Are you interested in a career as a massage therapist? If you enjoy helping people, eliminating pain, and making the world a better place, massage therapy could be the perfect career choice. With a little networking, research and planning, you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed practitioner in no time.
Starting a Career in Massage Therapy
The best way to begin a career in Massage Therapy is to research your local and online options. Start networking on social media and asking a lot of questions. What education programs are nearby? What type of licensing does your state require? Are online courses available? What kind of tools will you need? Once you have a basic understanding of the industry, you can begin planning and mapping the path towards your goal.
What kind of tools do massage therapists use?
You don’t have to break the bank to get started in massage therapy. With a few tools and supplies, a therapist has everything they need to treat their patients.
If you are considering a career in massage therapy, this list of supplies should help give you ideas to get started:
- Massage Table – Once you have your certification or practitioner license, the only tool you really need (other than your hands) is a massage table. While some high-end tables cost several thousand dollars, you can easily find affordable, quality massage tables for sale.
- Oils –  Oils are very helpful during a massage. It’s important to minimize friction on your patient’s skin so your fingers can properly do their job. Without oil, the patient’s skin may rub and become irritated. Sunflower or Almond oils are most commonly used. However, you may want to explore the science of aromatherapy and experiment with lavender, lemon, or sandalwood oils.
- Candles – Pleasant-scented candles will have a calming effect on your patients and help them relax.
- Comfortable bedding – To make sure your patient is comfortable, cover your massage table with soft flannel or satin sheets.
- Towels – You’ll definitely want to have plenty of towels on hand. A thick towel will really help remove excess oil when the massage is finished.
How can one become a certified or licensed massage therapist?
Laws for massage therapists vary state by state. Some states require licensing, while others require board certification. Online courses may also be an option. In general, the cost to become licensed can range from $500-$12,000, and require up to 600 hours of training. Â Be aware that additional education may be necessary to renew your license, a process usually required every three years.
The Many Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy offers a broad range of mental and physical health benefits. Licensed therapists can treat the following ailments and illnesses:
- Muscle tension
- Sore muscles
- Sports injuries
- Headaches
- Pinched nerves
- Arthritis
- Cancer pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
A Rewarding Career
Massage therapists offer profound healing and relaxation, providing their patients with a deep sense of joy that comes from living free from mental and physical pain. As a therapist, you’ll be able to relieve stress, cure headaches, and remove aches and pains caused by injury or illness. It’s a very rewarding career. To get started, look into your state’s licensing laws, and check out the local educational programs in your area. It’s the best decision you’ll ever make.
Brought to you by our friend, Amanda.
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