Qualifications, Salaries & Requirements for a Sports Massage Therapist
Massage therapists are in high demand in the United States as more and more people realize the benefits of massage therapy. Massage therapy has been shown to alleviate circulatory problems, back pain, migraines, muscle spasms and a range of other ailments. According to naturalhealers.com, 37 percent of all massage therapists specialize in sports massage therapy. The sports niche of the industry provides opportunities for professionals and amateurs alike to provide in-demand services to the public or private clients.
Other People Are Reading
-
Qualifications
-
Sports massage therapists are subject to varying state laws. Most states require would-be therapists to attend a state-certified training course at a trade school or other post-secondary institution. Massage therapy schools may require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent education before enrolling.
Massage therapy training programs involve much more than hands-on training in massage techniques. The courses provide a comprehensive overview of physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, business management and a range of other advanced topics, which prepare students for a life-long career with self-employment opportunities.
Compensation
-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists earn an average of $16.78 per hour, including tips. The Bureau mentions, however, that not all types of massage therapists receive tips. Massage therapists working in spas or on cruise ships may receive ample gratuities, but sports massage therapists working with sports teams, schools, physical rehab clinics or other sports-related settings are not likely to receive tips on a regular basis.
More than half of the licensed massage therapists in the nation are self-employed. Operating your own sports massage therapy service can boost your personal income considerably, compared to the average wage for employees.
-
Requirements
-
Sports massage therapists are required to interview clients before beginning treatment to determine exactly what is ailing them. Using the comprehensive knowledge gained in training, massage therapists must craft unique combinations of techniques for each client, according to the client's specific needs.
Therapists must be able to work with their hands anywhere from five minutes to two hours on each client. They are also required to carry current licenses.
Work Settings
-
Sports massage therapists can find themselves working in a range of settings, including professional or amateur sports teams' training centers and arenas, community gyms, school settings and physical rehab centers for sports professionals. While it is possible to set up your own location to perform massage therapy, most clients will want you to perform your services at their location.
-
References
- Photo Credit lit de massage image by dominique touchard from Fotolia.com
