Career Tips & Advice

Expert's Corner: All About Massage Therapy

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated October 8, 2015. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
massage therapy classes

We all have at least a passing familiarity with what massage therapy is and the benefits it provides. Most people first become fans when their doctors prescribe it for them after an injury, becoming quick and lifelong devotees for the comfort and healing the therapy provides.

To get a deeper look at how massage therapy and the people who learn this valuable skill, we spoke with G. Dalton Reeves, BS, BCTMB, LMT. Reeves is the Director of Concorde's Massage Therapy program in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Q:  WHAT IS A MASSAGE THERAPIST, EXACTLY?

 

A massage therapist is skilled at helping patients with injuries recover, at helping people with circulation issues, at helping athletes bounce back from injuries and much more.

 

Q: WHY AND HOW DOES MASSAGE HELP?

 

There are a lot of ways that massage can help a patient. Massage therapy can help increase circulation and decrease blood pressure, and it's great for relaxation and normalization of soft tissue such as muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments.

Aside from the physical benefits, massage helps promote a sense of well-being, it reduces stress and anxiety - and it just feels great.

 

Q: WHAT INJURIES OR AILMENTS CAN BE HELPED BY MASSAGE?

 

There are a wide range of issues that can benefit from massage. Most people already know that massage is good for strains and sprains, stiff necks and backs, and soreness from athletic training.

In addition, massage also can be beneficial in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, pains related to pregnancy, pain related to chronic ailments such as fibromyalgia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis, and (with training) cancer patients.

 

Q: WHAT KIND OF PERSON SHOULD CONSIDER MASSAGE THERAPY AS A PATH OF STUDY?

Student learning how to become a massage therapist under the supervision of teacher.

 

Traits of a Good Massage Therapist

Massage is ideal for someone who has a strong desire to help others but who may not necessarily feel comfortable in a career that would involve invasive procedures.

The perfect massage therapist loves people, loves learning (especially science) and is comfortable with touch. Because of the one-on-one interaction, the massage therapist should be driven to succeed and able to work well independently or as part of a team.

Many of the students who have studied under Reeves at the Memphis campus have gone on to work in fulfilling careers in massage therapy, including a number who have worked with Massage Envy.

There is no way to understate the benefits of massage to help ease pain and soreness throughout a patient's body. For teachers such as Reeves, the desire to help is a key to success, and it's that desire that is instilled in his students.

 

Interested In How To Become a Massage Therapist?

Click here to explore Massage Therapy Programs near you!

 

Students interested in the Massage Therapy program at Concorde campuses can find out more by requesting information from the Massage Therapy program in Memphis or the Massage Therapy program in Southaven.

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

Interested in learning more about our Massage Therapy program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.