
Are you interested in a fun and unique career where you can make a positive difference in the lives of others? If so, you should consider enrolling in a massage therapy program. As a massage therapist, you use your skills and knowledge of massage to reduce pain and stress for your clients.
These techniques and purposeful manipulations of a client’s muscles are designed to provide effective relief from acute and chronic pain. Many clients seek out massage therapy as part of an overall treatment and wellness plan prescribed by their physician. Others are looking to enhance their mental wellbeing and decrease symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, or even insomnia. So, how do you become a massage therapist?
How Do I Become a Massage Therapist in Minnesota?
If you are interested in becoming a massage therapist in Minnesota, an easy way to enter this field is to attend a massage therapy school. You will learn what you need to succeed as a massage therapist without the knowledge gaps that may develop otherwise.
What Do I Learn During a Massage Therapy Program?
This program will prepare you for a successful career in massage therapy. While attending a massage therapy program you will become proficient in the most common massage therapy techniques. Following is a brief description of some of the techniques you will master during your massage training.
Swedish Massage
Every professional massage therapist will be familiar with Swedish massage. This technique is well known for its many benefits and is one of the most versatile massage techniques available. The goal of Swedish massage is to relax a client’s mind and target the more superficial muscles, as opposed to a deep tissues massage which focuses on the innermost layers of muscles and connective tissue. During the Swedish technique, you will use a variation of effleurage and petrissage on their back, arms, and legs. During your training you will practice this massage technique on real clients.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that focuses on the innermost layers of a client’s muscles, as well as the connective tissue. This technique is more intense. However, it is beneficial for clients who are healing from injury or surgical procedures. Deep tissue massage is a popular option requested by clients, which is why you will develop a deep knowledge of this useful technique while enrolled in a massage therapy program in Minnesota.
Chair Massage
Chair massage continues to grow in popularity for a variety of reasons. While most massage therapy techniques require a client to disrobe, chair massage can be done fully clothed while sitting prostrate in a specially designed chair. Chair massage focuses on a client’s back, shoulders, arms, and hands, and can be done in a variety of settings including at shopping centers, at places of work, and in the convenience of a client’s own homes. Chair massage can even be brought to a place of business to provide employees with a much-needed respite from work.
Prenatal Massage
Another popular technique that you will become proficient in is prenatal massage. Prenatal massage focuses on relieving lower back aches and strains that the client may be experiencing during pregnancy as well as increasing blood circulation and helping with relaxation. Prenatal massage has been known to reduce aches and pains associated with childbirth and can also have a positive benefit on psychological wellbeing.
Communication and Customer Service Skills
One of the most important skills you will develop during your massage training is how to communicate effectively with your clients. Massage therapy involves a thorough understanding of body mechanics as well as how each technique may impact the client’s comfort level. Each client is different and may or may not experience discomfort when you are using certain techniques. It is important to keep an open line of communication and develop rapport with your clients, so they are not afraid to speak up if they experience discomfort during a session. By learning how to communicate effectively, you will be in a better position to deliver effective relief to your clients.
A Comprehensive Understanding of Business Practices
Whether you choose to work in a massage therapy salon or open your own practice, it is important to have a thorough understanding of how to operate a business. By enrolling in a massage therapy program in Minnesota, you will learn how to efficiently advertise your business, as well as how to balance the budget and hire additional massage therapists as your business grows.
What are the Benefits of a Formal Education in Massage?
There are many benefits to pursuing a formal education in massage therapy. Following are some of the most important benefits you will receive from enrolling in a massage therapy program in Minnesota.
No Knowledge Gaps
A massage therapy program incorporates both traditional classroom coursework as well as practical, hands-on exercises to help you develop the right therapeutic techniques. This combination of real-world experience and traditional coursework of body mechanics, anatomy, and scientific information provides a well-rounded, comprehensive program that covers what you will need to know for a successful career in massage.
Create Unique Programs for Clients
Each client will present with their own unique needs and therapeutic goals. By learning how to deliver each massage technique efficiently, you will know how to utilize components of each technique to create unique programs for your clientele.
Mentorship From Experienced Instructors
Throughout a massage therapy program, you will receive instruction from experienced instructors who have worked in this industry. They will impart valuable advice and knowledge developed from years of experience. This mentorship is invaluable and will help guide you as you begin your own path in Minnesota.
Get Real World Experience
You’ll be prepared for your first day on the job because of the many hours of hands-on experience you will receive during your training. You will have the opportunity to perfect your massage therapy techniques on actual clients while under the watchful eye of your instructors. This experience will help build your confidence and self-esteem, so you’ll be ready to work with your first client as soon as you graduate.
Assistance from Career Services
You may wonder how you’ll find your first job as a massage therapist once you graduate from this program. The good news is that career services is offered by the massage therapy program to help you find the job that matches your passion. The career services staff will help you create an outstanding professional resume, perfect your job interview skills, and help you land your first job as a professional massage therapist.
Final Thoughts
Focus on your future and consider enrolling in a massage therapy program today. Not only will you enjoy professional growth and job stability, but you will also enjoy a highly rewarding career that allows you to make a positive difference in the lives of your clients, every single day.
Massage Therapy Program
If you are interested in the healing powers of massage, you can begin your career in massage therapy at Minnesota School of Cosmetology. Our short-term massage therapy training program is designed to be completed in as little as 13 months. Our massage therapy training program is designed as a holistic program that will prepare students to focus on body mechanics of their patients as well as develop positive habits for the therapist. Together, those two areas will provide a foundation that can lead to longevity in the career field.
Contact us today to learn more about becoming a massage therapist and starting a rewarding career in the massage industry.