“According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), more and more athletes are integrating massage therapy services into their regular training programs” announced Paula Curtiss, Founding Director for Healing Hands School of Holistic Health (HHSHH). “As a result, our Graduates who specialize in Sports Massage work with sports teams, in sports medicine facilities and with professional athletes. What’s more, Sports Massage Therapists (SMTs) working in athletic and/or sports facilities earn on average, $54.50 per hour (including tip) as opposed to 39.01 per hour for MTs working at a Spa or Chiropractic clinic,” she added.
A survey of Healing Hands graduates also reported a high job satisfaction rating in this sector and SMTs said the rewards aren’t just monetary. Most athlete/clients are well tuned in to their bodies, and eager to make the life-style changes necessary to keep themselves in tip top shape. When they do get injured, they usually seek help immediately, making it easier for SMTs to pin-point the cause and affect positive change. As one therapist put it, “Locating an area of dysfunction, facilitating improvement, then watching the athlete go out and perform well is very uplifting”.
That’s not the only good news for SMTs. According to the Dept. of Labor, job opportunities for Massage Therapists will continue to grow at a rate of 22% through 2022 – faster than any other industry segment. Additional Massage Therapy statistics reported by the AMTA in 2014 are as follows:
- Roughly 34.9 million people received a total of 143 million massages in 2013
- 88% of consumers see massage as effective in reducing pain
- 88 % of consumers believe that massage can be beneficial to overall health and wellness
- 43% of massage consumers got a massage for medical reasons In 2013, a significant increase from 2010.
- Consumers who received massage for medical reasons cited using it to relieve pain, alleviate soreness and stiffness, and recover from injury.
For students considering specializing in Sports Massage, Paula offers the following advice:
“If you’re really serious about working with Athletes it won’t be enough to have a strong understanding of Anatomy and mastery of basic massage therapy techniques. To succeed in this enviable arena, you will need to develop competency in certain advanced techniques specific to Sports Massage. The following is a list of our faculty’s Top Sports Massage Therapy Courses:
- Advanced Circulatory and Sports Massage,
- Sports Injuries & Neuro Muscular Therapy (2 classes)
- Therapeutic Stretching
- Triggerpoint Therapy (2 classes)
- Myofascial Meridians of Pain Relief
- Principles of Structural Integration
- Structural Integration
Complimentary electives such as Deep Tissue Therapies, Nutritional Superfoods and Holistic Nutrition can also be taken to help athlete/clients optimize their physical health as well as performance.”
To learn more about a career in Sports Massage Therapy, or to find out more about the 60+ Massage and Holistic Health courses offered at Healing Hands School of Holistic Health, please visit us online at www.HealilngHandsSchool.com or call us at (760) 746-9364 in Escondido, or (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills.