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PROS & CONS OF MASSAGE

Pros & cons of massage therapy have to be considered when committing to a career as a massage therapist. Complementary medicine treatments such as massage therapy tend to have more pros than cons, but positives and negatives both have to be examined carefully.

The pros in favor of massage cover several aspects of the massage therapy practice, from business-related issues to actual massage therapy types and techniques. Massage therapy tends to complement mainstream medicine as a whole by diversifying the framework of traditional medicine treatments, adding a positive synergistic effect to patient treatment.

The massage client, who can select which type of massage he or she prefers, can customize massage. Massage can be very effective when followed directly after a gym workout session, which allows for the massage to relieve workout pulls or strains and can have a lasting effect for a few days afterwards. Massage after a day of work at the office can allow for a break in the day for calm and relaxation, and can provide a window of serenity in the midst of a busy and hectic work schedule.

The general health effects of massage are all pros; massage therapy increases circulation, aids the healing processes of the body, increases range of motion in joints, releases toxins, and reduces pain.
There are a few cons of massage therapy as well. Massage is generally very physically challenging, and the massage therapist must pace him or herself in order to avoid burn out. A full-time schedule as a massage therapist is generally not possible due to these physical challenges, as massage therapy requires considerable upper body strength. Therapists will usually find they have limits in terms of how many massages they are capable of doing within a day’s timeframe. pros of massage include relaxation
Teacher observeing a student treatment

The massage profession favors female massage therapists, as male clientele usually prefer female masseurs. But this is slowly changing, as a male massage therapist who has strength can usually build a respectable clientele. As more therapists become employed at health clubs, this preference will also become less noticeable.

Massage, although practiced for centuries, is a relatively new profession in the health care industry. Massage therapists must be willing to not only make an effort to market themselves but also be able to communicate with and educate the public in terms of the benefits of massage therapy.

Last but not least is the question of insurance reimbursement for massage therapists. It remains to be answered whether forming a partnership with a big insurance company is a plus or a minus. Some therapists believe such a partnership can assist in developing one’s clientele. Other therapists have the opinion that an insurance partnership may limit the decisions a massage therapist business owner may make.