Demand For Qualified Massage Therapists Increases As Interest In
Benefits Of Massage Therapy Creates
Projections by the U.S. Department of Labor forecast employment
opportunities for massage therapists to grow by 18 to 26 percent
from 2004-2014.
According to the 2006-2007 Edition of the Occupational Outlook
Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of
Labor Statistics, the outlook for employment for massage
therapists will "increase faster than average" during the period
from 2004-2014. The Bureau defines "faster than average" as
"increase 18 to 26 percent."
Among the reasons for the growing demand for massage therapists,
the publication cites "massage therapy's growing acceptance as a
medical tool." Apparently, younger Americans appreciate the
effectiveness of massage at reducing stress through relaxation
and the growing segment of older Americans are experiencing
specific therapeutic benefits. The willingness of the "medical
provider and insurance industries" to recommend and cover the
costs of massage therapy is another growth factor cited by the
Bureau.
There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy postsecondary schools,
college programs, and training programs throughout the country.
After enrolling in a training program, massage therapy students
study anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and other subjects
covering the structure and function of the human body. Students
must understand how the body works and moves and how the various
systems relate and interact.
Students also train in the various massage types, or
"modalities," and learn the techniques associated with each form
of massage offered by the training institution. There are dozens
of unique approaches to massage ranging from techniques that
focus on a specific area of the body to techniques that approach
the body holistically and consider both physical and mental
aspects of health and relaxation.
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that massage therapists
held about 97,000 jobs in 2004. Most massage therapists are
self-employed and own their own business. The balance are
independent contractors or are employed by businesses that offer
massage services. These include spas, health clubs, medical
offices and sports organizations. An aging population and
broader acceptance of alternative medical practices will only
increase the demand for massage therapists. Baby-boomers will
carry their appreciation for message into their senior years and
the elderly, in general, are recognizing the benefits of massage
as a support for a more active lifestyle. Businesses have begun
offering on-site massage to employees to help deal with
on-the-job stress and help improve productivity. Health
insurance companies are recognizing the contribution of massage
to overall health and many are including massage in their
coverage.
The outlook is bright for existing and potential massage
therapists. The occupation offers a great deal of flexibility
and an opportunity to operate independently. Income levels are
fair and growing and the social aspects are quite attractive to
those who enjoy helping and interacting with many different
people. Enrollment in massage schools is on the rise and good
schools, ambitious students and increased demand bode well for
future massage therapists.