If you are interested in having a career as a professional masseur, then you ought to get formal massage continuing education. You can also choose to get this education if you simply have an interest in giving quality massages to family and friends.
We all know that the human body is very responsive when it is touched in a certain way. When a woman massages her husband's neck and shoulders, he might feel relaxed, sometimes to the point of wanting to sleep. But if that husband has a strained calf muscle, he might need the services of a professional masseur to give him relief.
A massage therapist is trained in the methods of manipulating soft tissue, without causing further injury to the recipient. If the husband's wife were to massage his calf, there is a possibility that it could result in greater injury or not help at all..
But a professional masseur is trained in the sciences such as anatomy, kinesiology and physiology.
However, when you attend a massage continuing education college, you will learn more that just practical hands-on-body massage techniques. You'll also learn how to overcome and deal with some of the issues you and your clients may be faced with during therapy.
Take for example the fact that many massage techniques have their roots in Eastern philosophies - philosophies which Christians consider pagan. Therefore, if you are a Christian, you might have issues with learning those philosophies.
Or if you are about to give a massage to someone who is uncomfortable with being in a state of undress, then you'll need to know how to put that person at ease. These are issues that you can learn how to handle at a massage therapy college.
Many professional masseurs are self employed and earn quite a comfortable living. As a matter of fact, nearly 60% of masseurs are self-employed or work in group practices. Others work in a variety of places such as clinics, gyms, hospitals, hotels, spas and wellness centers.
To increase your earning potential you ought to attend an accredited massage continuing education college as well as get licensed. You need to know which colleges are properly accredited and how exactly to get licensed. Make sure you research these issues properly.