In just the past few years, a number of scientific research studies have confirmed what many people have long believed that in addition to being a wonderful way to relax, massage therapy also has measurable health benefits. These peer-reviewed studies, done in both the United States and Europe, were conducted by major universities, research clinics and other respected institutions. They show that massage can significantly reduce stress and many of the problems associated with it, such as pain, depression and immune system dysfunction.
Here are just a few of the things researchers have learned about massage therapy over the last three years:
- Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, published a study in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology (2009) that showed how massage therapy can be used to reduce pain, anxiety and depression in children suffering from Sickle Cell Disease.
- A study sponsored by the Institute of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (2008) revealed that massage therapy can immediately reduce pain and improve the mood of people suffering with advanced forms of cancer.
- The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) reported that classic massage, Thai massage and acupressure can help relieve lower back pain (2010).
- A first-of-its-kind study published in the Journal of Patient Safety (2010) revealed that 50 percent of hospital patients can enjoy significant relief from postsurgical pain via “non-traditional” methods such as massage therapy.
- An issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter (April 2010) cites massage therapy as an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.
- Researchers in Cedars-Sinai's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences have reported in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2010) that people who undergo massage experience measureable changes in their body's immune and endocrine response.
Massage Therapy Career Education at Everest College, Toronto College Park
If you are interested in a career in massage therapy, you can get the education you need to compete for entry-level positions in this field at the Toronto College Park campus of Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care. This 20-month career education program is taught by industry professionals and combines traditional classroom learning with extensive hands-on training. Students are taught essential aspects of human anatomy and physiology as well as traditional Swedish massage techniques. There is also an emphasis on the business aspects of the massage therapy field.
At the end of the program, Everest’s Career Services department helps graduates transition to their new careers by helping them prepare winning resumes, practice effective interviewing techniques and identifying local employment opportunities.
About the Toronto College Park Campus
Everest College’s Toronto College Park campus is at 424 Yonge Street in downtown Toronto’s College Park urban shopping mall. The campus is close to several metro bus stops and train stations. In addition to Massage Therapy, the campus offers career education programs in a variety of popular career fields, including Business Administration, Cardiology Technologist, Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician, and Pharmacy Assistant.
For more information on Everest College’s Massage Therapy program or other career education programs, contact Everest College today!
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
