Massage Education

After a stressful day, anyone would love a massage to relax and release the tension. While some may just be looking for some stress relief and relaxation, others require massage therapy to help treat injuries and illnesses. As more and more doctors, physicians and chiropractors advise massage therapy for treating illnesses, chronic problems and for the general well-being of a patient, the demand for those with a massage education is increasing. 
Massage is the kneading and rubbing of muscles and connective tissue for medical or relaxation purposes. This increases circulation and relieves stiffness in the body. Massage therapy can be used alone or as part of a number of treatment methods, to reduce stress, tension and soreness. Massage therapists can be found in hospitals, old homes, chiropractic clinics, hotels, health clubs and more. 

Massage Therapy Programs    
If you are interested in helping people to heal and are a good communicator, then you may be interested in looking for massage education options. Massage therapy programs are offered by a number of colleges. A massage therapy program can range from a few months up to a year. After completion of your massage education, you can take the national certification examination. You should have completed at least 500 coursework hours to be able to take the certification examination.
State licensing requirements may vary and it is important to know what is required of you before you enroll in a massage therapy program. It is recommended to enroll in a massage education program which is accredited by a recognized association or body such as the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).  
Areas of Study in Massage Therapy
Through a massage education program, you learn the skills and techniques of the trade. A number of courses are taught to prepare students for the national certification examination. These include anatomy, physiology and the theory and practices of massage. Hygiene and pathology are also aspects covered in a massage therapy program. Also taught are professional ethics and business and licensing procedures. 
During the course of a massage therapy education program, students learn various kinds of massage techniques including deep tissue and infant massage. Also learned are sports, Swedish, chair and acupressure massaging methods. Massage education programs may also provide an insight on holistic practices such as aromatherapy, Ayurveda and hydrotherapy. 
Massage Therapy careers
Massages provide relief from pain, reduce stress and result in a feeling of rejuvenation. Massage therapists can choose from a variety of settings to work in. They can be found in hospitals, clinics, physical therapy centers and other medical institutions, as well as on cruise ships, spas, salons, gyms and more. Chiropractic clinics also employ massage experts. Massage therapists treat infants, the elderly, athletes and the general public. You can choose to be employed somewhere or may start your own massage therapy clinic. Some massage therapists are employed by sports teams and professional players. Others can be found working in offices where on site massages may be offered as a perk by employers. There are also massage therapists who do house calls at a client’s home. Depending on your area of interest you can specialize in one particular massage technique too.