The Future of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy includes everything from surgical recovery support to foot massages (yes, like the ones performed at a nail salon!). As the demand for massage therapy grows, massage therapists are increasingly catering to this demand by providing unique services like mobile massages to their clients. So what does the future of massage therapy hold? We believe it is exciting and full of possibilities!
Education
Courses on massage therapy have changed over the years, from a one-year diploma offered in private vocational schools in 1935 into a two-year degree program offered in colleges accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA). If all goes as planned, by 2020, the National Accreditation Planning Committee will review and accredit “all programs in the regulated provinces and up to 12 programs in the (currently) non-regulated provinces.” It goes without saying that this will enhance and streamline course content to a much higher quality that we see today. Additionally, this will further increase the credibility of massage therapy courses and programs and therefore see a growth in students opting for these courses.
Employment
As more and more people look towards alternative, non-pharmacological interventions for pain management, there will be a higher demand for massage therapists. Massage therapy is also the fastest growing sector for the spa industry, which itself is experiencing a high growth rate of an estimated 15-16 percent per year. The end result – there are going to be jobs aplenty for massage therapists in the next five to ten years.
Personal Care Massage
Personal care styles of massage are beginning to converge in medical spas. Medical spas provide similar services as traditional spas but while employing licensed healthcare providers, including massage therapists. Treatments at medical spas will address not only beauty and wellness enhancement, but also various health problems. Therefore, medical spas will increasingly require practitioners with the skill base to accomplish spas’ advertised healthcare massage services.
Business
Thanks to the growing demand, massage franchise businesses are likely to grow in the coming decades. Many massage therapists will take advantage of established massage therapy brands to leverage their processes and business acumen while making the most of their skills and qualifications.
Insurance
Massage therapy is a risky industry due to the amount of physical contact required in everyday business activities. There could be a chance that a client may misconstrue a routine procedure as something inappropriate. Additionally, incorrectly performed massage or unfortunate incidents may lead to accidental injuries during therapy. Thus, the future may see an increase in more customized insurance policies.
The future of massage therapy is bright. If you’re looking to make a career or start a business in massage therapy, contact InHome Physical Therapy and Massage, and we’ll help you with some more insights!
