For a firmer focus, consider a career in deep tissue massage

Are you thinking about a career as a massage therapist? Consider exploring deep tissue techniques.

Deep tissue massage is a very different style of massage. This is because while Swedish massage, which can be used as a foundational massage, can be gentle and glide over the muscles, deep tissue work uses slow strokes of acute pressure to treat the connective tissues.

This massage can be used to relieve tension and remove scar tissue from injuries. Deep tissue massage is more like physical therapy. It's used to treat chronic muscle pain, tendonitis, strains, and other issues.

Deep tissue massage has been shown to improve heart function, lung function, and stress relief.

These are the steps to follow if you wish to make a career out of this intensive form of massage therapy.

Therapy Overview

Deep tissue massage is very popular. A person with stress-related shoulder pain will find it on most spa menus. An athlete may opt for regular deep tissue treatments with their physical therapist.

Cindy Williams is a licensed massage therapist, instructor, and has more than 20 years of experience. Anyone who wants to become a massage therapist should expect deep tissue massage as part of their foundational training.

Williams claims that massage education is changing to include massage therapy in traditional healthcare settings. This involves taking a clinical approach to how massage therapy affects the tissues of the body.

Deep tissue massage may be for you if you enjoy the idea of getting deeper into your body, so to speak.

Education and Training

Deep tissue massage is a very common type of massage. Therefore, any occupational or postsecondary massage school should offer it.

The right school will have a lot to do with the environment and teachers that you learn from. To confirm that the campus is a place where you feel comfortable, you can visit it if you are able. Ask about the school's history, whether accreditation is available with your state, and what career opportunities they might have once you are done.

What subjects will you be studying? You will be studying anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. This is to give you an understanding about how the body works and business management since many therapists work for themselves.

A massage education program should include hands-on training. Deep tissue training is not just about using your hands but also your elbows and forearms to reach the deeper layers of a muscle. Deep tissue training may also be included in sports massage programs.

You can expect to spend between $5,000 to $20,000 on education and licensure. Also, keep in mind that additional funds will be needed to cover books, supplies and maybe even a massage table. You may qualify for financial aid, so make sure to include this in your list of questions early.

What is the time it takes?

Each state has its own licensing and educational requirements. Training could take anywhere from a few weeks to over two years. Your school-to-practice timeframe can be affected by how much time you have available for your studies.

Training in massage therapy can take anywhere from a few weeks up to two years.

Online Training: What's the Deal?

Although you may be able take core massage therapy classes online, Williams warns you that certain states will require that you take certain courses in person as part of their licensure standards.

What kind of license do I need?

It is difficult to navigate the licensing requirements for massage therapy (including deep tissue) depending on where you live.

Except for Minnesota, Vermont and Kansas, California, Wyoming, where licensing is based solely on state regulations, there are minimum educational requirements that must be met to become a massage therapist. These hours can be as low or high as 500.

Many states require that you pass one of the following national licensing exams.

You should be prepared for the exam by completing your schoolwork. However, you can find additional study guides and training resources online.

The terminology used by licensed practitioners varies from one state to the next. Some use “licensed masseuse therapist”, others use “licensed masseuse practitioner”, and still others use “licensed bodywork and massage therapist”.

Williams warns that these differences between states can lead to problems for those who have been trained in one place and then move to another. You may need to take additional classes to compensate. Some states even specify which classes can be taken online, and if so, what kind.

The requirements for massage therapists vary from one state to the next.

Williams gives an example of a common scenario: A licensed practitioner who has more than 20 years' experience might move from Washington to New York and discover that their West Coast training did not include classes in a subject required for licensure.

Williams says, “I would need to go back to school to gain those hours in New York in order to obtain my license.”

What certification do I need?

In the world of massage therapy, the word “certification” is often confusing. After they are licensed, many massage professionals seek board certification through National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Many board certified doctors agree that it gives them a competitive advantage, shows their knowledge of current therapies and treatments, and adds credibility to their title. While the certification is not required to practice, licensure is.

Massage therapists can choose to be board certified, but licensure is mandatory.

When referring to specialization, the word “certification” is also used. Many massage therapists who are licensed will continue their training to improve their skills in various massage types, such as prenatal, palliative, and craniosacral therapies, which is a type deep tissue massage.

Although these specialty certifications don't require you to practice, they can help you stand out from the rest.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of a massage therapist is $47,180. Williams pointed out that this figure does not include the dramatic pay differences you might encounter working for yourself or for a franchise.

Williams states that if you work in private practice, you have the right to raise your rates based upon your perceived value of your work. You are your boss and can set your hourly rate. “And I will tell you what: People will pay it if you are honest and do great work.

Your hourly rate will determine how much you charge if you are a sole proprietor.

Entrepreneurs must also consider the hours that go unpaid, such as bookkeeping, marketing, and client engagement.

Williams states, “I tend to tell my students that it's more about you personality than anything else.” “Do you enjoy marketing yourself? Are you a fan of networking events? Are you a fan of being able to manage your own finances and have more freedom?

If you are passionate about these kinds of things, self-employment is the best option. If you are the type of person who just wants to go to work and do the job then working for someone else is the best way to go.

Career Outlook

According to the BLS the employment of massage therapists will grow by 21% between 2029 and 2029. This is much faster than the general employment outlook. The increase in demand could be due to healthcare providers realizing the benefits of massage and including it into their patient treatment plans.

Williams believes that the profession is always evolving. He says people are beginning to understand massage as a physiological benefit and not as a relaxation technique.

Williams says that Williams is being viewed more clinically about how they affect the tissue. Williams explains how different force types–gliding and shearing, torqueing–are applied. “We are trying to dissect the physiological approach to allow us to interact with physical therapists and chiropractors as well as medical doctors.”

Is this the right career for you?

Williams says that massage school is a great place to start if you are looking for something new after a long and difficult career. Williams said that her mom bought her a massage for stress relief.

Massaging is such a beautiful and soulful job. You don't have any other job where you can make an immediate and direct impact on someone else's lives. Williams says that he has never known anyone who loved him more than he did at his job. They can't wait for me to return. It's a positive and loving environment to live in.

Williams acknowledges that positive vibes aside, the job requires some physical labor, especially for deep tissue massage practitioners. Common complaints include pain in the lower back and shoulders. Williams suggests that you can alleviate these problems by practicing good form and prioritizing stretching time.