Why It's Important for Massage Therapists to Choose a Specialty
When massage therapists finish school and begin working,
they might not immediately think of developing their skills for a niche market
- after all, massage school is just the beginning, and you learn some of your
most invaluable skills on the job! While most massage therapists focus on
perfecting their Swedish and deep-tissue skills before moving on to advanced
modalities, it is always a good idea to continue to think about how you want to
develop your massage career. This way, you can take the classes and training
necessary to develop your specialty early on.
Making the Most out of Continuing Education
Throughout the nation, massage therapists must abide by a
professional licensing code that requires continuing education in areas such as
communicable diseases, CPR training, ethics, and general education. While many
massage therapists take the minimum number of courses, or pick available
courses close to home that are convenient or inexpensive, it is important to
take advantage of this educational opportunity, and pick classes ahead of time
that align with your specific interests.
For example, students who have considered furthering their
massage career within Reiki, neuromuscular massage therapy (NMT), or medical
massage should consider that these modalities require several lengthy and
in-depth courses, and can take several months, or years to fully complete. And
while the process toward this type of certification is indeed more time
consuming than, for example, a weekend class in hot stone technique, it is a
step toward a worthwhile skill that not only boosts a resume, but also brings
in new clients, helps massage therapists market themselves more effectively,
and lays the groundwork for a lengthy and profitable massage career.
Start by browsing different continuing education options
offered at schools in your immediate area, as well as regionally. Educate
yourself about the time requirements, cost, and specific details about each
modality, and truly consider what it takes to become a seasoned professional in
that field. This way, you can maximize your time and money on required
continuing education courses.
Sports Massage, Reiki, Pregnancy Massage, and More
When you envision yourself working as a massage therapist
several years down the line - where do you see yourself working? In a
chiropractor's office? For a ballet troupe, football team, or running club?
Maybe in a holistic center, spa, or independent practice? Every massage
therapist enters the profession for various reasons, and it is important to
understand what excites and motivates you about a massage career. Some massage
therapists are particularly athletic or interested in sports, and it is this
type of therapist who is most often attracted to sports massage. Therapists who
enter this practice often work with athletes before, during, and after sports
events to prevent injuries, and to treat existing injuries.
Medical massage encompasses several techniques, and can
include sports massage, craniosacral therapy, and NMT. Medical massage and its
associated practices are often performed by therapists with an interest in
injury treatment and prevention as a full time massage career. Other massage
therapists gravitate toward energy healing, such as Reiki, which is purported
to create a healing effect physically, mentally, and spiritually. Therapists
who hold an interest in Reiki may also be interested in acupressure, or
aromatherapy. Therapists who wish to expand their practice to accommodate
pregnant clients may be interested in becoming certified in pregnancy massage,
which enables massage therapists to understand and perform a medically appropriate
massage for a mother-to-be.
Whatever your interest for a long-term massage career, there
are continuing education training courses available to further your chosen
specialty. Again, think about why you want to pursue a specific specialty, and
what you think it will give back to you and your clients. Do you see yourself
utilizing the specialty skills for years with your clients? If so, carefully
consider with whom you will spend your time and money. Find the right program
and begin another educational journey. You and your clients will benefit from
your endeavors as you pursue your preferred niche in the vast world of advanced
massage education.
Certification and Training
Finally, sometimes continuing education classes and
experience aren't the only thing massage therapists need to practice a
specialty in the field. Check with your state licensing board to ensure you
have met the minimum credit hours for a special modality. To date, there is no
licensing body for Reiki, but it is required to have achieved a "Level
III" status in order to promote yourself as a Reiki master in your massage
career.
Likewise, pregnancy massage is not governed by an accredited
body, but most continuing education providers will not issue a certification
until the student has completed a minimum number of credit hours, typically
supported by graded exams, practical sessions, and homework. For certification
in neuromuscular therapy massage as a career, massage therapists must take
continuing education courses, schedule and sit for an exam, and receive a score
evidencing competency in the field. The school or instructor of an advanced
massage therapy specialty should be able to explain any applicable certification
requirements.
Finding a specialty is an excellent step for massage
therapists in their long term career, as it not only enables them to become
well educated and better able to treat clients, but exposes the therapist to a
whole new field of massage, and its benefits. So if you're considering
developing a specialty, do your research, ask questions, and have fun learning
about how you can further your massage career while helping your clients. Contact
Wellness
Massage Mallorca.
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