At no other time in history has massage therapy enjoyed such widespread acceptance and never has the demand for therapeutic massage been so great. It is one of the fastest growing fields in complementary medicine. In the United States alone, visits to massage therapists exceed 114 million annually¹ and the number of massage therapists, including students, is now between 260,000 and 290,000.

The popularity of massage therapy can be attributed to the publics increased interest in healing therapies and preventive medicine. Medical professionals are also beginning to acknowledge therapeutic bodywork as more and more published studies confirm the many benefits of massage therapy.

Some of the diverse settings in which massage therapists can practice include doctors offices, health and fitness centers, spas, chiropractic offices, holistic health centers and private practices. In addition, massage therapists are fast becoming involved in workplace environments. Corporate America is beginning to offer on site chair massage to relieve work-related stress and increase employee motivation and productivity.

Where a massage therapist decides to serve others through a rewarding career is virtually unlimited. Massage therapy students have the opportunity to experience many different types of bodywork and practice those techniques with fellow students as well as in clinical settings. Graduates can create their ideal work environment and take their unique passion for massage therapy into the world.

This is an exciting time to be entering the field of bodywork!

1. Eisenberg, et.al., Trends in Alternative Medicine Use in the United States, 1990-1997,Journal of the American Medical Association 280(18):15691575 (November 11, 1998)

Information provided courtesy of Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy.