What is Therapeutic Massage?

Important Facts About This Occupation

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

Through the manipulations of the body's soft tissue and muscles, therapeutic massage relieves muscle aches and pains. This practice is often used in sports conditioning, but it can also be beneficial in a variety of other ways. Therapeutic massage can help with the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relaxation
• Sleep problems
• Stress reduction
• Immune system function

Training Required

As of 2016, massage therapy was regulated in 45 states and the District of Columbia, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The boards governing massage therapy in these states require a massage therapist to complete a formal education program and pass a national certification examination or state exam.

Therapeutic massage programs can be found at some postsecondary institutions. These programs typically cover anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, ethics and the hands-on practice of massage techniques.

Job Outlook

The BLS reports that employment for the massage therapy profession is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations. Employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 20% from 2021 to 2031. The BLS reports that increased acceptance of alternative medicine and holistic healing will help drive projected growth.