There are a large number of massage therapy schools in the country but not many of them provide a certificate or are accredited.  Make sure that the institute you enroll in provides you a certificate at the completion of the course and that the institute is recognized by a well established university or educational organization.

Going to an accredited school is important because it will make it easier for you to get massage therapy jobs if the school has a better reputation.  Also, if you go to an accredited school, you will be able to take out a federal loan if you don’t have the money to pay for the tuition up front, which can range anywhere from $3,000 – $8,000.

You also need to consider the school’s curriculum to see if it works with your schedule.  If you are currently working full-time during the day, you will need to look for a school that offers evening and weekend classes.  Some schools only offer classes during the day, which would conflict with your work schedule if you are planning on going to classes while still working.

Checking out the school’s curriculum will also let you know what you can expect to learn from the school.  If you are interested in a certain modality, you will want to know if the school teaches that particular massage technique.  A good massage therapy school should teach a variety of massage modalities, from Swedish massage therapy to Shiatsu and many other techniques in between.  The school should also offer courses in body mechanics as well as how apply for a job or how to run your own massage business.

Many schools will have a list of who their instructors are and you can research the school’s faculty to determine the quality of the massage school.  Some schools have teachers who are well known in their fields or have many years of experience.

You can get in touch with former students of the school to get their opinions about the massage school that you are interested in.  You can also gauge the reputation of the massage school by speaking to the local spas to see if they hire students from the particular massage school that you are interested in.  If they are enthusiastic about hiring graduates from a particular school, then you know that the massage therapy school you are looking at has a high quality curriculum and it will be easier to get a job when you become a massage therapist.

These are some of the things you should take into account when researching information on massage therapy schools.

There are six techniques used in Swedish massage.

1. Effleurage. Long gliding strokes using the palm, thumbs or fingertips to cover a large portion of the body.

2. Petrissage. Kneading and squeezing movement done by hands, thumbs, or fingers to soften up the muscles.

3. Friction. Small, circular strokes that are used to soothe deeper areas of the muscles that are tight.

4. Traction. Pulling of the muscles to help stretch tight muscles.

5. Tapotement (or percussion). Tapping the body using the sides of the hand or cupped hands with loose wrists. This technique is used to energize and wake up the body.

6. Vibration. Oscillatory movement that shakes up the body.

With Swedish massage, you would start out working with the superficial layers then work your way deeper. An effleurage is used to spread the oil on the body and to get the client used to the therapist touch. Then a petrissage would be used to loosen up the muscle to allow for deeper bodywork.

Swedish massage therapy reduces both physical and emotional stress. It is a very relaxing massage that increases oxygen in the blood stream as well as improve circulation of the blood, which helps muscle recovery. Swedish massage relaxes the muscles and helps relieve muscle pain. It soothes the nerves and can help you sleep better.

Getting a Swedish massage regularly will make you feel better and keep you healthier.

Even with the current state of the economy, the massage therapy industry is still holding steady.  As a matter of fact, because of the bad economy, more people are stressed out, so they turn to massage therapy for stress reduction and relaxation.  Not only does massage alleviate stress, it can also relieve anxiety, depression, migraines and high blood pressure.  And it is fairly affordable.  Even doctors, acknowledging the benefits of massage therapy, are recommending their patients to go get massages to help reduce stress and facilitate recovery.  If you are wondering how to become a massage therapist, the follow information will help you get started.

First, you need to find out what the licensing requirements are for where you live.  There is no national standard for the massage therapy profession yet.  The requirements vary depending on your jurisdiction.  In some places, the state regulates the profession, while in other locations, local municipalities have their own regulations and requirement for a massage therapy license.  The requirement for a massage license is anywhere from 500 hours to 1000 hours.  The requirements for licensing can be found here

Next, you need to find an accredited massage therapy school that fulfills the requirements of your state or city.  The school should be accredited by a national organization like the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) or Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).  You should check the school’s curriculum to see if will suit your particular preferences.

After you are done with your training and have received your degree or certificate, you will need to get certified to become a massage therapist before you can practice massage.  Depending on where you live you will need to submit your application, with proof of your eligibility and application fees to take an exam.  Some jurisdiction may even require you to submit fingerprints with your application.

If you pass your exam and meet all your requirements, then congratulations!  You have now become a massage therapist and can start practicing massage.