The Benefits of Massage Therapy

By Sarah Jane Udall
Columnist

There is a lot of study required to be a physical or rehabilitation therapist, but the rewards are plentiful.

What is Physical Therapy all About?

Physical and rehabilitation therapists help people develop, recover, or maintain their daily living capabilities by relieving their pain and helping them to increase their strength and mobility. Physical and rehabilitation therapists use methods such as mild physical exercise, water therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, strength training, and proper stretching. Physical and rehabilitation therapy is helpful for people with physical disabilities or chronic pain, or people who have physical or development disabilities caused by birth defects, injuries, illnesses, or aging.

Physical and rehabilitation therapists also help people who are recovering from an injury and trying to regain strength and improve their range of motion and muscle flexibility. Doctors often refer patients to a physical or rehabilitation therapist to be treated for conditions such as back pain, arthritis or to help in recovery from accidents, injuries, strokes or other illnesses.

Physical Therapy Training

To work as a physical or rehabilitation therapist, you must have a master’s degree or higher in physical therapy or a related field. Physical therapy programs take about two years of post-graduate study to complete and include courses in such things as biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy, as well as specialized courses in topics such as biomechanics, exam procedures, therapy procedures, health and fitness, and nutrition. Occupational therapy programs take four years of post-graduate study to complete, and includes many of the same courses as physical therapy programs as well as additional occupational therapy skills, such as treating patient’s with mental illnesses.

In both programs you will also learn to promote the healthy movement of the body and how to use different exercises and massage techniques to promote healing, reduce chance of further injury, and maximize the supply of nutrients and oxygen in the body through increased blood flow.

Employment Opportunities

As a physical or rehabilitation therapist, you will be able to look for employment in private practices, hospitals, health clubs, or clinics. You may also find physical or rehabilitation therapy jobs in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers, or as a freelance, licensed therapist.

About the Author

Sarah Jane Udall is a freelance writer currently living in New York City. Her previous experience includes working for Global Village Communications in Washington, D.C., and in the Creative and Development departments of VH1 and MTV networks as a production assistant, and a copy-writer, as well as doing script revision, press releases, and writing for an online newspaper. Sarah Jane holds a B.S. in Political Science and English Literature from the University of Utah.