We had six amazing students graduate from Renaissance College last night. We are so proud of them and wish them success in their careers. Massage Therapy is one of the newest emerging professions according to statistics in the year 2013. Massage therapists can build their own businesses and design it to meet their time schedule, specialize in specific kinds of massage and provide a valuable service to the public.
According to the NCBTMB, one of the top accrediting agencies for massage therapists this 6 billion dollar industry (the current amount Americans are spending on massage) 21% of Americans had at least one massage per year.
Massage is a 4000 year old healing method and has been widely used in various forms in the East (Ayurveda, Chinese Tuina, Acupressure) and is now being seen as a valuable part of a personal wellness program by doctors, chiropractors and the general public. It’s gain as a profession has come largely due to increased standards and licensing procedures by states. The medical profession has come to realize the effectiveness of massage in managing all types of body pain. Americans are also realizing that we need to be healthier in order to live more productive lives.
As baby boomers age those aches and pains become more pronounced and this new generation of “seniors” those from 55 to 70 are actually being the most massaged. Our clients tell us “there is nothing better than a good massage, feeling like I am taking care of myself, and maintaining my flexibility and health.”
Massage therapy is rapidly being recognized as a modality to lower blood pressure, alleviate some of the symptoms of dementia and alleviate stress, anxiety and depression.
Massage therapy is utilized by Olympic athletes as part of their regular routine and even children benefit from massage.
Pet massage in your veterinarian’s office is now offered as a service particularly to those with older large dogs (golden retrievers, laboradors) who tend to suffer from arthritis and joint pain as they age.
Most massage therapists either work in the spa industry, at a college, in a physician’s or chiropractor’s office or are self-employed. According to the Department of Labor Statistics the cost of a massage ranges from $50.00 an hour for a standard massage and up depending on the additional specialized training the therapist utilizes.