Once thought of as a luxury service, massage therapy has recently been redefined. Massage therapy offers a wide variety of proven health and medical benefits vs. just a “pampering” experience. These days, massage therapy is viewed upon as a medical modality, which is being offered in various settings outside the typical spa. Businesses, clinics, hospitals and even airports are now offering massage therapy services! Massage therapy is a very rewarding career, often with a flexible work schedule.
Did you know that massage therapy incorporates many specialties that have specific goals? For example:
- Swedish massage is the most common and gentle form of massage. It consists of using long strokes, kneading, and deep circular movements to assist in relaxation and general overall health.
- Deep Tissue massage is often targeted toward athletic clientele that have specific areas of concern such as sports injuries. This technique uses shorter, slower, more forceful strokes intended to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to reduce built up scar tissue. This therapy assists with the recovery of muscle damage due to injuries.
- Sports massage is a combination of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage as it is more rhythmic in motion and applies gentle pressure, but is mostly concentrated to specific problem areas of an athlete or sports enthusiast. Sports massage also focuses on injury prevention.
- Trigger Point massage focuses on areas of tight muscles. Ever had a knot in your neck or traps muscles? Most likely, a trigger point was involved. The therapist performs a massage and will locate the trigger points within the larger muscle groups, and will massage the trigger point until it releases.
Some businesses have started to incorporate massage therapy in their workplace, offering a complimentary massage from a Licensed Massage Therapist, (L.M.T.) to each employee on a monthly basis. Ronald J. Borden and Company, a Chicago-based accounting firm, has seen an increase in employee moral and energy levels, since incorporating a massage program into their business plan. “People really look forward to that monthly massage. We brag about it. I tell people that on Monday, the massage people are coming. They get really jealous!” said Debbie Jordan, an Administrative Assistant at the firm.
Are you in need of a massage? Arizona College offers massages in our Massage Clinic, Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 2:30p and 3:45p at a rate of $15 for Arizona College students and $20 for the general public.
Wanting to make a change in your future? Are you interested helping people and want information on how to become a massage therapist? Contact Arizona College today to learn more about our Allied Health degree and diploma programs offered at our Glendale and Mesa campuses.
Information in this blog post is accurate as of May 14, 2014.