Massage Therapist

Believe it or not, there is more to being a massage therapist than strong arms and a health spa work environment. Massage therapists are trained health workers who use a number of techniques to promote the well-being of their clients. They work with everyone from colicky babies to injured athletes and overworked business moguls. The work of massage therapists is similar to that of a chiropractor or a physical therapist. The differences arise from the fact that while a chiropractor concentrates on manipulating bones and a physical therapist uses technology and exercises for treatment, where a massage therapist focuses on manipulating muscles and soft tissues.

Massage therapists usually have patients referred to them by doctors. They conduct client assessments to determine the treatment required. By using such techniques as vibrating devices, hot compresses, as well as their palms, they help alleviate pain, stress, and injury from affected muscles. Because of the physical nature of the work it is important to be physically fit and healthy. Of course, a massage therapist must also have strong arms.

Massage therapists also consult with other health care professionals to develop treatment plans for clients. Because they work so closely with doctors, they must be interested in anatomy and health care in general. They are usually well versed in health care practices, and can communicate with other professionals in related fields, as well as all sorts of clients.

Often, a massage therapist will choose to work independently, meaning they must also take on the responsibilities of running a business, which includes looking after finances, finding clients, overseeing other staff, as well as the daily challenge of those invigorating massages!

Shiatsu
Everyone gets stressed, and high levels of stress can be damaging for the body. Luckily, long ago the Japanese developed Shiatsu massage, a tradition which has been used within families and by Japanese health practitioners for centuries. Now, people all over the world can benefit from this therapy which concentrates on the whole being: mind, body and soul. Shiatsu therapists work with individual clients, applying comfortable pressure to all parts of the body with their hands, thumbs, feet, elbows, knees, even with gentle hugs. Rotations and stretching may also be used.

Shiatsu therapy can help in a wide range of conditions from specific injuries and ailments like back pain, severe headaches, whiplash injuries and neck stiffness, digestive problems, asthma, sports injuries, and even depression, or it can be used in dealing with more general symptoms of poor health, such as fatigue.

Shiatsu therapists must learn that along with the practical health benefits, there is an important underlying philosophy to this type of massage. Simply put, vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body. For many different reasons, Ki can stop flowing freely. This causes the body to react negatively, and that is where the calming massage of Shiatsu comes in, helping to restore that flow.



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Massage Therapist

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