Athletes must take care of their bodies despite the rigors they go through every day. Without a healthy body, an athlete can no longer perform at his or her peak. Sports massage has become a popular way for athletes to ensure they stay strong and healthy. Sports massage can be used to prevent injuries, treat injuries, and even enhance performance. Athletes can receive massage prior to an event, after an event, as a form of maintenance, or after receiving an injury. A skilled sports massage therapist will take into consideration each of these instances combined with the specifics of the athlete to customize a massage therapy treatment that is just right for each athlete.

Sports massage is typically a specialty available at many massage therapy schools. After graduation, you can enroll in certification programs that count as continuing education. There are even some more intensive programs that teach only sports massage where you can earn a degree or an advanced certificate. While studying sports massage, in addition to massage techniques you can expect to learn about subjects such as physical therapy, hydrotherapy, range of motion and flexibility, sports nutrition, and strength-training. After completing your education, getting nationally certified will help improve your qualifications, which might be helpful when looking for a job as a sports massage therapist.

Working as a massage therapist, you may work in a sports clinic, chiropractor’s office, for an individual athlete, or for a sports team at the college or professional level. Sports massage therapists are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that not only is massage therapy an industry experiencing rapid growth, but so are the fields of health care and athletic trainers, areas that overlap considerably with sports massage. Gaining the appropriate education and certification along with experience to polish your skills can provide you with just what you need to be a successful sports massage therapist.

Top Massage Therapy Programs

	U.S. Career Institute - At the U.S. Career Institute, students will be taught alternative health treatments to assist people in feeling better. With a number of organizations hiring in various positions, don't pass up this opportunity to go back to school and start a great career.
	Boca Beauty Academy of Massage - If you're interested in becoming a massage therapist, Boca Beauty Academy of Massage offers a fantastic program for students interested in this growing industry.
Cincinnati Cleveland	Center for Massage & Natural Health - The Center for Massage & Natural Health assists students in reaching their goal of becoming a massage therapist affordably and conveniently.
Boston Tampa Scottsdale	Cortiva Institute for Massage - Cortiva Institute for Massage prepares aspiring massage therapists with a rigorous program in the field of massage therapy. With locations available across the country, students can get prepared quickly.