Massage Therapy School

Massage therapy schools exist in all fifty states of the Unites States of America, and the numbers range from one school in Arkansas to 60 in California, and all the rest somewhere in between. According to the Massage Therapy Association (which has 53,000 members in twenty-seven countries), the professional standards for a massage therapy school and an individual have advanced and increased in the last five years. Each school is regulated by the state in which it is located, and certificates may require somewhere between 300 and 1,000 hours of in-class training.

Because of the nature of the profession, online classes are not offered for their certificates. However, there are so many massage therapy schools throughout the country, that one should not have to travel very far to find one to his/her liking. Some are connected to a University, but others are part of schools that specialize in only health care professions. It pays to research thoroughly all the offerings that are listed in web sites by entering any key words such as "massage" or "massage therapy school".

Several different kinds of training is offered, so a student must decide which is most suitable for him/her. Some of the requirements for a good therapist are (1) to be comfortable in close contact with clients; (2) a truly caring nature; and (3) strong hands. A reputable school will build its courses around those characteristics. This type of therapy is a healing art. Most people needing these services are suffering from muscle injury or mental stress. Massage therapy schools teach the skills to relieve those conditions. Of course, there are also those individuals who just want the luxury of being made to feel relaxed in an uptight world.

Besides the obvious courses in anatomy and technique taught, courses in business are are also included. Since the therapist is in business for him/herself, it is necessary to know good business practices. Advertising, keeping track of accounts, and keeping accurate records on clients are some of the things a practicing massage therapist must do to stay in business. With all that taken into consideration, a graduate of a massage therapy school comes away with healing skills and a secure place in the business world. Scripture tells us Jesus recognized our need for a healing touch, so most of his cures were accompanied by a touch of his hand. 'By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus." (Acts 4:30) Although a massage therapist does not claim to work miracles, the healing effects have been proven again and again. The benefits are both spiritual and physical in nature, which may be why it is so popular.

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