Becoming a massage therapist is a big decision to make. Because the industry is already being regulated, a career in massage therapy is harder to get into. You need training and sometimes licensure in order to work in a particular clinic. This is especially true if you are aiming for those top-of-the-line clinics that really pay well. One of the decisions that you have to make before getting into the field is what kind of massage will you be specializing in. Like the medical field, massage therapists have specializations.

There are various kinds of massages that are being done in clinics. Some are simple enough and only require a specific set of strokes. Others are more technical and involve pressing certain pressure points in the body and using oils that are not usually used in practice. Examples of these are acupressure and aromatherapy. Before you get into the massage therapy business, know first what you are comfortable doing. If you study one massage and then realize that you are not for it, you will be wasting money and time on your training. Before you plunge in, know first what you want.

Below are some of the things that can help you clarify what you really want to do.

Western against Eastern

Although there are a lot of different kinds of massages, they are divided into just two big groups– Eastern and Western. Ask yourself, are you more comfortable doing the more traditional medical model that is often characteristic of Western massages, or are you more for the Eastern types that makes use of essential oils and pressure points?

Medical against Relaxation

The various kinds of Massage therapies may also be divided into either massage for relaxation or massage therapy for medical purposes. If you feel that you only want something simple as providing relaxation, then training is easier for this group. All you need to learn are specific strokes that will help your client relax their muscles. However, if you feel that you want to make a career out of it that is similar to a medical doctor, then you are better off training in the medical area of massages. Here you will study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, physical therapy, and a lot of other science subjects.

Spas against nursing homes

The clients that you will be servicing will also help you determine the kind of massage therapy specialty you would like to take. For instance, if you foresee yourself working at a spa or a resort, your clients will primarily be those who just want a bit of relaxation. On the other hand, if you like to work in a nursing home or in a hospital setting, then you may want to get into something that is more medical in nature. Although relaxation may be easier to do, the pay for the other is much more competitive so you may also want to consider that when making your decision.

How Hard Can You Do The Massage

Another consideration in choosing your specialty is whether you can take on the massaging itself. Remember that massages for relaxation are softer and more relaxed compared to those being done for people who have problems with their muscles and their bones. Also, when dealing with medical clients, you also need to be more precise with your massages.

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA-approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”