Massage therapists use a combination of methods to manipulate and treat the tissue and muscles of the human body. Some massages are given for medical reasons, while others are given simply to relieve stress and energize the body and mind.

Massage therapists can specialize in over 80 types of massage. These specializations are most commonly known as modalities. Examples of modalities include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, acupressure, reflexology, etc. Some massage therapists also specialize in pain management, injury rehabilitation, stress reduction, and relaxation.

Being a massage therapist requires a balance of academic and technical knowledge, clinical skills, and general awareness. People skills and a caring attitude are also important characteristics for those who want to work in the massage field.

Massage therapists practice in a wide variety of settings. Many massage therapists are employed at private offices, spas, therapy clinics, fitness centers, and sports medicine facilities. Others have portable equipment and travel to their client’s home or office.

Approximately two-thirds of all massage therapists are self-employed, owning their own business and clientele.

Though training standards in the massage field are not always uniform, an increased interest in massage therapy has caused professional standards for both therapists and massage training to advance over the past few years. As such, the majority of people entering the field of massage therapy complete some kind of education or training program.

Training is most commonly offered at one of the many massage schools that are now available to those who wish to enter the massage profession. Most massage schools offer a well-rounded curriculum that teaches aspiring therapists about the muscles and anatomy of the human body. Instruction also includes the theory and practice of massage, kinesiology, and business practices. Certain programs teach students different types of massage, while some programs teach only one specialty.

Massage schools typically offer part-time, full-time, and/or distance learning programs, and some massage schools also provide students with hands-on experience through various clinics. Admission requirements for massage schools vary depending upon the school. In most cases, a high school diploma will suffice.

In some states, certification is required. To become certified, massage therapists are required to take a certification exam known as the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Those taking the exam are tested in six different areas: therapeutic massage assessment, therapeutic massage application, physiology and kinesiology, pathology, anatomy, and finally, professional standards, ethics, business, and legal practices.

Eligibility requirements for the exam vary. Some states require 300 to 1,000 hours of training, while other states require graduation from an accredited massage school or training program. In some cases, an apprenticeship can be substituted for a massage school education.

Once certified, massage therapists must renew the credential every four years. To remain certified, at least 200 hours of therapeutic massage must be preformed in the four-year period. A minimum of 48 hours of continuing education every four years is also required.

The job outlook for massage therapists is good. The profession of massage therapy is expected to grow rapidly in response to the public’s increased interest in good health, alternative medicine, and holistic healing.

Opportunities will be best for massage therapists who have attended a massage school or training program, and for those who are certified. Massage therapists who specialize in different types of massage will also have increased employment opportunities.

Earnings for massage therapists vary depending upon experience, specialization, place of employment, and geographic location. Those who work for an hourly wage typically make the least amount of money, while therapists with their own facility earn the most.

Massage therapy can be a physically demanding job and most therapists do not work 40 hours per week. Typically, 20 to 30 hours per week is considered full time. The median hourly earnings for massage therapists average approximately $16 per hour.