How to Become a Sports Massage Therapist?
Contents
- Introduction
- What is a Sports Massage Therapist?
- What Does a Sports Massage Therapist Do?
- What are the Education and Training Requirements to Become a Sports Massage Therapist?
- What are the Job Duties of a Sports Massage Therapist?
- What are the Job Opportunities for a Sports Massage Therapist?
- What is the Salary of a Sports Massage Therapist?
- What are the Job Outlook and Career Prospects for a Sports Massage Therapist?
A sports massage therapist is a professional who uses massage therapy to treat athletes. This type of therapist may work with all types of athletes, from professional to amateur.
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Introduction
Sports massage therapy is a growing field that offers many opportunities for those interested in a career in health and wellness. This type of massage therapy is designed to help relieve pain and improve performance in athletes of all levels.
Becoming a sports massage therapist requires completing an accredited massage therapy program and passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). Some states also require licensure from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). In addition, many employers prefer to hire sports massage therapists who have experience working with athletes.
Those interested in becoming a sports massage therapist can find accredited programs at community colleges, technical schools, and online. Accredited programs typically take between 6-12 months to complete and include both classroom and hands-on instruction. During the program, students will learn about human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology. They will also receive training in different types of massage techniques, such as Swedish massages, deep tissue massages, trigger point therapy, and sports massages.
After completing an accredited program, graduates must pass the MBLEx in order to become licensed as a massage therapist. The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of different aspects of massage therapy practice. Candidates must score at least 630 points out of 1000 possible points to pass the exam.
Once licensed, sports massage therapists can work in a variety of settings, including fitness centers, physical therapy clinics, hospitals, spas, or private practice. Many professional athletes also hire sports massage therapists to work with them on an as-needed basis. Salary will vary depending on experience, location, and employer but entry-level positions typically start at around $30,000 per year.
What is a Sports Massage Therapist?
A sports massage therapist is a professional who helps athletes recover from injuries and improve their performance. Massage therapy can be used to relieve pain, increase flexibility and range of motion, improve circulation, and reduce stress. It is also used to prevent injuries by helping muscles warm up before physical activity.
Most sports massage therapists work with athletes at all levels, from amateur to professional. Some massage therapists may also work with physical therapists, chiropractors, or other healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive approach to care.
What Does a Sports Massage Therapist Do?
A sports massage therapist is a professional who helps athletes recover from injuries and regain their strength. They also work with athletes to improve their performance and prevent injuries.
Sports massage therapists use a variety of techniques to manipulate the muscles and tissues of the body. These techniques can help relieve pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.
Sports massage therapists typically have a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field. Most states require massage therapists to be licensed.
What are the Education and Training Requirements to Become a Sports Massage Therapist?
In order to become a licensed massage therapist, you will need to complete a training program at an accredited massage school or institution. The length of the program will vary, but most will require you to complete between 500 and 1,000 hours of coursework and hands-on training. Once you have completed your education and training, you will then need to pass a licensing exam in order to practice.
In addition to completing a massage therapy program, many states also require sports massage therapists to have a degree in physical therapy or another related field. However, there are some states that allow you to practice with just a massage therapy license. If you plan on practicing in multiple states, it is best to check the requirements of each state before beginning your education.
What are the Job Duties of a Sports Massage Therapist?
As a sports massage therapist, your job duties include working with clients to relieve pain, restriction, and tenderness in muscles and connective tissues. You may also work with patients who have suffered an injury to help them rehabilitate. Sports massage therapy is a type of massage that is delivered with the goal of helping athletes achieve peak performance and recovery. The techniques you use as a sports massage therapist may vary depending on the type of sport your patient is involved in. For example, you may deliver light strokes to help a runner relax before a big race or provide deep tissue work to help an athlete recover from a strenuous workout.
What are the Job Opportunities for a Sports Massage Therapist?
Sports massage therapists work with athletes to help prevent and treat injuries. They may also work with people who have chronic pain to help them manage their condition.
There are many job opportunities for sports massage therapists. They can work in a variety of settings, such as:
-Hospitals
-Sports clinics
-Physical therapy clinics
-Fitness centers
-Massage studios
-Spas
What is the Salary of a Sports Massage Therapist?
The average salary for a Sports Massage Therapist is $50,760 per year. The highest paying states for sports massage therapists are Hawaii, Alaska, and California.
What are the Job Outlook and Career Prospects for a Sports Massage Therapist?
Sports massage therapists may find good job prospects as the demand for their services is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Massage therapists will likely find many job opportunities in health care and personal care settings.