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| Category: Massage Therapy Schools |
Date published: February 28, 2008 |
Massage Today
by CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
 What draws thousands of Americans to massage therapists? Perhaps it's the deep relaxation, the stress reduction, or just simple relief from pain it provides. But massage is more than just your average complementary medicine - bodywork like Swedish massage or therapeutic touch have very few associated risks; and the healing benefits far outweigh any potentially invasive procedure.
Because there are over 80 forms of massage therapy, it is a good idea to get an overview (of the various techniques) your massage therapist or practitioner may be able to offer you. Typical bodywork treatments that are administered in a session include deep tissue therapy, Swedish, and sports massage; however, some therapists who have received advanced training may be able to provide other body therapies like trigger point, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, hot stone massage, and aromatherapy, among others.
Due to its overwhelming success as a complementary treatment on humans, massage has since carried over to our animal counterparts as well. Many a dog or horse has been to a massage specialist for routine acupressure therapy, sports massage or hydrotherapy treatments. These particular massage specialists have received in-depth training in the fields of animal physiology, pathology, and anatomy - in addition to animal-specific massage modalities.
It is important to note, too that before you schedule an appointment with your local massage therapist, you should check her credentials. As with any health care provider, specific educational and training requirements must be met before these practitioners are allowed to practice professionally. In most cases, licensed massage therapists must have acquired a minimum of 300-500 hours* (Educational requirements vary by State.) training in massage therapeutics; including instruction in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, among other natural health sciences.
You can often review the massage practitioner's credentials by observing what certifications and/or licenses he may have. For example, an "LMT" is a Licensed Massage Therapist; a "CMT" is a Certified Massage Therapist; or if she has the initials "NCTMB" behind her name, it means that she has met the credentialing requirements from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Massage therapy is so popular and so accepted in fact, that many health insurance companies have begun covering this holistic health care service. In addition, while many massage therapists do practice in health spas and massage clinics, a number of professional therapists work alongside primary care physicians, as well as in hospitals, and other medical facilities.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding educational programs in massotherapy, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massotherapy, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore massage programs near you.
Massage Today
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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Former staff writer for HolisticJunction.com, Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Holistic Practitioners, and other Holistic Programs.
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