Massage therapy has been practiced for over 2000 years to relieve stress, reduce pain, and enhance healing. There are over 50 types of massage that address these benefits through manipulation of the soft tissues. Some popular types are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and prenatal massage. To become a massage therapist in Illinois requires a 500-hour certification program, passing a national exam, and maintaining licensing through ongoing education. Massage therapists can work in settings like spas, chiropractic offices, or independently, with typical session fees of $35-60. While the work provides flexibility, it also requires building clientele and can be physically taxing.

1. By: Valerie Mayhood L.M.T.

2. History of Massage Therapy
Dates back to before 2000 BC
Used by civilizations in the East and West
Manipulation of muscle and connective tissue to
enhance function, aid in healing, decrease tension, and
used to relieve stress and promote relaxation

3. Benefits of Massage Therapy
Reduces stress
Reduces or eliminates pain
Increases circulation
Increases immune system
Increases range of motion and
flexibility
Improves post surgery recovery
Relieves headaches and migraines

4. Types of Massage Therapy
50+ types
Swedish
Deep Tissue
Hot Stone
Ashiatsu
Myo-fascial Release
Range of Motion/Stretching
Pregnancy/Prenatal

5. Swedish
Also known as
relaxation
massage
Usually a full
body massage
that is focused for
relaxation of the
client

6. Deep
Tissue
Some people
prefer deeper
work and some
areas actually
require deeper
work in order to
reach a specific
muscle

7. Hot Stone
Helps to calm the
nervous system
Relieves tight and
sore muscles
Uses a moist heat
Different size stones
are roasted to a warm
and comfortable
temperature
Great for relieving
stress!

8. Ashiatsu
Majority of
work is done
using the
therapists’ feet
while the client
is face down.
Pressure may
range from very
light to very
deep

9. Myo-fascial
Release
Used to treat
adhesions
Deep tissue
work but light
pressure

10. ROM or
Stretching
Massage
Mixture of
massage and
stretching
Great way to get
to those hard to
reach muscles
Helps to
increase flexibility

11. How I became a MT
Medical Field -Dentistry? Doctor? Too
long!
Associates degree
The Healing Arts Center (Lake Land)
Classroom atmosphere
Certificate Program (600 hours/2 years)
-5 levels (Intro,Theory & Technique,
A&P/Pathology, Business/Ethics,
Myofascial/Clinical time)

12. Requirements by the state of
Illinois:
Must attend a massage school and complete minimum of
500 hours of education
Pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage & Bodywork examination
Must be licensed by the state of Illinois
Finger printed and background check
Complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years
Pay Fee

13. Work Atmosphere and Conditions
Spa
Chiropractic office
Gym
Physical therapy
Cruise ships/Resorts
Chain business (Massage Envy/Massage
Luxe

14. Salary/Wages
Typical prices for massages in this
area
$35/ ½ hr
$60 for 1 hr.
Not a typical 9 to 5 job
Depends on work environment
Flexibility hours/days
Overhead (rent, supplies, marketing)

15. Some things to think about
Growing business
MT isn’t for everyone (touching people, taxing on
body)
Career life span(depends on work environment)
Takes time to build clientele (tell about my
experiences)
Economy
Ability to raise a family (flexible, make own
hours)

16. Questions?