It can be a common misconception that massage therapists solely work with over-stressed clients in spa settings. The trained hands of a massage therapist are needed in a variety of settings, one of them being the facilities and events of athletic teams and institutions.
Sports massage therapists are an important aspect in the treatment of injured athletes. Depending on the situation, a sports massage therapist will have to employ a variety of different massage techniques from their vast knowledge and skill set. The work of a massage therapist can not only greatly reduce the length of time that an athlete remains injured and out of the game, it can also help an athlete to perform better. Being a sports massage therapist can be a very rewarding career and one that is full of opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sports massage therapy industry is projected to grow by 23% over the next few years and feature competitive salaries.
If you are looking to break into the sports massage therapy industry, you’ll need to meet the following industry standards:
- • A certificate from an institution with a Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
- • An above average understanding of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology and orthopedic assessment
- • A minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy instruction
- • A state-issued license
These are just a few of the requirements one needs to have a successful career in sports massage therapy. There are also a number of sports massage therapy associations that can be helpful in staying up to date with the latest industry news, career opportunities, and latest massage techniques. But regardless of how you go about it, moving into the sports massage therapy field can be a wonderful decision. Starting on the path to a new career or making the necessary changes to move to a new one can be scary, but it’s well worth it when you consider all that you’ll gain.
