There are many places where students can study massage therapy in the United States. One of the most prominent among them is the Austin School of Massage Therapy in Texas.

What The Austin School Of Massage Therapy Has to Offer

The Austin School of Massage Therapy (ASMT) has been educating massage therapists for more than twenty years. They were among the first schools in the nation to recognize the viability of a career in massage therapy. More than 8,000 students have graduated from the program at Austin.

ASMT has gained international recognition for its programs and boasts the title of the largest massage therapy program in the United States. Innovative program offerings prepare students for a number of lucrative careers in massage therapy; with the inclusion of an online store, the Austin School of Massage Therapy has truly proven themselves as a full-service school. ASMT offers students

• Choice of class locations
• Exclusive programs of specialization (which can greatly increase earning potential up to as much as $75.00 per hour) including pregnancy, childbearing, and infant massage, spa massage, sports massage, clinical and pain management massage. Specialization certifications are open to new students and to practicing professionals.
• The “500-hour Clark Comprehensive Program”
• Full tuition scholarships
• An online massage therapy supply store

Support for ASMT students does not end with program completion. Austin offers career assistance and job placement assistance for life to its graduates. Also, ASMT offers continuing education programs and classes that help students meet licensure and certification renewal requirements, and helps them to stay updated in the latest industry and professional techniques and advances.

Austin School Of Massage Therapy—Location, Location, Location

Austin has been able to earn its designation as the largest U.S. massage therapy program by expanding its program outreach. The Austin School of Massage Therapy operates at 12 different locations throughout Texas. Students can attend classes in 12 major cities in the Lone-Star state.

And a fun added benefit? Both students and private citizens can book an appointment at the Austin School of Massage Therapy to schedule a massage! Austin has made every effort to streamline their offerings, and has included a convenient online scheduler for this task.

The reputation of the Austin School of Massage Therapy precedes it far beyond the borders of Texas; with an internationally recognized program dedicated to the field of massage therapy and to student success, ASMT is one of the most sought-after schools for massage therapy in the United States and beyond.

Austin School Of Massage Therapy – A Full-Service School is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

It’s not hard to sell most people on the benefits of massage therapy—who wouldn’t want to lose themselves in an hour of therapeutic relaxation? But since massage therapy does carry some moderate expense, it helps to know about the many benefits of massage therapy.

Some people seek out the services of a massage therapist simply because they need some down-time to relax and refresh; certainly, this is enough of a reason to frequent the massage therapist’s office in itself, but there are also many health benefits of massage therapy; an increasingly large number of clients find their way to the table in search of relief modern medicine has been unable to manage. Likewise, clients also seek massage therapy services to supplement and enhance both modern and alternative medical treatments.

The Many Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Regardless of the impetus, massage therapy clients find numerous incomparable benefits in massage therapy; it is not at all uncommon for a client to come into massage therapy for the treatment of one symptom or condition, only to find wide ranging benefits of massage therapy that treat a number of other conditions.

The most notable advantages of massage therapy include:

* Improved blood circulation
* Stimulation/relief of muscle pain due to lack of activity (often caused by sedentary jobs)
* Increased alertness
* Decrease in back pain (one of the leading reasons for seeking massage services)
* Improved mood
* Reduced stress levels
* Reduced instances of stress-related illness including tension headaches
* Decreased muscle stiffness/increased mobility
* Improved ability to heal (in part due to circulation/stimulation improvement)
* Reduction in muscle spasms
* Increased physical performance/athleticism
* Improved deep breathing
* Improved posture
* Strengthened immune system
* Reduction in anxiety levels
* Lower dependence on medication
* Improved joint flexibility
* Lessened risk of depression
* Promotes healing of soft tissues, including scars
* Improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients
* Increases pain tolerance by releasing endorphins (natural pain killers of the human body)
* Eases pain of childbirth
* Relieves sleep loss/insomnia
* Increased energy, reduction in frequency and severity of fatigue

Netting The Biggest Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Even a one-time visit to the massage therapist can net excellent benefits; but for the most lasting benefits of massage therapy, regular sessions are recommended. Regular massage therapy ensures that the body continues to enjoy the increase in circulatory health and relief of muscle tension which directly contribute to the benefits of massage therapy. Over time, the expense of massage therapy sessions is easily mitigated in increased health and well-being, and in a large number of cases, in the savings enjoyed between decreased use and cost of medications, doctors’ visits, and time lost from work.

The Many Benefits Of Massage Therapy is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

There are many interesting massage therapy careers available for today’s massage therapists. Increased demand, coupled with an ever-growing acceptance of massage therapy as an integral health-management and treatment option, has opened many doors for graduates of massage therapy programs and for experienced massage therapists.

Forecasts For Massage Therapy Careers

The forecast for massage therapy careers is quite favorable. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within the various careers of massage therapy is expected to grow faster than the average for other careers. Better than average career growth is expected to last through 2014.

Employment in the field of massage therapy includes both full-time and part time opportunities, and approximately two-thirds of massage therapists are self employed (either running their own businesses or working as independent contractors for a larger organization).

The Many Faces Of Career In Massage Therapy

It can be difficult to find two massage therapy careers that look the same; that is because massage therapists enjoy a range of job opportunities housed within a variety of physical settings. Employment is in both public and private settings, with an array of focuses.

In self-employed positions, salaried, hourly, and contractor arrangements, massage therapists can be found working in

• Health clinics
• Spas
• Salons
• Resorts
• Physician and chiropractic offices
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Massage therapy offices
• Hospitals
• Fitness centers and gyms
• Corporate offices and corporate health centers
• Private homes
• Nursing homes
• Studios, alternative health studios and yoga centers
• Holistic health centers/alternative medicine practices
• Airports
• Shopping centers/malls
• Colleges and universities

Among many others, job titles for massage therapy careers may include

• Physical therapist/assistant
• Sports massage therapist
• Masseuse
• Massage therapist
• Mobile massage therapist
• Massage therapy instructor/teacher

The Nature Of Massage Therapy Careers

Massage therapy careers are quite demanding; demands on massage therapists are both physical and personal.

Physically speaking, massage therapy can take a toll on the body of a therapist. Maintaining a career in massage therapy requires spending long hours of standing and physical exertion. Repetitive stress injuries are common among those with improper physical care and technique. Fatigue from long hours on-foot is also a common problem. Maintaining a good technique and proper scheduling of appointments lessens the physical demands on therapists. Because massage therapy is so physically demanding, few therapists actually deliver massages for more than 30 hours per week; in fact, according to the US Department of Labor, many positions are considered full-time if the therapists treats clients between 15 and 30 hours per week. Additional time is normally required for administrative tasks, though.

Personally, massage therapy careers can be demanding because many times services are most in demand during off-work hours; this means evenings and weekends may be prime-time for client appointments, although many successful therapists are able to maintain a more “normal” work schedule.

A career in massage therapy can be very rewarding indeed; it can also be very demanding, but for those who are up to the challenge, the outlook is very good for massage therapy careers.

A Bright Future For Massage Therapy Careers is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

Though there is no set federal regulation governing the practice of massage therapy, there is a nationally recognized standard for massage therapy certification; that standard is held and maintained by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or the NCBTMB.

Who Is The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage And Bodywork?

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is the offspring of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA); the AMTA started the NCBTMB in 1992 as a means of setting standards in the field of massage therapy since no widely accepted standard existed. With the growth of massage therapy and its acceptance into the mainstream and medical, physical, and alternative health fields, certification gained in importance and the work of the AMTA through the NCBTMB gained further recognition. Today, certification by the NCBTMB is the most highly held certification in the field, and in fact stands as the standard for licensure in most states that require massage therapists to be licensed to practice.

Requirements For Massage Therapy Certification

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork has defined a number of requirements which applicants must meet in order to be awarded NCBTMB massage therapy certification. In basic terms, the prospective certificant must

• Complete specified levels of massage therapy education
• Submit proof of training
• Gain and submit proof of experience
• Demonstrate proficiency in core massage therapy skills
• Demonstrate knowledge of the field, including applied knowledge and knowledge of ethical business practice
• Pass a rigorous written examination

In addition to the requirements for initial certification, certificants must renew their status every four years; upon renewal, applicants must show proof of work experience and proof of completion of continuing education in massage therapy (a minimum of 48 hours).

What NCBTMB Certification Means

NCBTMB massage therapy certification serves a number of functions, including licensure in those states which utilize the standard; its most important function, however, is protection of the public, therapists, and employers.

NCBTMB massage therapy certification is one of the only means of ensuring consistency in standards for massage therapy. All massage therapists bearing the credential of “Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork” (notated by the initials NCTMB) have passed the examination and proficiency testing of the Board, a board which is strictly devoted to maintaining quality and professionalism in the massage therapy field. In a field where regulations are far from standard, and licensing requirements range from poor (non-existent) to very good, massage therapy certification by the NCBTMB may be the only easily recognized credential massage therapy clients can rely on.

National Standards For Massage Therapy Certification is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

The face of massage therapy is changing in both the medical and public eye; with the change has come a great increase in demand for qualified massage therapists, which in turn has translated into a range of available massage therapy jobs for massage professionals.

Where Are All The Massage Therapy Jobs?

Traditionally, massage therapy jobs have been available primarily through elite spas and vacation resort communities; but as massage therapy has increasingly been given its due as an effective primary and supplementary physical therapy and medical treatment, massage therapy jobs have opened up in many, many places. Today’s massage therapists can be found working in

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Doctors offices
• Spas
• Resorts
• Private massage therapy offices
• Clinics
• Chiropractic offices
• Gyms
• Fitness centers
• Alternative health centers
• Corporate offices
• Colleges
• Private homes and offices

What Kind Of Massage Therapy Jobs Are There?

The form taken by massage therapy jobs is as diverse as the locations where massage therapists are employed. While there is still a strong call for massage therapists working to provide what might be considered elective “luxury” massage services, there is a demand for professional massage therapists whose objective is to treat physical and medical conditions as well.

Medical doctors and alternative health professionals employ massage therapists and/or refer patients to massage therapists to help in the management of numerous health conditions, including

• Back pain
• Sciatica
• Tension and tension associated medical conditions
• Migraines
• Stress and stress related illnesses
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Atrophy of the muscles and soft tissues
• Bursitis
• Muscle strain and injury
• Muscle spasms
• Many more

The sports field is a large provider of massage therapy jobs. Sports medicine clinics, sports franchises, college sports teams, and individual athletes secure the ongoing services of massage therapists to treat the conditions listed above and other physical conditions; recognizing the marked increase in performance of athletes undergoing massage therapy, sports massage has been instituted as an essential part of many training programs—the increase in circulation in itself improves not only physical performance, but emotional stability as well.

Similarly, many large businesses are retaining the services of staff massage therapists; the benefits of increased health, stress relief, anxiety reduction, pain and fatigue reduction have been recognized as a great means of increasing job performance.

Many massage therapists provide services to organizations and practices as self-employed individuals with full control over their service offerings, rates, and hours. Many more are entering the field as employees working in the many positions available; to be sure, it is growing increasingly difficult to short-list the massage therapy jobs being held by qualified massage therapists as the masses come to find more and more beneficial applications for regular massage therapy.

Profitable Massage Therapy Jobs is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

It is now a requirement in 37 U.S. states and the District of Columbia that practicing massage therapists complete a qualifying massage therapy licensure program in order to conduct business. As more states follow suit, it is almost certain that future massage therapists will have to hold a license in massage therapy to work in the field.

Massage therapy is gaining more and more respect as a therapeutic alternative and supplement to traditional medical care, as well as a method of preventing many conditions. As the popularity of massage grows, the public is becoming better educated as to the importance of proper technique and training. Increased awareness has directly resulted in the increase of regulation imposed on the field by states and local municipalities. It is in the best interest of clients and therapists to complete a massage therapy licensure program to ensure career flexibility and quality, ethical patient treatment.

General Licensing Requirements For Massage Therapists

Massage therapy is regulated on the state level in the U.S.; in some states, particularly those with no state requirement, massage therapy is regulated on a smaller, local level (town, city, or county). The result of all this localized regulation is diverse requirements which vary significantly across the country. It is critical for students of massage therapy to check local and state massage therapy licensure program requirements so that they can be sure they will graduate from a program with the ability to work legally.

In the most basic terms, states require that students

• Successfully complete a formal massage therapy program
• Pass a national certification exam or state certification exam

To maintain licensure, students in most states must fulfill continuing education requirements as well.

Aspects Of Quality Massage Therapy Programs

There are certain factors students should be aware of when choosing a massage therapy licensure program. First off, students must be aware of what programs will be accepted for licensure in their state; out of over 1300 programs, only about 300 are accredited by a state board or education department agency. More than two-thirds of the programs may not be accepted by states or by professional certification boards for licensure. Accreditation is the first consideration when choosing a program.

Qualified programs will include coursework that focuses on the human body such as anatomy and physiology, organs, tissues, body mechanics, and motion and movement (kinesiology) as a base. Business and ethics classes are also included, and of course many hours of technique study and practice; in total, most regulatory bodies require a minimum of a 500 hour massage therapy licensure program.

Though choosing a licensing program for massage therapy can be confusing, it helps to look for a program that is accepted by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The NCBTMB sets the standards for the field, and their standards are what many states use to set their own regulations. In many instances, the NCBTMB exceeds state regulatory requirements, so an investment in a massage therapy licensure program that meets their needs is the easiest way to ensure a quality education in massage therapy that is sure to meet most any state requirements and prepare the student for a quality career in massage therapy.

Covering The Basics Of The Massage Therapy Licensure Program is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

As massage therapy has grown in demand, the number of massage therapy schools and colleges offering massage therapy programs has increased to meet that demand; not all massage therapy schools
are created equally, though, and so students entering the field of massage therapy need to take care to choose a quality program inclusive of all certification and regulatory requirements for the areas they hope to work in.

First Things First—Research The Field

Before delving very far into the search for good massage therapy schools, students should first take some time to learn about the field of massage therapy, the opportunities within the field, and the demands of the job.

It is essential to consider what type of massage therapy and/or position is preferable before choosing a school because some schools focus on certain modalities or applications of massage therapy; for instance, some massage therapy schools are geared more toward sports massage, while others might be more suited to serving certain populations such as geriatrics or pediatrics, and still others might focus more on massage as a physical therapy or medical treatment. Choosing a school with a specialization is greatly beneficial for students with strong intentions of operating within that specialty, but choosing a school with too narrow a focus can limit employment options down the road for a student who is less sure of his or her employment goals.

Research Local Regulatory Requirements

Massage therapy is treated differently by various locales and states; unfortunately, there is no one national regulation governing licensure or massage therapy schools. Regulations in one state may be quite lax, while others may be very strict. It is imperative that a student get adequate training to meet requirements for licensure in the area where he or she intends to practice. Choosing a local program usually means that local requirements will be met, but a more rigorous curriculum will insure flexibility across regions.

Some Final Tips

The factors mentioned above are the more important matters to consider when choosing massage therapy schools; to help narrow the choices once the bases have been covered, the following tips are useful.

• Collect and compare information on several massage therapy schools
• Talk to students and look over the curriculum to determine if the program seems a good match
• Learn about the school’s philosophy—is it a match?
• Determine program accreditation and/or the necessity of it
• Review class-times and options to see if it is feasible to fulfill program time and schedule obligations
• Consider proximity to work and home
• Research staff credentials
• Find out what post-graduation services are offered, such as job placement, continuing education, etc.
• See what financing and student aid options are offered
• Compare program costs—remember to consider all fees and book costs in addition to base tuition

How To Choose Among The Best Massage Therapy Schools is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

Good massage therapy relies on the use of a number of massage therapy supplies. New massage therapists will need to invest in a good stock of basic massage therapy supplies to get their practice started.

Massage therapists may be self-employed or find employment as part of a larger massage therapy business; additionally, a masseuse may be employed as part of a larger establishment such as a gym, fitness center, or sports team or facility. In some of these arrangements the new massage therapist’s supplies will be provided by the business they are working for, but in many instances massage therapy supplies are the responsibility of the masseuse. Even in situations where supplies are provided by the parent organization, many therapists choose to purchase their own stock of supplies to be able to operate on their own outside the facility.

By and large, most massage therapists find a need for a base of supplies and massage therapy equipment; though basic massage therapy supplies and equipment are enough to get a new therapy business started, there are several essential supplies any new massage therapist will need.

• Massage therapy table
A massage table is the most basic and most important piece of equipment. There are many options for new massage therapists, but often the most versatile choice is a portable table that can be folded and carried from office to office or client home. The benefit of a portable table (besides being able to make ‘house calls’) is that the table can easily be moved to a new office if the therapist decides to move on—as is often the case in the beginning.

• Oils
Massage oils serve a number of different purposes in massage therapy; some are used mainly for aromatherapy to relax and rejuvenate the client; others are used to treat certain conditions or relieve muscle tensions, and still others are used to reduce friction and enhance the experience. A basic set of massage therapy oils often includes almond oil, grapeseed oil, apricot oil, avocado, jojoba, wheat germ, hazelnut, and holy oil. Other creams and lotions may be preferable depending on the service offering and type of massage.

• Carrying/Display Case
Of course, a therapist will need a way to transport those oils if they are offering traveling services; a sturdy case that allows for secure transport is needed. If therapy services are offered only in an office, a display case is needed for access and for sales of oils offered to clients.

• Towels and Sheets
Comfortable towels and sheets are necessary for client privacy and hygiene. An investment into a good stock is one of the most essential massage therapy supplies.

The hands being the most important tool for a new massage therapist, only relatively few massage therapy supplies are needed to get a new business rolling. The massage therapy supplies suggested here provide a fairly comprehensive base that can be built upon as the business grows.

Basic Massage Therapy Supplies For The New Massage Therapist is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

As massage therapy has grown in demand, the number of massage therapy schools and colleges offering massage therapy programs has increased to meet that demand; not all massage therapy schools
are created equally, though, and so students entering the field of massage therapy need to take care to choose a quality program inclusive of all certification and regulatory requirements for the areas they hope to work in.

First Things First—Research The Field

Before delving very far into the search for good massage therapy schools, students should first take some time to learn about the field of massage therapy, the opportunities within the field, and the demands of the job.

It is essential to consider what type of massage therapy and/or position is preferable before choosing a school because some schools focus on certain modalities or applications of massage therapy; for instance, some massage therapy schools are geared more toward sports massage, while others might be more suited to serving certain populations such as geriatrics or pediatrics, and still others might focus more on massage as a physical therapy or medical treatment. Choosing a school with a specialization is greatly beneficial for students with strong intentions of operating within that specialty, but choosing a school with too narrow a focus can limit employment options down the road for a student who is less sure of his or her employment goals.

Research Local Regulatory Requirements

Massage therapy is treated differently by various locales and states; unfortunately, there is no one national regulation governing licensure or massage therapy schools. Regulations in one state may be quite lax, while others may be very strict. It is imperative that a student get adequate training to meet requirements for licensure in the area where he or she intends to practice. Choosing a local program usually means that local requirements will be met, but a more rigorous curriculum will insure flexibility across regions.

Some Final Tips

The factors mentioned above are the more important matters to consider when choosing massage therapy schools; to help narrow the choices once the bases have been covered, the following tips are useful.

• Collect and compare information on several massage therapy schools
• Talk to students and look over the curriculum to determine if the program seems a good match
• Learn about the school’s philosophy—is it a match?
• Determine program accreditation and/or the necessity of it
• Review class-times and options to see if it is feasible to fulfill program time and schedule obligations
• Consider proximity to work and home
• Research staff credentials
• Find out what post-graduation services are offered, such as job placement, continuing education, etc.
• See what financing and student aid options are offered
• Compare program costs—remember to consider all fees and book costs in addition to base tuition

How To Choose Among The Best Massage Therapy Schools is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide

Massage therapy continuing education is not only a good idea for maintaining a career in massage therapy; in many states, it is the law. Likewise, massage therapy continuing education is a requirement of membership in the American Massage Therapy Association (the premier governing body for the field) and certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); certification by the NCBTMB is the standard for high quality care, and is the law in a number of states regulating massage therapy.

National Requirements For Massage Therapy Continuing Education

Regulatory requirements for massage therapists vary by state in the U.S.; up to 13 states do not regulate massage therapy, but in those states some local ordinances might apply. It is best for students to gain an understanding of their local requirements for continuing education as it applies to massage therapy to ensure that they are practicing legally.

In states that do regulate massage therapy practices (37 states and the District of Columbia) the standard that is used is often the standard for licensure set by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA); in fact, certification by the AMTA (in the form of the NCBTMB) is the licensing requirement in a number of states. Practically speaking, the best course for massage therapists to follow is to meet the educational standards of the AMTA, which will ensure that their practice is a quality practice with the versatility to practice throughout the United States.

What The AMTA Requires For Continuing Education In Massage Therapy

The AMTA requires students to complete at least 48 hours of massage therapy continuing education every four years; this requirement begins with the first full year a therapist holds Professional Active Membership in the association. Continuing education programs must meet the standards of the AMTA or be approved by the NCBTMB. The AMTA accepts trainings of a hands-on, experiential manner, trainings in theory, and research education as fulfillment of the requirement.

The AMTA does not approve courses themselves, but relies on the student to make the determination as to whether a course in massage therapy continuing education fits the description of a qualified program (the description can be found through the AMTA). Alternatively, students can choose a course approved by the NCBTMB.

Once coursework is completed, therapists will also need to know where to submit proof of the work in massage therapy continuing education; some states may be satisfied with submission to the AMTA, but others may require submission to the governing state body as well. The AMTA requires proof upon membership renewal (every 4 years), but does accept submissions prior to filing as courses are taken (submission is a matter of filing a simple form, available online).

Continuing education in massage therapy is never a waste of time, as it can only further a massage therapy career. Understanding requirements for completion and submission of massage therapy continuing education is an important part of maintaining a professional massage therapy career.

Fulfilling Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements is a post from: Back Pain and Physical Therapy Guide