Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing careers in the alternative healing field, so opportunities for education and training abound. An important part of selecting the school where you will receive your training is to make sure they offer the types of classes you will need to practice the type of massage work you would like to do professionally. Do research on the various types of massage and determine where your interest lies. Many schools include several of the more popular techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue, sports, Shiatsu, acupressure, Thai massage, trigger point, and myofascial release. You may also decide to specialize in a specific type of massage such as prenatal or orthopedic massage, so make sure your school can help you achieve this goal.

In addition to specific massage techniques, you will also want to ensure you receive the philosophical approach to massage that feels comfortable for you. Some schools provide a purely western approach to massage, other schools offer an eastern philosophy, and still others bring a balance of both eastern and western philosophy to their massage training.

In addition to specific massage techniques, you can also expect to learn other topics during your training as a massage therapist. Some of these subjects include anatomy, physiology, the types and benefits of specific massage strokes, hygiene, and under what circumstances it is unwise to perform massage on someone. Another important tool you will learn during your training is how to take care of yourself. Massage therapy is a physically taxing career, so you will need to learn tips on how to care for yourself during your career. Avoiding injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome is important. Your training will teach you how to use your whole body rather than just your hands and wrists to perform massages. Also, you should not need to rely on physical strength to give a good massage. Instead, you will learn how to use the weight of your body to apply the appropriate pressure during a massage.

The length of study for your training to become a massage therapist can vary depending on the type of program under which you are training and what the specific state requirements are for where you live. Many schools require 500-600 hours of training, but if you are just receiving a certification, it can be considerably shorter. Other programs are more intensive and require more hours of training to receive a diploma. In addition to the hours of educational training, you will also likely need to perform a specific number of hours doing actual massages on people before completing your training. Once you have finished your formal training, you shouldn’t stop there. A good massage therapist will continue receiving additional training throughout their career in order to keep up with new ideas and trends in the field of massage therapy.

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.