Being a sports massage therapist can be a great career for many -- it is rewarding and many like to help others relax and feel better. It's important to not only know the typical character traits which the average successful sports massage therapist embodies, but also realize the steps you will need to follow to obtain your goal of becoming a sports massage therapist in the case that you decide it's the right career path for you.
Sports rehabilitation techniques are typically the methods which are most often employed; obviously, many will learn these techniques in training or schooling. Therapists develop an understanding of the therapeutic care of sports-related injuries that inhibit physical activity through educational classes and programs. Through this education, they are informed of how to use proper massage techniques for specific kinds of injuries. Sports medicine facilities as well as hospitals are some of the common working grounds for sports massage therapists.
To enroll in a massage therapy program of any sort, you will definitely be needing a high school diploma, or its equivalent. Around 500 or more hours of study, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is typically the amount of studying required in subjects such as anatomy, kinesiology, ethics, and more. Accredited schools through the Commission on Massage Therapy Association (COMTA) are typically held to a level of quality that is desirable for students seeking a high-level education in this field.
Associate's degree programs are often offered in sports and rehabilitation therapy techniques at many colleges. Typically, students learn to diagnose and treat a variety of sports-related injuries. First aid and CPR training, and human anatomy and physiology courses are typically quite common in these college programs. Courses on massage therapy itself will usually consist of deep tissue therapy, pathology, Swedish massage, and sports massage.
The vast majority of states have laws regulating massage therapy, so it is undoubtedly an important part of becoming a sports massage therapist to ensure that you become a licensed therapist, and become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in accordance with state regulations.
Also, most employers of massage therapists will require that you hold a certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or NCBTM. These certification requirements are typically met, however, through the usual schooling programs that these therapists undergo. Also, every four years a massage therapist certified by NCBTM will need to take 48 continuing education hours, as well as ensuring 200 working hours.
These are some of the most important requirements in becoming a successful massage therapist. It can be a rewarding career for many by helping others to reach their full potential, bring them out of pain, and put them back into good health and function. While the schooling requirements certainly aren't a walk in the park, it'll be worth it if this is truly what you want to do. Massage therapy has become an increasingly popular form of health treatment, so the outlook for those in this field is fairly promising.
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