Massage therapists manipulate and rub a person's muscles and soft tissues
in an attempt to improve their overall health. A typical session will last
between 30 and 60 minutes. The goal is to reduce stress and ease a person's
knots and aches so that they feel better physically, mentally and even emotionally.
"Suppose a person comes away from a massage free from pain for the first
time in years and takes up coaching a kids' soccer team, which they couldn't
do before because of headaches," says Christina Barrett-Reid. She is a registered
massage therapist.
"Or suppose someone feels well enough to become a volunteer firefighter.
Granted, these are big examples. But for me, even having someone feel better
for a few days or hours and pass along that positive feeling is a good thing."
Besides giving the massages, therapists are often responsible for keeping
track of patient visits, billing and ordering supplies for their clinics.
They may also blend their own massage oils or lotions and choose soothing
music to play during the massage.
Those who travel to a patient's home or office must drive themselves and
carry any tools they use, including heavy massage chairs or tables.
Massage has several health benefits. These include improved blood flow
(which can lower blood pressure) and better skin health.
Massage can also help create stronger muscles by helping them recover faster
from workouts, says the American Massage Therapy Association. It's for these
health reasons that massage has been around for thousands of years.
Massage therapists often specialize in one particular therapeutic goal,
like relaxation or stress reduction. Others may focus on helping people overcome
injuries.
These therapists may also specialize in a distinct clientele, like athletes,
office workers or dancers.
Finally, some massage practitioners specialize in a specific technique
-- Swedish massage (deep rubbing of the muscles), reflexology (foot massage)
or sports massage.
Massage therapy is physically demanding. Many therapists spend long hours
on their feet each day. Massaging clients takes strength and physical endurance.
Many massage therapists are self-employed. They work in their own offices
or visit clients in their own homes. Others work in chiropractors' offices,
resorts, cruise ships, health clubs, nursing homes and hospitals.