Massage therapy may be the oldest form of medical care, depicted in Egyptian tomb drawings and Chinese text dating back to 2,700 BC. Today, people continue to use massage to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion, and skin tone as well as relax after a stressful day. Massage can also help speed healing after an injury, and enhance recovery from disease. With all of the great benefits of massage therapy, it is no wonder that it is such a growing field.

Being a massage therapist is a rewarding career, but is it one that you are suited to? Being a successful massage therapist requires not only a solid technical understanding, but the massage therapist must also have good communication skills and be able to work with a wide variety of personality types.

Most US states require a minimum level or training in order to be licensed to work. Schooling for massage therapy can take up to 1000 hours and two years, but for thousands of massage therapists it's all worth it.

Once your formal training is complete, the difficult decision is whether to start your own practice or work in an established facility. If your planning on starting you own practice, be patient. It can take months to build a solid business. If you're up for it, make a plan. Rome was not built in a day, and neither will your successful practice. Everyone has their own way of doing things, but a solid business plan will help get your Massage Therapy business on the right track.

Business plans are arduous, and sometimes you may wonder why even go through the hassle. But, the truth is that a business plan will help you work through some details on paper rather than with your hard earned money.

Create a menu of services that you plan to offer and a product list with pricing. It will be easier for both you and your clients if they can quickly look at the services you offer. How can they get a deep tissue massage if they don't even know that is a service that you can do? Highlight your specialties. If you offer Hot Stone or Thai massage, these areas of expertise may help differentiate you in the marketplace and help increase your business.

Know your budget. I know that you're a Massage Therapist because you want to help people, but the rent doesn't pay itself. Track how much you make and how much you spend. By carefully tracking, you can better plan for large purchases, like a new massage table. In addition, keeping an eye on your budget will keep your goals on track. If you want to grow by ten percent a month, then you need to know how well you did last month.

Advertise. No one is going to come to you if they don't know you exist! Getting involved in your community is one of the best ways to get your name out without spending a lot of money. Volunteer at your town's annual fun run. Giving chair massages for a day will get you in front of a whole new group of potential clientele.

Be positive! Massage therapy is one of the most wonderful careers you can pursue. As a massage therapist you can help people live happy, healthier lives and make a good living while doing it. Keep looking forward, and good luck!

Massage Director develops business management software for massage therapists. To learn more you can visit their website: http://www.massagedirector.com