Whether a patient calls
for a relaxing treat…
or help recovering from an injury….
massage therapists provide an important part
of their wellness care.
While massage is popular now
due to the natural health movement
and interest in prevention,
massage therapy has its roots
in ancient health care practices.
Massage therapists massage
and knead patients’ soft tissues
to treat medical conditions,
injuries, or to maintain health.
Using their knowledge of basic anatomy,
they may assess range of motion
and tissue condition
to determine the best techniques to use.
Talking with patients beforehand
about their symptoms
is as important as maintaining communication
throughout the massage
and keeping health records afterward.
Massage therapists learn particular techniques,
like sports massage, reflexology,
or deep tissue massage.
They may work for themselves,
in a rehabilitation practice,
a massage clinic, at a spa,
or even for a sports team.
Massage therapists must typically
complete a training program,
typically between 500-1000 hours of study,
to develop these specialized skills.
Most states also have licensure
and practice requirements.
Becoming a massage therapist can
be a first step in a health care career.
Many health care providers understand
the benefits of massage,
and include these services
in their treatment plans.
Whichever setting these professionals choose,
their skills are a welcome addition
to their patients’ care.