Massage Therapy Combines Technique and Business Savvy
Therapists come in all shapes and sizes, so to speak. Some deal with emotional issues, others deal with physical problems and others still help clients to manipulate superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, promote relaxation and well-being, and as a recreational activity. These are massage therapists, who work in a range of settings. For example, massage therapists may be self-employed or work in multidisciplinary healthcare facilities, hospitals, sports rehabilitation clinics and health spas. Another emerging market is on-site therapy, typically provided in the workplace by large companies as a health benefit to employees.
Those interested in launching a career in this field must attend a post-secondary Massage Therapy program. Centennial College in Toronto, Ontario offers a three-year offering that focuses on helping students to:
- Become experts in helping clients who require relief from a variety of conditions affecting their health and well-being
- Develop business savvy that will allow them to run their own successful business and to advance in the profession of massage therapy
- Carry out massage therapy practice within an ethical framework
- Grow relationships of a therapeutic nature that support health and well-being
- Collect and use client information to determine the appropriateness of massage therapy
- Develop, implement and evaluate a personalized treatment plan for each client
- Maintain professional readiness to ensure quality care
"Massage therapy training at Centennial College is excellent and encompasses all aspects of massage - from the relationship between therapist and client to the structure and function of the human body," says former student and registered massage therapist Amanda Baskwill. "It is an exceptional program taught by professionals and leaders in the field of massage therapy in an encouraging, and enjoyable atmosphere."
The college's approach to teaching students what they need to succeed in the field is a practical one. That means all theory learned by students is reinforced by hands-on practice in both on-campus facilities that mimic real world settings and the real world, through field experiences. These field experiences see students apply what they have learned under the supervision of professionals. Meanwhile, among specific courses offered in this program are: Massage Theory and Practice, Legislation, Standards and Professionals; Nutrition and Lifestyle Practice, Clinical Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics and Orthopedic Assessment, Fitness and Remedial Exercise, Issues and Research Literacy in Massage Therapy, Advanced Techniques and much more.
It is worth noting that Massage Therapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario practiced under the Regulated Health Professions Act, and the Massage Therapy Act. Those who successfully complete all of Centennial College's massage therapy courses are greatly valued in the workforce and are highly successful at Ontario’s registration exams, set by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
