Massage Therapy School in Philadelphia, PA
The Philly Voice recently published a list of four healthy reasons to treat oneself to a massage. Some of the benefits are by now familiar to many: Massage can help with stress relief, mood elevation, and fitness. The article also noted that massage was a healthy choice for those who wanted to enjoy both a pleasant experience and the after-effects of that experience; it suggested that people opt for massage instead of the more decadent milestone celebrations that would ultimately take a toll on their bodies. The byline included the notation “sponsored by Independence Blue Cross” (https://www.phillyvoice.com/health-benefits-massage-059991/).
Philadelphia massage practices cater to individuals who are seeking all of the benefits cited in the article — and then some. It is no longer a rarity for healthcare systems to offer massage to their oncology patients. Massage can have therapeutic benefits for individuals with various healthcare conditions. As awareness of the mind-body connection grows, so does the list of massage indications.
Not surprisingly, there are many massage therapy employment options in the Philadelphia area, from sports massage to integrative health. Practitioners can benefit from honing their skills in specialized areas. Fortunately, Philadelphia provides LMTs with plenty of opportunities to do just that!
Franchise and spa positions can be among the easiest to get. They dot the landscape of Pennsylvania’s largest metropolis. There are, for example, multiple Hand and Stone franchises in the area.
Many LMTs are in business for themselves.
Best Massage Therapy Schools in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia School of Massage and Bodywork offers a 700-hour program with day and evening options. Coursework includes advanced massage techniques, complementary modalities, and shiatsu. There are two anatomy courses. One includes anatomy, physiology, and pathology; the other focuses specifically on the anatomy of kinesiology and palpation.
The Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies has a partnership with a major healthcare system. This well-respected institution is located on the other side of the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border. Prospective Philadelphia-area students may want to inquire about how their residency may impact their enrollment. The school offers a 617-hour program. It also offers an associate’s degree program in partnership with a local New Jersey college.
Montgomery County Community College has full- and part-time massage therapy options. The American Massage Therapy Association lists program hours as 600.
Ace Training offers a quick route to massage therapy credentialing. The 640-hour program may be completed in as few as four months.
Philadelphia Massage Practices
Mellow Massage and Yoga in East Falls has 18 LMTs on the team and, as of 2019, a careers page with information about applying. Philly.com ran a story about Mellow Massage in its business section (https://www.philly.com/business/mellow-massage-east-falls-yoga-acupuncture-diversity-inclusion-20190222.html). The business, like many others, reflects conviction on the part of the proprietor. She had once worked as a receptionist at Healing Hands Massage Therapy Center; there she got to see different holistic therapies. Her experiences as a member of the Black community also shaped her vision of inclusivity. Mellow Massage offers yoga classes and acupuncture services in addition to massage, and it does a lot of business! Philly.com stated that it had grossed over $600,000 the previous year, and the figure was expected to be higher still that year.
As for Healing Hands, it, too, is seeking new massage talent in 2019. The business touts solid pay rates, with especially high rates for those who go to client sites to perform chair massage. LMTs also offer the more common full-body styles: relaxation, deep tissue, prenatal. They can do an express massage, with the client fully clothed if this is his or her preferences. Some of the perks offered to associates are ones that help them take care of their own bodies: chairs designed with body mechanics in mind, recovery time between (most) massages. Healing Hands, too, is locally owned.
Handled with Care has a 27-year history and describes itself as the region’s largest health and wellness center. The business has seven treatment rooms. Oncology massage and Ayurvedic Head Massage are on the menu. So is food. Handled with Care has a partnership with a chef that allows it to provide both massage and dinner for anniversaries and other special occasions.
Spa Terme di Aroma offers three styles of foot massage (Indian, Thai, reflexology) as well a variety of styles of full body massage. Patrons can also opt for scalp massage.
Sacred Paradise Spa offers Lomi Lomi, medical massage, and stretch therapy, as well as the more common modalities.
Massage Therapist Wages in Philadelphia
Massage therapists in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area earned a median $19.89 in 2018. 10% had wages above $30.47. Just 10% were below $12.95.
LMTs as Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is common among massage therapists. Phila Massages focuses specifically on sports massage. There are currently 13 on the team. The co-founder is an LMT, as are the chief operating officer and branch manager/ event director.
Some practices remain very small. Discover Touch Sport Massage Therapy lists a single LMT. The list of modalities, though, is extensive, including hot stone, bamboo, remedial, and sports/ Russian sports massage. The proprietor worked for others for quite a few years before opening his own business. He specializes in sports massage and was at one time a professional soccer player.