requirements for massage therapists vary in each state. If you decide to learn massage therapy it is important that you select a school that is accredited in massage therapy in your particular state. Also look for one that has been accredited by agencies such as the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCST), and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).