Massage Therapist in the healthcare setting is becoming a viable option for care and is being supported by more and more research, from increased concern about the opioid epidemic to patients who are looking for more integrative, holistic ways to manage pain and anxiety while in the hospital. The benefits of massage therapy extend beyond patients, however, when patients are more relaxed and comforted, nurses spend less time medicating patients to alleviate suffering. Physicians find their patients to be more compliant, and therapists achiever more with patients who experience less pain and anxiety. Some hospitals also include massage in employee wellness and encourage their massage therapists to educate staff about the benefits of therapy. Additionally, the hospital itself benefits from increased patient satisfaction, shorter lengths of stay and a progressive and inclusive image.
Working as a hospital-based Massage Therapist can be a very rewarding due to massage having a powerful, positive impact on patients undergoing stressful procedures, surgery, chemotherapy or for any patients experiencing pain or anxiety. Massage Therapist in a hospital setting will work with certified nursing assistants, nurses, physicians, physical and occupational therapists and social workers which gives the therapist a wide range of healthcare professionals to assist while caring for patients. Massage can lower blood pressure, increase circulation, reduce stress, provide pain relief, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches and much more.
Massage Therapists and consumers favor integration of massage into healthcare. Nearly two-thirds of adult Americans (64 percent) would like to see their insurance cover massage therapy in their policy. The vast majority of massage therapists (97 percent) believe massage therapy should be considered part of the healthcare field. According to the current Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for massage therapists is $39,860 and up to $77,510 per year. As a massage therapist, your earning potential will depend on your workplace and your ability to build a large client base.