The Many Benefits of a
Career in
Massage Therapy
By Judy Batey
T
oday there are thousands of options for different
related modalities such as hydrotherapy, sports massage,
career paths. Sometimes it is difficult to determine
deep tissue, chair massage, reflexology, aromatherapy,
which field of study is best for an individual. For
lymphatic drainage and spa treatments.
people who prefer to be more hands-on, one occupation
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to revitalize, main-
that may spark an interest is massage therapy.
tain and restore health. Hydrotherapy treatments include
There are many benefits to earning a degree in massage
saunas, steam baths, foot baths, sitz baths, and the applica-
therapy. Massage therapy has grown as a popular option for
tion of cold and hot water compresses. The alternation of
stress reduction, relaxation and assisting in rehabilitation.
hot to cold produces a physiological response in the body,
A massage therapist plays an important role in the growing
generating different effects. Heat relaxes and soothes the
fields of preventative healthcare, fitness and stress manage-
body, slowing internal activity. This technique is generally
ment, and the need for qualified therapists is increasing.
used to ease tense muscles and anxiety. Cold water, on the
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of
other hand, stimulates and invigorates internal activity. This
massage therapists is expected to increase faster than the
method is used to activate body and mind functionality.
average for all occupations between 2008 and 2018.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for
Locally, The Bryman School of Arizona provides an
psychological and physical well-being. With more than 90
extensive massage therapy program that can help gradu-
types, essential oils are the pure essence of a plant. When
ates find careers in this interesting and innovative career
inhaled, these oils both stimulate brain activity and relieve
path. In this program, for example, students learn anatomy,
congestion. This technique of therapy is used to ease the
physiology and pathology of the body as it relates to soft
mind and improve breathing. Many also use this method to
tissue injury and treatment. They are also trained in sanita-
utilize energy healers to rebalance and revitalize life force
tion procedures, first aid and becoming cardiopulmonary
and energy.
resuscitation (CPR) certified – all prerequisites for a suc-
Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper lay-
cessful career in the massage therapy field.
ers of muscle and connective tissue. Generally, when there
Many massage therapists are self-employed. With the
are areas of severe muscle pain, bands of rigid tissue exist.
opportunity to establish personal office hours and clien-
Deep tissue massage breaks down these inflexible areas
tele, therapists find the work schedule to be flexible and
to restore natural muscle movement. This type of therapy
easy to manage. This also enables control of salary and
is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted
business prospects. In addition, massage therapists do not
areas such as stiff necks, tightness in the lower back and
have to live the corporate lifestyle. Beyond the satisfaction
sore shoulders.
of assisting people to live a rehabilitated, stress-reduced
With the countless benefits of both performing and re-
life, massage therapists can also enjoy working in a relaxed
ceiving message therapy, this occupation is steadily growing
environment. The Bryman School of Arizona’s program
in popularity, providing several career opportunities.
prepares students with a comprehensive study of skills
needed to start and operate an independent massage
Judy Batey is the Massage Therapy Program Manager and
therapy business.
Clinical Supervisor at The Bryman School of Arizona. If
Massage therapists can specialize in more than 80 dif-
you are interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy,
ferent types of massage, called modalities. Students at The
visit the campus at 2250 W. Peoria Ave., Suite A-100, Phoenix.
Bryman School of Arizona engage in supervised, “hands-
For more information, call 1-877-296-8057 or visit online at
on” training in traditional Swedish massage and other
BrymanSchool.edu. Approved for VA benefits.
Pr i n t e d o n re c y c l e d Pa P e r t o Pr o t e c t t h e en v i r o n m e n t
February 2010 33
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