Because we spend so much time on our feet
Many working professionals are going back to school to earn their degrees in massage therapy. Career opportunities in massage therapy continue to open, so many people are changing careers in order to enter the field. For people tired of working in an office job, massage therapy provides an opportunity to pursue what the love. Licensed massage therapists have the opportunity to specialize in one area of massage, work with a practice or even to open their own clinic. Before they've even earned their licenses, most therapists choose a particular area of massage to specialize in. They will continue to practice this type of massage throughout their careers, often joining practices that are already dedicated to the same field. Some licensed massage therapists choose to work in the traditional form of Swedish massage, which is a basic form that focuses on relaxation. Other therapists choose deep tissue massage or sports massage, which is the best kind for people who suffer from chronic pain or injuries. After choosing a particular type of massage, licensed massage therapists will often go on to work in an already established clinic with other therapists in the same field. These clinics are a great opportunity for a therapist looking to begin building his or her career. Working with other therapists is a great chance for an individual to learn more massage, while also enjoying the same type of job security that a traditional office job could provide. Additionally, therapists working in a clinic may have the opportunity to see how the clinic runs before trying to open their own practice. Other licensed massage therapists choose to open their own clinics right after they finish their certifications. Therapists who open their own practices often have an entrepreneurial spirit and are not interested in working for someone else. Though there may be more risk associated with the business aspect of the clinic, owning a practice can be a rewarding opportunity for therapist to build his or her own company. Many licensed massage therapists choose this path because it allows them to immerse themselves even further in promoting the art of massage.
This is a complex question due to the nature of the business. First and foremost, massage therapy involved what is referred to as professional intimacy. And, since massage therapists get physically close to their clients, they risk getting emotional involved in a process that is transference and countertransference. This is where therapists and clients project expectations on each other based on past experiences they had with other people. This can get in the way of professionalism as far setting boundaries, fees, scheduling procedures, and other business related issues. And, this can even get in the way of performing the therapy with a clean slate.
People who have had radical mastectomy (removal of a breast and nearby lymph nodes), a leg vein removed for coronary bypass surgery, or recurrent lymphangitis caused by tinea pedis (a fungal infection on the foot)
Giving massage can be physically demanding; a good school will teach proper body mechanics so that the weight of the body is used to 'power' the strokes. Even so, detailed work like neuromuscular or trigger point therapy is hard on the thumbs. Stretches have to be done by all massage therapists to keep from getting carpal tunnel syndrome or thorassic outlet syndrome.
Athletes are particularly at risk of maxillofacial injuries.
Patients with granulocytopenia (deficiency of white blood cells) are particularly at risk for deep organ candidiasis.
Pregnancy massage can vary greatly depending on the stage of pregnancy of the individual woman. In general, massage therapy has the principles of being supportive and comforting. The highest risk is during the first trimester, and massage is contraindicated unless approved by a doctor.
Intense massage, however, may increase the risk of injury to the body. Vigorous massage has been associated with muscle pain and such injuries as bleeding in the liver or other vital organs
you could be confronted by an obese Asian asking for a 'happy ending'
There is a risk of infection to both the client and the therapist.
There is a high risk of infection, as well as possibly damaging the operation site. Wait until you are cleared by your Doctor and then use massage to break down the scar tissue.
The risk is greatest on the Great Plains, particularly in northern Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.