subject: Massage Therapists Ease Soreness Sooner With The Help Of A Professional [print this page] Do you have a favorite massage therapist? Many (about 90,000) people in the United States claim this as either their part-time or full-time job. Most are self-employed. This occupation includes a large percentage of part-time and self-employed workers. In the United States there are about 90,000 massage therapists. Most states in the United States require a license to practice massage therapy. If a state does not have any massage laws, then the national certification in massage therapy is not required and a practitioner need not apply for a license with the state. Training programs in the US are typically 500-1000 hours in length, and can award a certificate, diploma, or degree depending on the particular school.
With any massage, special equipment is used. As these therapists are self-employed, he/she will have her own equipment consisting of a table with a horseshoe shaped head support for ease of breathing while lying face-down. It has a padded surface which is easy to keep clean and remain hygienic. Mats and pillows are also used for additional support. With the increased interest in massage therapy, this job field is growing.
As well as using tables, chairs are often used. These, like the tables can be either stationary or portable. Chair massages are popular, as massage chairs are easily portable and can be taken to a mall, office or other public places. The client is not required to take off his/her clothes (as this is in public!) in order to sit in a chair for massage. Massage tables are not appropriate for public locations as these are heavy to carry, and generally the client will disrobe and be covered with towels.
Aches, pains, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure? The list goes on, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, found what ails you yet? Try low back pain, maybe arthritis? All of these, as well as an immense number of other ailments can be treated with massage therapy. This is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs. Millions throughout the world will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
The art of massage involves rubbing the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. When done properly, is has been known to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. Think this is something new? No, in fact it dates way back in many cultures. It has been documented by the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians. They all used massage therapists for a wide variety of illnesses, aches and pains. Hippocrates even wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. If you are interested in finding how this art of massage is practiced, get started with your research! There are so many different methods, over 250 to be precise, are used.
In the early 1800's, massage therapy became very popular and this increased until the 1930's and 40's. As modern medicine developed, the benefits of massage therapy were discounted. It was used less and less. In the 1960's and 1970's nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. Again, its popularity grew until finally in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. It's good enough for the Olympics, how about you? Find your favorite massage therapist.
