While the economy has suffered its share of losses, there’s a new industrial stronghold in play and it’s taking the nation by storm — massage therapy! According to a recent news report, the field of massage therapy has seen a dramatic increase in business; and that trend is not expected to slow down. In fact, the demand for professionally licensed massage therapists is expected to grow in these coming years, and there are several reasons why:

1. Massage therapy is a natural healing medicine that has been facilitated throughout the history of mankind. Whether you’re suffering from stiffness and soreness, or other muscle aches and cramps, massage therapy has demonstrated its efficacy in the modern world. Studies find that natural healing therapies like massage can be effective for a number of health conditions ranging from mental stress to fibromyalgia. In addition to treating common strains and sprains, massage has also been proven beneficial to newborn infants, geriatric patients, and cancer sufferers.

2. Non-invasiveness. As you are probably aware, massage therapy is dramatically less invasive than most conventional medicine treatments. Not only does this healing art feel pleasant to receive, it’s good for you, too. As opposed to taking pain-killing drugs that are often accompanied by harmful side-effects, the effects of bodywork treatments may result in relaxation, stress reduction, and decreased pain and inflammation.

3. Career prospects. Okay, we already know that CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are on the rise, but due to the demand for experienced and educated massage therapists – this is prime time to get the edge in your professional endeavors. Because competition is stark, you need to be ahead of the league by acquiring a variety of therapeutic skills. The more you know results in increased job opportunities as well as diverse services you can offer your clients. In addition to working in standard hospitals, massage therapist services are required in a number of health-related facilities including day spas, premiere health retreats and resorts, aboard cruise ships, at airports, home health services, retirement facilities, and more.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about bodywork and other natural healing therapies, let professional training within fast-growing industries like chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore massage schools near you.