A
career
as
a
Massage
Therapist
is
ideal
for
the
person
who
wants
to
be
their
own
boss.
As
a
Massage
Therapist,
you
are
on
your
own,
and
don't
have
a
boss
shadowing
you
or
looking
over
your
shoulder.
And
in
this
increasingly
stressful
world,
massage
therapists
are
busier
than
ever.
Massage
isn't
merely
an
indulgence,
or
a
way
to
pamper
oneself.
Besides
relieving
stress,
massage
can
help
sooth
the
symptoms
of
carpal
tunnel
syndrome,
can
provide
relief
from
anxiety
and
anxiety-related
conditions,
depression,
and
pain.
Massages
are
known
to
increase
blood
flow,
relax
muscles,
and
boost
endorphins.
Many
employers
are
encouraging
and
even
in
some
cases
paying
for
massages
for
their
employees
because
rested,
energetic
employees
are
more
productive
and
better
for
the
company
bottom
line.
Many
doctors
and
other
health
professionals
are
encouraging
massage
as
supplemental
therapy
for
some
conditions
and
post-operative
routines.
Massage
Therapists
usually
work
out
of
their
own
offices,
but
it
isn't
unusual
to
see
a
Massage
Therapist
maintaining
creative
and
mobilie
schedules,
because
often
it's
easier
for
them
to
go
to
their
clients
than
for
their
clients
to
come
to
them.
Moreover,
it's
not
uncommon
to
see
massage
tables
set
up
in
malls
and
other
public
venues.
And
you'll
note
that
they're
almost
always
busy.
Massage
Therapy
students
are
encouraged,
upon
graduation,
to
take
the
National
Certification
Exam,
so
that
they
may
advertise
themselves
as
"Certified
Massage
Therapists".
This
test
is,
in
fact,
required
in
several
states.
The
test
covers
all
key
areas
of
massage
therapy,
including
advanced
anatomy,
kinesiology,
and
physiology;
and
professional
ethics
and
standards,
as
well
as
assessment
and
application
of
therapeutic
massage.
The
Bureau
of
Labor
projects
Massage
Therapy
to
grow
faster
than
most
other
occupations
over
the
next
decade.
Massage
therapists
can
make
a
handsome
living,
as
well,
with
hourly
rates
for
self-employed
practitioners
currently
ranging
between
$40
and
$60.
