| Spa Wellness Articles :: Program Descriptions & Career Overviews :: Prenatal Massage Studies • Prenatal Massage Programs |
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| Prenatal Massage Studies • Prenatal Massage Programs |
| by Robyn Tellefsen |
Prenatal massage , or pregnancy massage, is a form of therapeutic bodywork designed to meet the unique needs of pregnant women. Promoting better function of muscles and joints, pregnancy massage improves circulation and overall body tone and decreases mental and physical fatigue. Prenatal massage is usually begun during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. A pregnant woman can be massaged while lying on her side, in a semi-reclined position, and even on her belly using a specially designed pillow and cutout table. A massage therapist trained in pregnancy massage will use gentle massage strokes that concentrate on a woman's neck, back, and pelvic regions--areas most often negatively affected by pregnancy.
What You'll Learn
Prenatal Massage therapy programs generally cover subjects such as anatomy, Kinesiology, physiology, business, and ethics, in addition to offering plenty of hands-on massage practice in prenatal client positioning, draping, and massaging. Prenatal massage therapy programs specifically explore the structural, physiological, and psychological changes of pregnancy.
Degree Types
Diploma, certificate, and degree programs are all available in prenatal massage therapy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are roughly 1,500 massage therapy postsecondary schools, college programs, and training programs throughout the country.
Career Paths
Once you become a prenatal massage therapist, you can work in a doctor's office, fitness center, hotel, salon, spa, sports center, and more. Or, you might consider the career path chosen by the majority of massage therapists--self-employment.
Job Outlook
According to the BLS, employment for massage therapists, including those specializing in pregnancy massage, is expected to increase 20 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations. In May 2006, median wage and salary hourly earnings of massage therapists, including gratuities, were $16.06; the top 10 percent earned more than $33.83.
Licensing and Accreditation Information
As of May 2007, 38 states have passed laws regulating massage therapy, including prenatal massage, many requiring practitioners to complete a formal education program and pass a national certification exam or a state licensing exam. Find your state licensing board here: http://www.massagetherapy.com/careers/stateboards.php
If you wish to earn the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork credential or the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage credential from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, make sure your prenatal massage program is on its list approved education providers: http://www.ncbtmb.com/cgi-bin/ActSearch.cgi
Programs that incorporate prenatal massage may be accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (http://www.comta.org) or the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (http://www.accsct.org), both of which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutions may also be approved as prenatal massage continuing education providers by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (http://www.ncbtmb.com).
About the author:
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| Schools that offer Massage |
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