Massage therapist giving back massage to young patient lying on massage tableTraining in advanced therapeutic massage offers many benefits for aspiring massage therapists. The Praxis Institute offers an Advanced Therapeutic, Sports, and Clinical Massage program in Miami and Hialeah, Florida, which teaches advanced massage techniques and prepares students for massage therapy careers. Here, we discuss the benefits of a career in advanced therapeutic massage.

Understanding Advanced Therapeutic Massage

Advanced therapeutic massage is about more than relaxation—it focuses on pain relief, rehabilitation, and improving physical health. The techniques used help manage chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain. Advanced therapeutic massage helps aid in injury recovery, improve mobility, and ease muscle tension. Some of the other goals include reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and tissue healing.

Advanced therapeutic massage technicians need formal training to ensure they understand the anatomy of the human body, allowing them to apply techniques safely and effectively. This also helps them address specific physical issues and help with pain management. Certified massage technicians are often preferred in clinical settings, where their expertise is critical for patient care.

Benefits of a Career in Advanced Therapeutic Massage

Advanced therapeutic massage training offers numerous benefits, which is why an increasing number of people are pursuing it. They include:

Specialized Skills

Advanced therapeutic massage therapists are trained and obtain certification in specialized skills and techniques that not all massage technicians are. This gives these workers a competitive edge when seeking positions or considering starting their own businesses. Some of these skills include:

  • Deep tissue massage: This technique is excellent for treating body pain and tightness, as well as rehabilitating muscles and tendons.
  • Sports massage: This targets specific muscle groups that are impacted during athletic activities, enhancing performance and aiding in recovery.
  • Manual lymphatic drainage: Ideal for individuals with inflammation, it involves applying light pressure to drain fluids from the body’s muscle mass.
  • Electrostimulation: This type of therapy uses electrical frequencies to aid in healing damaged tissues and relieving pain.
  • Neuromuscular therapy: This involves applying alternating levels of pressure to specific body parts that are prone to muscle spasms.
  • Laser therapy: This therapy helps with easing pain and inflammation, promoting healing and soft tissue repair.
  • Ultrasound massage: This type utilizes sonic waves to decrease inflammation and is used for chronic pain conditions.

By learning these specialized skills, advanced massage therapists often have more professional opportunities, compared to those who only specialize in Swedish or deep tissue massages.

Diverse Career Opportunities

A career in advanced therapeutic massage offers diverse opportunities across various work environments, including physical therapy rehab, clinics, spas, and private practices. This versatility allows advanced massage technicians to choose a setting that best suits their skills and interests.

Massage technicians at physical therapy clinics use techniques to improve mobility, reduce pain, and help with quality of life. Meanwhile, those in healthcare clinics often provide treatment for specific medical conditions. Working in private practice may allow massage technicians to enjoy the flexibility and independence of deciding their schedule and client base.

High Demand for Skilled Professionals

With a growing demand for skilled massage therapy technicians, the job outlook is bright for the profession. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of massage therapists is projected to rise by 18%, between 2023 and 2033. The continued growth is a result of holistic treatments becoming more widely used and accepted, as well as the retirement of current massage therapists.

Work-Life Balance

Advanced massage therapists often enjoy a great work-life balance, especially those who make their own schedules. They can choose when to take clients, what days to work, and whether to work full- or part-time. This flexibility leads to less burnout and gives massage therapists time to recharge. It’s also ideal for people who have other responsibilities like children to take care of.

Learn More About Advanced Massage Therapy Careers at The Praxis Institute

If you want to take advantage of the benefits that advanced massage therapy careers have to offer, apply to the advanced massage therapy program at The Praxis Institute. It is taught by experienced instructors and has weekly enrollment dates. We also offer career services, competitive pricing, and financial aid to students who qualify. To learn more about our advanced massage therapy program, contact us today or visit our locations in Miami and Hialeah, Florida.