The stresses of life whether good or bad, more times than not,
accumulates itself into some form of physical pain. Massage therapy has
been proven to bring a high level of relief from pain. This fact is
sparking a wave of massage therapy popularity.
The
U.S. Department of Labor has estimated a growth of 20 percent for
employment in massage therapy from the years 2006 to 2016. The number of
individuals who received the therapy increased from 91 million in 1999
to 136 million in 2003. These numbers are proof that more people want
the therapy, which in turn is making schooling options rise in
popularity and more of them are appearing throughout the country.
In
2009, all but eight states offered licensure requirements, meaning that
in those states the therapy is regulated on a local level. In the
current job market more than half the therapists use massage as a second
income to their primary source of income. Being a therapist allows
individuals to do this because they make their schedule and choose to
provide services in:
o their own home
o salon
o spas
o offices
o health clubs
The
health benefits and the effectiveness of a massage to relieve pain are
being pushed by more doctors annually. The number of hospitals who offer
the therapy rose 30 percent from 2004 to 2006. The rise in attendance
to schools is a direct correlation of the fact that more and more people
want and are enjoying massages. This correlation will continue to grow
as more individuals gain a certificate and more schools offer this
program.
With more individuals wanting and needing the therapy,
the number of therapists will have to increase at the same rate. These
facts will also make it possible for many therapists to use this as
their primary source of income. In every aspect of the business
consumers are satisfied and turning to this therapy for pain, stress,
and pleasure. This is also having a direct impact on the number of
people wanting to become therapists and the number of schools
implementing this certificate into their overall course work.
Consumer
confidence is steadily rising from the continued health benefits of
alternative healing training that prepares students for massage in their
health care regimen. In 2005, 21 percent of consumers surveyed by the
American Massage Therapy Association stated they discussed the therapy
with their doctor. With even more support now for the benefits of
massage, jobs and natural healing training programs who offer the
opportunity to gain a certificate won't slowly fade but rapidly grow.
Jobs
will be increasing for therapists in the health care field every year,
but outside of the health benefits massages are extremely popular for
relaxation and pleasure. Resorts, spas, cruise ships, and vacation hot
spots all offer this as a perk to have while getting away from the
office and the stresses of life.
Massage is dipping its toes in
every aspect of life from health, to fun, to relaxation, and pleasure.
The popularity will continue to rise and as a result more accredited
schools of massage therapy will offer training.