Concorde Staff
We all have at least a passing familiarity with what massage therapy is and the benefits it provides. Most people first become fans when their doctors prescribe it for them after an injury, becoming quick and lifelong devotees for the comfort and healing the therapy provides.
To get a deeper look at how massage therapy and the people who learn this valuable skill, we spoke with G. Dalton Reeves, BS, BCTMB, LMT. Reeves is the Director of Concorde's Massage Therapy program in Memphis, Tennessee.
Q: WHAT IS A MASSAGE THERAPIST, EXACTLY?
A massage therapist is skilled at helping patients with injuries recover, at helping people with circulation issues, at helping athletes bounce back from injuries and much more.
Q: WHY AND HOW DOES MASSAGE HELP?
There are a lot of ways that massage can help a patient. Massage therapy can help increase circulation and decrease blood pressure, and it's great for relaxation and normalization of soft tissue such as muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments.
Aside from the physical benefits, massage helps promote a sense of well-being, it reduces stress and anxiety - and it just feels great.
Q: WHAT INJURIES OR AILMENTS CAN BE HELPED BY MASSAGE?
There are a wide range of issues that can benefit from massage. Most people already know that massage is good for strains and sprains, stiff necks and backs, and soreness from athletic training.
In addition, massage also can be beneficial in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, pains related to pregnancy, pain related to chronic ailments such as fibromyalgia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis, and (with training) cancer patients.
Q: WHAT KIND OF PERSON SHOULD CONSIDER MASSAGE THERAPY AS A PATH OF STUDY?
Traits of a Good Massage Therapist
Massage is ideal for someone who has a strong desire to help others but who may not necessarily feel comfortable in a career that would involve invasive procedures.
The perfect massage therapist loves people, loves learning (especially science) and is comfortable with touch. Because of the one-on-one interaction, the massage therapist should be driven to succeed and able to work well independently or as part of a team.
Many of the students who have studied under Reeves at the Memphis campus have gone on to work in fulfilling careers in massage therapy, including a number who have worked with Massage Envy.
There is no way to understate the benefits of massage to help ease pain and soreness throughout a patient's body. For teachers such as Reeves, the desire to help is a key to success, and it's that desire that is instilled in his students.
Interested In How To Become a Massage Therapist?
Click here to explore Massage Therapy Programs near you!
Students interested in the Massage Therapy program at Concorde campuses can find out more by requesting information from the Massage Therapy program in Memphis or the Massage Therapy program in Southaven.
Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future
Interested in learning more about our Massage Therapy program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!
