The benefits of massage

View Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses.

Massage promotes relaxation and various positive benefits for health as well as acting to combat the stresses and strains of various conditions. It works on you physically, mentally, and emotionally and is a holistic therapy. Touch is a very powerful sense with the ability to alleviate a whole range of conditions. Massage is appropriate for almost anybody from children to the elderly and from athletes to those with chronic health conditions.

Massage involves a range of motions such as kneading and gliding where the therapist uses their hands or arms to touch and manipulate a client's body with a therapeutic aim. Soft tissues are gently kneaded and varying degrees of pressure are used. If you are in need of relaxation, massage can provide it and remove the stresses and tensions which build up in the neck and shoulders as well as the back.

The long, flowing strokes of classic Swedish massage help to break down the knots and tensions which build up while the stretching movements of Thai massage help to elongate the muscles and aid posture. There are many different forms of massage therapy each with its own techniques and benefits. Massage helps to remove the pain of chronic conditions. It can reduce lower back pain for example. It can also be effective in improving the range of motion of limbs and this is especially the case with therapeutic massage and sports massage.

Massage can help to reduce the feelings of chronic fatigue and can restore energy to invigorate and refresh. It can also help boost immunity by helping to raise white blood cell counts. It also helps the client to feel well by releasing endorphins – the body's natural "feel good" hormones. At the same time it reduces the incidence of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline. It has been shown that massage can help improve posture. Muscles relax and loosen, allowing them to function better. This can also aid a sense of balance.

By vigorous massage the therapist can help to boost circulation and also start to stimulate the lymphatic system to eradicate waste and toxins from the body. This helps to boost skin tone and can help to reduce swelling, especially in pregnant women.

It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression as well as remove stress and anxiety as the client relaxes, breathes deeply and allows the mind to become still and calm. Therapeutic massage can aid in post-operative recovery following surgery. Other conditions which can be helped by massage include repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, sleep disorders, chronic back pain, sports injuries, and injuries sustained by accidents.

Massage is appropriate for almost everyone; however, there can be contraindications. Pregnant women should only receive a massage from a specialist in pregnancy massage and those with blood clots should avoid massage. Certain skin conditions or open wounds are also best avoided for massage along with some kinds of cancer and cardiovascular disease. If in doubt, always consult your doctor and talk it over with the massage therapist who will be knowledgeable in this area.

Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses

Charter College

Diploma.
Massage Therapy.
California.

Florida College of Natural Health

Diploma Programs:Students enrolled in this program are preparing themselves for success in the field of bodywork. The standards established by most state and municipal governments for receiving a license are exceeded by the program.

Associate of Science Degree ProgramsThis program provides many different approaches to bodywork, and is preparation for students to go into holistic massage therapy.

Associate of Science in Natural HealthThe Associate of Science in Natural Health program offers its students dual training in massage therapy and skin care. The Therapeutic Massage Training Program not only teaches the art and science of massage therapy, but also teaches sound business skills for the benefit of the students. The holistic theory to skin care is the key approach of The Skin Care Training Program.

Associate, Diploma.
AS / Massage and Skin Care, Therapeutic Massage Training Program, AS / Advanced Massage.
Florida.

Globe University

Diploma, Associate.
Massage Therapy Diploma, AAS Massage Therapy.
Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota.

American Career College

American Career College has assisted student's success for more than 29 years. There are many options for a massage therapist, such as private practice, medical or acupuncture clinics, chiropractic or physical therapy offices, day spaces, or fitness centers.

Certificate.
Massage Therapy.
California.

Lincoln College of Technology

Let your healing touch become a new, promising career as a trained massage therapist from Lincoln's Therapeutic Massage and Technology program!

You will be taught thoroughly in all the things needed to begin your career as a competent, confident massage therapist. The program will teach anatomy, physiology, reflexology and pathology and you can take advantage of hands on experience when you learn massage therapy techniques. Experienced and dedicated instructors are ready to teach you everything you need to know!

Coursework.
Massage Therapy.
Georgia.