Massage Therapy School in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Massage therapists in the Gulfport-Biloxi metropolitan area are doing their part to promote wellness. People here are discovering the value of massage for different healthcare conditions. A number of practitioners offer prenatal massage and/ or techniques designed to ease pain and improve function. The stress-busting effects, of course, are well-known.
Popular Massage Therapy Schools in Gulfport-Biloxi
Blue Cliff College offers a 775-hour diploma program in day or evening formats. Blue Cliff College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and is an institutional member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has a new massage therapy program funded by the Restore Act (http://www.wlox.com/story/38902229/mgccc-uses-restore-act-funding-to-launch-new-work-force-ready-programs/). The American Massage Therapy Association lists the program as 720 hours. It can be completed in two terms.
Massage Therapist Work Settings
Massage is frequently offered in combination with other services; the team may include professionals with varying credentials. Massage may be offered under the auspices of a chiropractic office or other healthcare office. The Gulport-Biloxi area has quite a few small wellness spas and health centers. Massage may also be offered in a salon or medical spa.
There are also small massage studios that are operated by a single professional. Sometimes the business is in the massage therapist’s own name. Solo practitioners may specialize in services for specialized markets such as clinical massage, sports massage, or even lymphatic drainage (a technique that may be valuable for cancer survivors, among others).
A Hand 2 Heal Massage Therapy is the joint enterprise of two massage therapists and long-time friends. They offer customized therapeutic massages, pregnancy massages, and specialty massages such as reflexology, Ashi/Thai, and yoga massage. Massage add-ons include hot stones, paraffin treatments, and cupping.
LMTs who go into business sometimes take on additional team members. Mind and Body Inc. in Biloxi is led by a massage therapist who has certification in structural integration. There are now multiple massage therapists onboard providing different styles of massage. Mind and Body Inc. is also a Mississippi-approved continuing education provider.
Massage can be practiced many places. For an example of this, one can just take a look at Kelinci Bed and Breakfast in Long Beach.
Local Massage Practices
Healing Garden Therapies has a popular therapeutic massage that combines modalities. There is more than one type of stone massage to choose from here, one with warmed smooth stones, another with cool and warm salt stones. Healing Garden Therapies also offers specialized modalities such as Ashiatsu bar therapy, reflexology, raindrop therapy, even Ayurveda Kansa. Some massage styles are noted as being available only through particular massage therapists.
The Rejuvenation Station in Biloxi offers specialized massages such as tuning fork sessions and cupping. Athletes are among the targeted clientele. The organization offers pre- and post-sports massage therapy as well as combination sessions (30 minutes before the event and 30 minutes afterward).
Gulf Coast Mobile Massage offers Swedish and deep tissue styles. A note on the website in early 2019 says they’re hiring!
Harrah’s Gulf Coast in Biloxi is located inside a hotel. Guests can select from various massage styles, including hot stone, aromatherapy, upper body, and foot. Massage therapists at Harrah’s can provide massage with water therapy.
The Red Lily Spa Naturelle in Ocean Springs offers several common massage styles (Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal) to complement its menu of beauty treatments. They boast a couple’s massage which can also serve as a “girl’s day out” highlight: friends bonding over a shared massage session.
Jernigan Chiropractic Clinic, a well-rated practice, offers more than just chiropractic services. There are quite a few massage and bodywork styles, including craniosacral therapy and Rolfing. Jernigan Chiropractic recently brought a new LMT onboard; specialties are noted as neuromuscular therapy and deep tissue massage.
There are several franchises. Both the national giant Massage Envy and the regional Planet Beach have set up shop here. The sheer volume of Massage Envy ratings suggests they do a lot of business.
Continuing Education and Advanced Trainings
Massage therapists boost their skills through continuing education. It’s mandatory to earn CEs, but some go far above the minimum. The Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy maintains a list of approved courses (https://www.msbmt.ms.gov/SitePages/ContinuingEducation.aspx). There are courses focused on specific parts of the body and on common conditions (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome). Myofascial techniques may be practiced by both massage therapists and physical therapists. A Mississippi massage therapist can go very far with myofascial techniques (e.g. myofascial release, myofascial mobilization, myofascial techniques and functional movement).
Myofascial techniques are well represented CE options in part because of one person: the one behind Mind and Body, Inc. The following are some of the niches that have been developed by massage therapists around the country: oncology, infant massage, geriatric/ senior massage, and corporate wellness/ chair massage. Sometimes massage therapists travel to gain advanced competencies and certifications. They may, for example, want to learn oncology massage from the best of the best! Massage is on the rise in Mississippi, but some very specialized forms aren’t (yet) in wide usage here.