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Massage therapy is one of the most comfortable ways to get relieved from you physical as well as psychological pains. You can even beat your tension and stress quite easily with a tender stroking of hands. With its escalating popularity, Massage therapy is becoming a very lucrative career option. These Massage therapists can work in several different places including studios, nursing homes, private offices, hospitals, fitness centers, airports, shopping malls, and sports medicine facilities etc. You can also work as a self employed upon successful completion of your massage therapy program. Moreover, some of the massage therapist provides at home service. The service charge in that case depends on several factors such as, the client, schedule and location.

The American Massage Therapy Association has made a survey to point the increasing popularity of massage therapy. According to their report approximately 47 million Americans are habituated with regular massage and it is more popular among people aged 65 and above. The number has almost tripled since 1997.

Income of a Massage therapist

The salary of a massage therapist varies and usually depends on his/ her total industry experience, business proprietorship or practice location. There are certain practitioners making approximately $180,000 per year. However, the average salary scale of a Massage therapist ranges approximately from $41,000 to $58,000. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the expected growth will be around 26 percent in 2014, whereas it was only 18 percent in 2004. Most of them work only for 15 to 30 hours per week. Generally the service charge of a massage therapist goes as follow:

• Approximately $58 service charge for giving one hour of massage
• The average annual income of $29,250 including tips for working 15 hours per week
• The average earnings per hour for every massage related work is $39

However, the income of a private practitioner as well as those who run their own business greatly varies from the salaried individuals. Their income is usually high but you also need to consider the associated costs with owning a business.

Helping others to recover and heal through natural method is professionally and personally very rewarding. That is why students choose massage therapy learning as academic path to achieve a successful healthcare profession. Courses of massage therapy education include studies in kinesiology, physiology, anatomy, pathology, sport massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage.

The explanation

• Massage therapy education consist of more than 80 different types of bodywork therapies that help students distinguish different touch techniques. Through massage therapy education, students also learn practical application of various touch techniques.

• Though some massage therapy educational programs need classes in sports massage, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage; students looking for advanced method find numerous massage therapy education programs which provide different types of bodywork methods such as meridian therapy, acupressure, Tuina, and Thai massage. Massage therapy education also provides specialized training in myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, infant massage, therapeutic touch, trigger point and lymphatic drainage among other methods.

• Massage therapy education prepares an individual to earn a lot and make high profit in the healthcare industry. Massage therapists are generally licensed or certified, and must maintain credentials and licensure by attending annual massage therapy courses.

• Almost all programs, offered in massage therapy schools and institution meet the requirements of National certification. Students who register themselves in bodywork courses receive at least 500 hours of training. However, there are some courses that exceed 1000 hours.

• Through massage therapy education, students can also have training electives such as holistic nutrition, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, energy healing therapy, advanced kinesiology, hot stone massage, reflexology, and raindrop therapy.

Students, who have completed their chosen massage therapy programs successfully, can expect positive career outlook. It is expected that within 2016, massage therapy occupations, and the demand for massage therapists will increase by 20 percent.

A trained massage therapist helps in a great way to heal your several diseases. It includes several different techniques, philosophies and objectives. These massage therapy training programs are designed in a special systematic way in order to introduce you to work efficiently in health and wellness industry. There are several places where professional and trained massage therapist are appointed. These include:

· Chiropractic clinics

· Health and beauty industry.

· Spa and wellness clubs

· Salons

· Cruise ships.

Types of massage therapy trainings:

There are several types of massage therapy training courses. Though they are all related about the healing arts, the course content differs from each other. The most common techniques taught in more or less every school include sports massage, Swedish massage, and deep tissue massage. There are also advance massage therapy training that provide comprehensive, thorough and practical knowledge.

Since massage therapy is gradually gaining popularity, some of these training programs have incorporated certain fascinating techniques. Reflexology is one such unique feature of modern day massage therapy. It involves the feet, hands and ears. Some of the massage therapy training programs also involve:

· Practical instruction in Tuina, which is a Chinese medical massage.

· Shiatsu, which is a form of acupressure.

· Rolfing

· Feldenkrais

· Alexander Technique

· Meridian therapy

· Indian head massage

· Trigger point therapy

Advance career options:

• Rehabilitation: This is a very promising and booming career option in these days. You can take up certain additional courses, which focus on specific treatments specially designed for specific condition. This type of course opens the opportunity for you to work even in a Rehabilitation clinic-type setting.
• Relaxation and spa treatments: Completing this particular training enable you to start your career in several types of spas or retreat centers.
• Pregnancy and infant massage: This training program opens a new professional avenue that involves infant massage for colic, labor support, or even other pregnancy related discomfort.