Masseuse Pro

What sounds better, a chiropractor or masseuse?

I want to continue my education to become a chiropractor and I know my parents would support me for all the schooling I need. But it would take at least 7+ years of college to become one! Should I just do 4 yrs instead and become a masseuse? Pros & Cons?? I’m running out of time!

Being a massage therapist (NOT a masseuse!) is physically demanding and difficult. Many therapists overwork themselves and stress their muscles and joints to the point where they are beyond repair, making themselves unfit for work in as short a span as mere months. At most, you can expect to get maybe ten years out of Massage Therapy due to the extreme physical demands of the occupation, and that’s only if you work part-time hours.

I was a massage therapist for less than a year before I began to suffer repetitive stress injuries in my arms, hands and knees, to the point I could not hold a soda can with one hand if it was half empty. I thought I was doing everything right, but even the ergonomics training they gave us in school wasn’t enough to prevent the toll of bending and pushing and stretching and flexing.

Take the extra years of college if you want a career you can spend your whole life in. If you want a nice part-time or side job for extra income, take massage.

Educating Yourself on Massage Therapy

Whether you plan to become a practitioner or take a treatment, you need to know what the fuss is all about. Why should you see a massage therapist? Should you see a massage therapist? What will a practitioner do for you? How many kinds of Therapeutic Massage are there and what would be right for me? Are there schools teaching this subject? Does a massage therapist have to have a license, a degree or a diploma?

There are several ways to learn about the subject. You might first consider going to your local library and seeing what they have on the topic. Begin with a basic introduction. This will provide you with a working knowledge of the topic.

A good introductory or basic book will contain information on the various types of massage therapy. They will note the differences between Western and Eastern or Oriental approaches. The book will list, without going into depth, primary techniques and categories. It should also suggest books, web sites, associations and other sources of further information. This will be of both a general and a specific nature.

Once you have decided what aspect or type is of interest, you can expand your research. Obtain books on the specific kind of massage therapy in which you have an interest. Read further on the subject in specific massage therapy journals. You can find some of this specialized literature in bookstores, at the library or in specialized shops. You may also be able to read some excerpts and more online.

Do not ignore the internet as a resource. Look up on the internet various possible sources of information. As in your choice of books, be discriminate. Look at both the pros and cons on this type of massage. See if the information you have from a creditable source concurs with the information from other sources.

Get in touch with local organizations that use massage as part of their practice. You may want to check out spas, local holistic clinics or interdisciplinary practices. Some hospitals, sports team or sports medical clinics also employ massage therapists. Therapeutic massage may also be part of a rehabilitation center. You can also look at various massage clinics. Be careful to avoid those who advertise sexual services under the masquerade of therapeutic massage.

Talk to the owners and operators. Try to have a conversation with the masseuse. This will allow you to see what type of treatment they afford their clients. It will also provide you with details on their work. This can be informative on your choice of massage therapy either personally or as part of a career.

If you are really interested in sorting out the types and facts on therapeutic massage, you should consider getting in touch with the various associations. Several massage types have their own organization or association. There are also specific societies. Be sure to check with official and non-official organizations for information and do not neglect the boards who handle such things as licensing. They will be able to tell you the requirements within your state, province, county or region.

Knowing such information makes it easier for you to find a legitimate practitioner. Your friends can also help you out. Some may already be using a masseuse for their specific problem or as a preventative measure. Ask around. They may know someone. Even your doctor may be able to recommend a reputable massage therapist.

The next step is to make an appointment to meet the massage therapist. During the consultation, see is you like the approach. Is the setting comfortable? Do you feel relaxed? Is the therapist listening to you? Do they seem to know what they can offer you? Beware of extravagant claims and look for their diplomas or other signs of learning and membership in an association.

If you are determined to become a massage therapist, you will need to do further work. There are many schools out there claiming to be the best. A swift internet search yields dozens of schools. You will need to examine them closely. Consider such things as course offerings, duration, qualifications of instructors and counseling. Can you speak to any of their former graduates? Are any local practitioners former graduates from these courses or did they choose another route? If you do your research, you can find yourself a good practitioner to work with. You could also locate the right school to attend.

About the Author

Sachi bhat runs heartgard for dogs. You can check his latest article here where he advices people on making the right decision when buying Heartgard chewables