Professional Massage Therapy vs. Armchair Therapy

by Robyn Tellefsen

Some people rely on a willing spouse or friend to provide physical and emotional relief through massage. Others go the professional route. If you've ever had professional massage therapy, you won't go back to casual, five-minute massages. These are the real deal, and make you feel like you're walking on a cloud, with muscles, joints, and limbs loose and free. (Until you get in the car and tense up in traffic before you even make it home, of course.)

That's why professional massage therapists are in demand. Once you become a certified massage therapist, there's a lot you can offer that armchair therapists can't:

> Proper Training
In 2004, 33 states had passed laws regulating massage therapy, many requiring massage therapists to complete a formal education program and pass a national certification exam or a state exam. Formal massage therapy training programs encompass the study of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, enabling massage therapists to practice at the professional level. National exams are administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and lead to professional massage therapy certification. Continuing education hours are required to keep certification current.

> Professional Equipment
As a professional massage therapist, you'll have access to massage oils, lotions, and creams, as well as massage tables, chairs, pillows, and fresh sheets and towels. If you work in a spa, you may also be able to offer clients paraffin hand treatments and steam showers to round out the spa experience. And let's not forget goodies like hot and cold stones, massage sandals, and table warmers. All of this professional massage therapy equipment is just not something clients can get at home.

>Peace of Mind
The human body is incredibly intricate, and is both strong and delicate. It's not something to be put in the hands of someone who is going to cause damage to it. When clients come to you for massage therapy, they can rest assured that their bodies will be helped, not harmed, by the treatment. Armchair therapists know little to nothing about deep tissue massage, neuromuscular massage, and ayurvedic massage, not to mention acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy. On your table, clients can truly relax and enjoy all the benefits of being treated by a certified massage therapist.

Once your clients experience the benefits of massage therapy, they'll be hooked. And when you develop a loyal clientele, you'll be in business!