Career Info
Question:I'm in need of your help. As a junior at my high school, we are required to write a research paper in order to graduate. I decided to write mine on massage therapy because I am interested in pursuing this career. I have used some pages in your site for informational purposes, but I also need to perform an interview. I would really appreciate it if you could answer some, if not all, of the questions below. It would help me out more than you know. Thank you so much for your time and cooperation.
-Nicole
- What types of massage do you think are the most popular and the least popular?
- How do you get started in this field?
- Which college did you attend? Would you recommend it to other people?
- Which massage technique is the most interesting to you? Why?
- What's the average wage for a beginner massage therapist?
- How can you advance in this field?
- What are some benefits to this career?
- Would you change your job? Why or why not?
- How hard was it for you to get to where you are today?
- How much schooling is required to become a massage therapist?
- What do you like/dislike about this career?
- How popular do you think massage therapy will be in the next five years?
1) What types of massage do you think are the most popular and the least popular?
The type of massage that would be the most popular, in my opinion, is Swedish massage. Swedish massage also provides the base for other types of massage. As one of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. It consists of five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart. These are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive and tapping movements, along with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions and improved circulation. This may ultimately speed up healing and reduce swelling from injury.
I am not certain what would be considered the least popular type of massage as there are so many different types. It also would depend a lot upon location. Massage varies in different countries.
2) How do you get started in this field?
I got started in the massage therapy field when I graduated from university. I was originally searching for a career that would allow me to help people. I first contemplated occupational therapy and than physiotherapy. From there I decided I wanted to work on healthy people with less severe injuries, as opposed to individuals recovering from strokes and paralysis. So I researched massage therapy and soon decided that that was the profession for me. I returned to school, this time a private college, to learn massage therapy. I now work on athletes with injuries, people with high levels of stress, pregnant women and also on those with a wide variety of minor injuries.
3) Which college did you attend? Would you recommend it to other people?
I attended the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. This was a two year program at a private college. The education I received at this collage well prepared me for the Ontario Board Exams, which all massage therapists must pass to obtain a license to practice in the province of Ontario.
4) Which massage technique is the most interesting to you? Why?
A technique that I have only recently learned is Active Release Techniques. This massage technique is very interesting to me as it has a very successful outcome. The thing I like most about being a massage therapist is being able to help people get over their injuries and discomforts as quickly as possible.
5) What's the average wage for a beginner massage therapist?
This is actually a very common question posed by many interested in a massage therapy career. You can find the answer to this and many other questions on the Massage Therapy 101 website under the mailbag section.
6) How can you advance in this field?
You can advance in massage therapy by staying current with trends. A good massage therapist is constantly sharpening their skills by learning new techniques and taking courses.
7) What are some benefits to this career?
Being self employed has several advantages. Just a few of the benefits are helping and interacting with people, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and the flexibility that this career allows.
8) Would you change you job? Why or why not?
I would never consider changing my career. There are many different avenues you can take with a massage therapy career and having many options keeps me interested in this field. Massage therapists have the option of working with athletes, working at spas and fitness facilities, or they can run their own businesses.
9) How hard was it for you to get to where you are today?
I run a fairly busy practice and I worked hard to get to where I am today. But it was a slow, hard road. At the beginning of my career I would take every opportunity to market myself. I would offer information sessions at health food stores, fitness facilities and weekend festivals. Self-marketing helped to build my client base and get me where I am today.
10) How much schooling is required to become a massage therapist?
The educational standards in Ontario and Canada are quite high for registered massage therapists. You must complete 2200 hours of schooling from an accredited college. This can be completed in 2 years at a private college or in 3 years at community college. Once you have completed the educational component, you must write the provincial board exams. The exams consist of a written and practical portion. Once you have passed the board exams you are registered to practice Massage Therapy in the province of Ontario.
11) What do you like/dislike about this career?
I like the gratification I get from helping others. I dont like being unable to help people. For example, I dislike when I cant fit someone who needs a treatment in for an appointment. I also dislike when people miss their appointments.
12) How popular do you think massage therapy will be in the next five years?
I think the demand for massage therapy will continue to grow. New research on its extensive benefits continues to become more recognized. Today we have less and less interaction with people, but having a massage can provide great benefits to an individuals health and well being.
I hope I have helped answer your questions!
Good Luck!
Karin
