subject: The Range Of Massage Therapy Careers Today [print this page] Massage therapy careers today offer professional therapists a much broader range of opportunity than they did in the past. Massage therapists have moved out of the narrow range of rehabilitation and sports therapy and into the much broader category of holistic health in general. The definition of a massage therapist also includes much more than just "muscle manipulation", too. In fact, many of the most popular and effective techniques used today bear little resemblance to the traditional massage at all.
The traditional massage therapist worked at rehabilitation centers, hospitals, sports facilities or aged care facilities. There are still many career opportunities in these types of areas. In fact, there may be more positions available than ever before, since therapeutic massage has been accepted as a vital part of rehabilitation and general well being. However, many people are attracted to massage as a career because of the opportunities for career independence.
Many practitioners start their practice from home. This is ideal for someone who is working casually or is trying to establish her reputation. Others find that working as a subcontractor or renting space on related business premises is an ideal way to get their independent career off to a good start. This has the advantage of giving you a professional image from the beginning of your career.
You will be surprised to discover the variety of businesses that would be interested in renting you space as a massage therapist on their premises. Spas, chiropractors, holistic health establishments are just a few of the more obvious examples. Many massage therapists have found a lucrative career working from spaces adjoining New Age Bookshops, vegetarian or vegan restaurants and other businesses that cater to people interested in holistic and alternative lifestyles and therapies.
You might be surprised by how little it will cost you in rent, too. Your presence at the establishment draws business to them, just as their clientele attracts business to you. Additionally, if you make a profit share arrangement with the owner of a day spa, for instance, you will be saving them the cost of a massage therapist's salary.
If you broaden your range of skills, you are likely to attract even more customers. Reiki, for instance, is not technically "massage" at all, but is an increasingly popular type of body, mind and spirit therapy. Many massage therapists combine Reiki with massage in their practice. The numbers of satisfied clients who receive combined treatments like this are testament enough to their effectiveness.
If you love people and love the healing arts, consider massage therapy careers. You can tailor make your career to suit your interests, your aptitudes and your time. With the right combination, you just may find that you can profit from doing what you love to do and believe in the most as a massage therapist.
