5 Benefits of Being a Professional Massage Therapist

People choose jobs for many different reasons. Some pick their job based on security, others on happiness, and still others because they feel passionate about the way their job impacts others’ lives. For many professional massage therapists, their work brings all of these things into play, along with certain other benefits that many other professions cannot boast. What follows is a short list of the benefits of being a professional massage therapist.

1. Set Your Own Schedule
   After working in the field for a while and cultivating a client base, many massage therapists strike out on their own, ultimately having the power to create their own schedules. Since many people who want massages need them at times outside the regular work day, massage therapists may need to work nights and weekends, but fortunately set their own prices for their services.
   
   
2. Relaxed Working Environment
   One of the main goals of massage therapy is to help clients relax and feel better. This soothing environment is a great place to work in, using calm music, soft lighting, and touch to help people feel better and ultimately heal. Loose comfortable clothing is usually worn by massage therapist, as range of motion is a necessary aspect of the job.
   
   
3. One of the Fastest Growing Professions
   According to statistics from the US Department of Labor, massage therapists can look forward to a huge market increase—60% between the years of 2006 and 2016. This increase in market will certainly mean more business for those who wish to develop a long-lasting career in massage therapy.
   
   
4. Constant Change and Evolution
   With methods and modalities from other areas of the world being introduced into western massage practices, the ability to learn new massage skills and become a specialist is more feasible than ever before. From Ayurvedic Massage to Hot Stone Massage, people are looking into different ways to help meet their needs when it comes to massage therapy. Learning new modalities and specializing in popular techniques can ensure that you stay on top of the market.
   
   
5. Make People Feel Better
   At the end of the day, what you do as a massage therapist helps people feel better; this brings a deep satisfaction to the massage therapist and client. In a results-based profession like massage therapy, you know if you are doing your job well. Word of mouth will spread regarding your abilities and your business will continue to flourish, allowing you and your future clients to reap the benefits of this unique profession.

This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of a massage therapy license. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com

Why get chair massages?

Chair massage is an efficient massage technique to deal with the problems and tensions arising during the course of a day. It effectively addresses the strains and aches which build up in the shoulders, neck and back from extensive work in front of the computer. Seated massage is a sound alternative to the more traditional table massage as the position effectively allows the therapist to work on the troubled areas.

Seated massage is especially suitable for dealing with pains, tensions and returning mobility to the joins and muscles. A session does not only massage the muscles and make them relax, but also releases trigger points and can employ stretches to aid the body back into a natural alignment.

There are several major conditions that are treatable by a seated massage:

Lumbar area (lower back):

• Low back pain, tension, sprains and strains.
• Muscles spasm related to disc injuries, lifting accidents, falls and other trauma.
• Acute onset of low back pain.
• Lack of flexibility.

Thoracic area (upper back):

• Pain between the shoulders.
• Lack of range of motion of the scapula.
• Postural distortion.
• Pain on deep breath.

Shoulder area:

• Rotator cuff injuries.
• Stiffness and lack of flexibility.
• Impingement.
• Join pain.
• Strains and sprains, frozen shoulder, aches and pains in the shoulder.

Upper extremity (arms and hands):

• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Tennis and golfers elbow.
• Tension, pain, strains, sprains, tingling and numbness.
• Stiffness and lack of flexibility.
• Postural distortions.

Cervical (neck)

• Whiplash.
• Headaches.
• Stiffness and lack of flexibility.
• Athletic injuries and postural distortion.

Not only is seated massage effective in treating a long range of problems, but it is often more practical and convenient for the clients. A chair massage can take place in practically any location, offices, at home, at a clinic, in the park, at the airport, in the mall. It does not take much room and as the client is clothed privacy is not an issue. All that's needed is a quiet corner where there is room for the massage chair and therapist to move freely and no one is bumping into the chair as they pass by.

The sessions are shorter than with a table massage, making it easier to fit an appointment into a busy schedule. They can range from 10 minutes to 40 minutes, the most common being 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to plan and find a free slot in a busy schedule.

Generally the price is lower than a table massage, both due to the shorter time and the easier set-up. No oils or creams are used during a seated massage, no sheets and towels which need to be washed afterwards, which is another reason for a lower price. Depending on where you are prices for a seated massage typically lie on $1 per minute (in the US), or 1€ per minute (in Europe).

The shorter time and lower cost allows clients to book several sessions in a shorter interval than they would with a table massage, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the massage. A frequent series of shorter massages is more effective than one long massage once in a rare while. This can make seated massage a better therapeutic massage form than traditional table massage when dealing with the above mentioned.

Source and further reading: Therapeutic Chair Massage (Lww Massage Therapy & Bodywork Educational)

Massage oils

Massage oils are used during table massages to ease the passage of the hands over the skin. It is necessary to lower friction as well as to work the muscles properly. The massage oils also nourish the skin and softens it so feels nice afterwards. Essential oils added to the massage oil can give the massage an extra sensory dimension as the scents affects the mind and body in different ways.

I always use natural oils since it's the most healthy for the skin and I am no supporter of using products from the oil-industry (such as baby-oil). My prefered base oil is safflower oil, which is light and easily absorbed by the skin. A thicker oil is almond which is prefered by many. Coconut oil is also very good to use, but to be fluid at room temperature it has to be refined. Pure coconut oil is solid at room temperature, though melts as soon as it's rubbed on the hands or skin. For extra dry skin I add avocado oil, which is highly nourishing or an oil containing a lot of e-vitamin.

For a massage oil I also add essential oils. Various oils have different properties which can aid the massage and the person receiving it. Lavender oil is highly relaxing physically and mentally, citrus oils energizing and positive, sharp oils like rosemary and eucalyptus are invigorating, sensual oils like ylang ylang, rose, sandalwood and jasmine helps the person relax, let go and trust. Especially on the mental level the essential oils can make the difference between a good massage and an outstanding massage. Scents affects our mood and psyche, which in return affects how we relax and feel.

Various scents appeals to women and men. For women I generally choose the softer and more sensual oils while for men I pick the sharper and woodier notes. Sometimes mixing a good massage oil can become like creating perfumes, finding the right balance of scents while keeping their properties in mind.

The blend of essential oils are rarely 1:1:1, but a mix depending on the strength of the scents and of what my aim with the massage oil is. For a deep relaxation massage oil I would use most of lavender, a smaller amount for the topnote, and even less again of the basenote.

A typical general relaxation oil could be lavender, geranium and lemon. Lavender for the general relaxation, which will be the major part of the blend, geranium for it's rosy scent and balancing properties and lemon for it's refreshing and positive effect. It is a mix that is suitable for both women and men.

For a massage for sore muscles due to sports, I would pick a mix of rosemary, cedar and lavender. Sharper oils that helps increase the blood flow, invigorating the the tissue, while relaxing the tense muscles. It is an energizing mix effectively supporting the massage and the goal of it.

For a woman before her wedding, I would choose a blend of rose, jasmine, patchouli or sandelwood, ylang ylang and possibly geranium or bergamot. Rose and jasmine are some of the most romantic and sensual oils there are. A message of love. Patchouli and sandelwood create a good base scent and are sensual as well, the choice would depend on the tastes of the receiver. The choice between geranium and bergamot would depend on the mental state of the woman. Geranium is balancing and slightly roselike in scent, and the bergamot is uplifting and vibrant. Should the oil be really luxurous, neroli (orange flower) would be chosen as the top-note.

Mixing a good massage oil with essential oil takes skill and knowledge and talent. If you want to be safe when you mix your own massage oils, start with just one or two scents, and see how they work together. The essential oils might have one scent when alone and you think they go well together. But once you mix them you might notice that they change character completely and the result isn't as you expected it to be.

I normally use three essential oils together, trying to find a basenote, a heartnote and a topnote in my blends. Like good perfumes are made. I only rarely add a fourth or fifth oil to the blend since it then becomes almost impossible to take all their effects and uses into account. They might even counter eachother, reducing the effectiveness of the oils.

When using essential oils, always be certain that the client don't suffer from any allergies. Even if essential oils are natural products, you can get allergic reactions from contact with them. If you're in doubt, apply a bit of the mix to the wrist or inside of the elbow and ask the client to report the reaction to you after 48 hours. This is the only way you can be certain there is no allergic reaction. Do also keep in mind that some people are allergic to nuts and using a nut-based massage oil might trigger a reaction.

This is an interesting aspect of massage to get involved with, though it can be rather time consuming to learn about all the different essential oils and experiment with blends until you find those appealing to you and your clients. There are many providers of pre-mixed massage oils and it can be a jungle to see through. Read the labels and product descriptions carefully, be certain that the base oil is a natural oil and that the scents used are real essential oils and not synthetic replacements. It will take time and effort to find a provider you can trust, but it is worth the work. The same is true for a provider of essential oils and base oils.

Related articles:

Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy in Massage.

Frequency of massages

How often should you receive a massage. It is a question that is impossible to answer generally since it always depends on the individual in question and their situation.

For most people wishing to relax and maintain a normal healthy body, once a month is a suitable frequency. It is often enough that the tensions building up can be dealt with and become a moment of full relaxation and de-stressing as part of your wellness plan.

If you encounter a period of increased stress, then it can be very beneficial to increase the frequency of massages to once a week, or even a couple of times a week while the pressure lasts. Not only are sore and tense muscles relaxed and potential physical problems countered. Mentally you get a chance to fully relax and let go of the stress for a while, which in return helps you cope with the stress in your life and solve the problems and challenges more efficiently. As the stress subsides, so does the frequency of massages received until returning to once a month.

When you begin to see a massage therapist to address postural and physical anomalies it is often necessary to have frequent sessions in the beginning to normalize soft tissue, and later less frequent visits to maintain what has been achieved. It can be necessary to get massages a couple of times a week for several weeks in the beginning and then later lower the frequency to once a week, and then once every other week before starting on the maintenance routine.

The frequency of massages always depends on the individual. A good massage therapist will work out a treatment plan and continuously adjust it to suit the needs of the individual. Be open and direct with your expectations and issues in your current situation, so that the therapist has all the knowledge needed to create the best treatment plan for you.

Related articles:

When to get a massage, Why get a massage, The importance of Touch, Massage and Stress, and Massage relieves Burnt-out.

Pain from computer and desk

When we work in front of the computer, we often experience tension, soreness and even pain in the neck, shoulders, back, wrists and arms. These discomforts are usually caused by poor working position at the desk and by repetitive movements.

Sitting in front of the computer or at the desk can cause rather severe muscular and postural problems. Typically we sit hunched forward, our back is not always straight, our shoulders move forward to control the mouse and use the keyboard, our arms are turned inward towards the centre instead, our head is moved forward and we do a lot of repetitive movements. The perfect formula for soft tissue problems and anomalies.

This poor working position strains the body in unnatural ways. When our shoulders rotate inward and forward, the chest muscles tighten and are shortened, while our back muscles are stretched and lengthened. The constant stretch is what we feel as soreness or pain between our shoulder blades and elsewhere on the back. The same happens with the shoulder muscles. Those in front are shortened and constantly kept tense, while those at the back are stretched and lengthened. Our head is jutted forward which shortens the muscles in the nape and lengthens the muscles on the front. Often one shoulder is higher than the other due to the work with pen or mouse.

All these strains on the soft tissue cause soreness and pain, trigger points (knots) spread, and the tension can cause head-aches as well. The headaches are often caused by nerves, which go through the muscles at the neck, are pressed by the tight muscles. If left unattended, the poor body alignment can become permanent and a life with pain lies ahead. You often see the result of poor working position in old people who are almost hunchbacked with age. A lifelong poor position when working is the likely cause of their current condition.

Luckily it is relatively easy to counter poor working positions and to normalize the body alignment, if dealt with in time.

Massage is an excellent, and one of the best methods to treat symptoms from extensive computer use. Massage relaxes and lengthens the tense shortened muscles, helps strengthen the weakened and lengthened muscles, removes trigger points, makes you relax and helps the body get back into its natural alignment. The massage therapist can also advice you with exercises to do between treatment and to maintain the good a session have given.

Regular strength exercise and condition training will help you avoid these problems. Being aware of and correcting your working position, making sure you don't sit hunched forward, and doing regular stretch exercises will all aid you in avoiding the problems poor posture causes.