“Professional Massage therapists use therapeutic touch to treat injuries and to promote general wellness”, said Harmony Morgan, Director for Healing Hands School of Holistic Health – Laguna Hills “Practitioners use their hands, knuckles, forearms, elbows, and feet to manipulate muscles and soft tissues of the body. Our curriculum was designed to include dozens of massage modalities, advanced techniques and related holistic health classes, giving our Students a competitive edge in the marketplace”, she added.
Professional Massage Therapists usually specialize in many different massage modalities. Some of the most popular forms include: Swedish, Deep-tissue, Sports, Thai, Lomi-Lomi (Hawaiian), and Shiatsu. These are just a few of the many modalities offered at Healing Hands. This is important because most Massage Therapists offer customized massages that incorporate several modalities. This requires an education in different Massage Strokes, Acupressure Points, Trigger Points, Mayo-facial Meridians, Energy Meridians, Yoga stretches and Body-work techniques. You can learn all you’ll need to know about these and other integrative therapies at Healing Hands.
With more than 80 courses to offer, Healing Hands students can learn techniques specific to their desired area of expertise. For some that means working with elderly clients, while others prefer work at a Chiropractor’s Office or Wellness Center. Still other Practitioners choose to work exclusively with Day Spas, or with Athletes providing both conditioning for competitive events as well as rehabilitation. Whatever their specialty, students who attend Healing Hands can begin a new career in about 1 year!
Some forms of massage are given solely to one type of client. For example, Prenatal Massage is given only to pregnant women, Geriatric Massage is given to the Elderly, and Lymphatic Drainage Massage is often used to speed healing for patients after surgery at Hospitals and in Doctor’s offices.
Massage Therapists may perform massage on a massage table, massage chair or floor mat. Some forms of massage, such as deep tissue, are done without any lotion or oil, while others require them. Pre-event massages for competitive athletes may last only 10-15 minutes, while massage offered from a Massage Clinic or Day Spa is typically offered as a 60 minute or 90-minute session. On rare occasion, clients may request Lomi-Lomi Massage, which can last two hours or more!
The type of massage delivered typically depends on the client’s needs and physical condition. Massage therapists interview clients to understand what they hope to achieve through massage. Practitioners may then suggest personalized treatment plans for their clients. These may include stretching exercises, foam rolling or relaxation techniques to practice at home between sessions. Healing Hands students also have access to education in Herbal Studies and Nutrition which they can pass on as add-on services to clients.
As far as job prospects go, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BOLS) reports: “Employment of Massage Therapists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.” They added that “continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to adding 35,400 new jobs for massage therapists over the next several years”. It’s important to note that the average annual wage for Massage Therapists as of May 2018 was $41,420 with the top 10% earning upwards of $78,000. That makes a career as a Professional Massage Therapist a viable, living-wage option that Practitioners say is both professionally rewarding and personally satisfying. Could a career as a Professional Massage Therapist be right for you?
Healing Hands School of Holistic Health is considered a trailblazer for education in the Holistic Healing Arts. To date, their Faculty has successfully prepared more than 7,500 students for rewarding careers as Professional Massage Therapists and can do the same for you! Learn more about the programs, and financial aid options available at Healing Hands. Visit us on-line at www.HealingHandsSchool.com or call us at (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills, (760) 746-9364 in Escondido or (858) 505-1100 in Kearny Mesa.
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