I love getting massages. They make me feel so relaxed and refreshed and good about myself. Every once in a while, I like to treat myself. Wouldn’t you like to be one of those individuals who make others feel good about themselves?

Massage therapists are actually in high demand, as more spas and salons continue to offer these services to clients. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that the massage therapy profession will grow faster than the average of all other occupations by the year 2016. People are learning about the benefits of natural therapies, such as massage therapy, and are beginning to take advantage of these services. And the good news is that the average massage therapists could earn up to $24.22 per hour after they’ve completed their massage therapy degree and licensure.

So how do you get started on this exciting career? And where can you get more information? There are a plethora of resources out there, but here are a few to get you started…

Costs of a Massage Therapy Degree
Massage Career on a Cruise Line
What You’ll Really Learn at Massage School
Your Top Five Questions About Spa Schools

-Amanda Fornecker

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.

Do you know that you want to work in the spa industry, but aren’t sure which career path to pursue? There are lots of career possibilities when it comes to the spa industry. In fact, check out this article on 10 Enviable Spa Careers. From estheticians to nutritionists to massage therapists, you’ll find that you have endless opportunities at providing a welcoming and relaxing environment for clients. But which one of these spa careers is right for you? Do some research first to be sure that you get the career you have always dreamed of, as well as a career that can showcase your talents. You may be surprised at some of the spa career paths you can take. Think outside of the box and get your spa education so you can get started on your spa career as soon as possible.

-Amanda Fornecker

It’s late July and I have nowhere to go. No exotic destinations or vacation plans of any kind.

It’s certainly not for lack of trying. I went into uber-planning mode last fall, rounding up family and friends to convince them to commit to a summer getaway. Unfortunately, my powers of persuasion failed, which is why I’m sitting at my computer in late July watching others pack up their cars while mine is permanently parked at the curb.

Trying to overcome my stuck-at-home depression, I came across the notion of a “staycation.” Am I the only one who’d never heard of this before?

Essentially, a staycation refers to a “vacation” where you “stay” at home. At first, that didn’t sound like much of a vacation to me. Then I looked into it some more. The price of gas is out of control, and I drive an SUV (only because I think it’s more economical to run my 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee to the ground than to drop a few grand on a new car). The cost of groceries is on the rise as well, but my home pantry is already pretty well stocked. Taking a trip could end up costing more than I’d bargained for.

Still, I want to feel like I went somewhere this summer besides my front porch. And here’s where the spa industry comes in, having once again found a way to turn a run-of-the-mill time into a terrific opportunity to meet consumer needs. Apparently, I’m not the only one longing to get away, if only for a day or even just a few hours.

According to the annual survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 22 percent of people surveyed say that they use massage to relax. Plus, massage therapy can also reduce stress and improve overall health. Eighty-seven percent of people surveyed agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain, and 85 percent agree that massage can be beneficial to health and wellness.

So spa professionals are ingeniously marketing their services toward worn-out people like me who need a break but can’t go very far. After all, a professional massage at a day spa provides the perfect getaway. Heck, I can even request an ocean waves soundtrack to accompany my massage experience.

In the end, the staycation is an excellent way for spa pros to keep busy and for bleary-eyed workers to chill. Maybe I’ll get away this summer after all.

-Robyn Tellefsen