Massage therapy in Southern Maryland offers a wide array of benefits, ranging from pain relief and stress reduction to improved body function and overall wellness. As a growing field within the healthcare sector, massage therapy presents numerous career opportunities for those interested in helping others through therapeutic touch. The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) plays a vital role in preparing students for these careers, offering comprehensive programs and hands-on training.
The Essence of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structure of the body. The goals of massage therapy are diverse, including preventing and alleviating pain, discomfort, and stress. It also aims to improve body function and performance, stimulate or enhance healing and recovery, and promote overall health and wellness. Skilled massage therapists use a variety of techniques to address specific needs and preferences, ensuring clients receive the maximum benefit from each session.
Massage therapy is used to reduce muscle spasms, increase circulation, and increase lymphatic flow, and reduce stress. Trained and licensed therapists offer high-quality massage that can be targeted to your specific preferences and needs. Modifications to the massage pressure, from light to firm, as well as focus on specific problem areas will be discussed prior to your massage to allow you to receive maximum benefit for your session. Techniques like myofascial release are also employed to address deeper tissue issues.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Pain Relief and Management
Massage therapy is an important part of the treatment protocol for pain relief and management. All massage therapists are licensed by the Maryland Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners, ensuring a high standard of care. These professionals are equipped to administer various massage types, from a light, relaxing Swedish massage to deep tissue work, depending on the patient's needs.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a technique focused on removing adhesions between the muscle and the fascia to relieve pain and increase flexibility. This specialized approach can be particularly effective for individuals experiencing chronic pain or limited range of motion.
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Stress Reduction
One of the most well-known benefits of massage therapy is its ability to reduce stress. By manipulating the body's soft tissues, massage can help to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Flow
Massage therapy can enhance circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to the body's tissues. Additionally, it promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps to remove toxins and waste products from the body.
Reduction of Muscle Spasms
Massage therapy is effective in reducing muscle spasms, providing relief from discomfort and improving overall muscle function. By targeting specific muscle groups, therapists can alleviate tension and promote relaxation.
Career Opportunities in the Health Pathway
The CSM Health Pathway offers a wide range of career opportunities within the medical profession. Whether your interests lie in caring for humans or animals, the CSM Health Pathway can take you to a career in the medical profession. Encompassing credit degree programs like Nursing, EMS, Medical Lab Technology, and more, and Continuing Education workforce training certificates in a variety of specialties like Phlebotomy, CNA/GNA, and ECG/EKG Technicians, the Health Pathway at CSM is a broad swath of medical training for a number of different careers.
Growing Demand in Healthcare Occupations
Employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs. Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase, driving demand for various healthcare professionals.
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Specific Growth Projections
- Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Additional Healthcare Roles
- Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Overall employment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Employment of nuclear medicine technologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
The Role of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
CSM is a two-time Aspen Award-winning institution (top 15% of Community Colleges) with academic programs in over 100 disciplines. It plays a crucial role in providing education and training for various healthcare professions, including massage therapy.
Massage Therapy Program at CSM
This program prepares students to work as professional massage therapists in a variety of settings. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field.
Course Offerings
The Health Science Division has openings for part-time adjunct faculty teaching the subjects of Basic, intermediate and advanced massage therapy theory and skills ( MAS 1015, 1020, 2030) , clinical supervisors for introductory to advanced massage therapy clinics (MAS 1016,1021,2031), massage in a medical setting ( MAS 2050), client assessment and health care communication (MAS 2035) and Anatomy of Movement ,palpation and kinesiology (MAS 2000) for the Massage Therapy Program in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Hands-On Training
CSM’s valued clinical partners provide essential hands-on training for students in Health Pathway programs. Many of these partners also offer employment opportunities to graduates, helping launch rewarding careers in the field.
Transfer Options
A complete list of all transfer opportunities can be found on the Transfer Services page. This ensures that students have a clear pathway to further their education if they choose to do so.
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Part-Time Faculty Opportunities
CSM accepts resumes for part-time temporary faculty for all areas at all times. When applying for part-time faculty, you are submitting your resume to an applicant pool. Department Chairs access the applicant pool when there is a hiring need. The college especially seeks individuals who value & support workforce diversity in all its aspects.
Community and Environment
Located 45 minutes from the Nation’s Capital, nestled in a history-rich community of southern Maryland, The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is a two-time Aspen Award-winning institution (top 15% of Community Colleges) with academic programs in over 100 disciplines.
Benefits of Working at CSM
CSM offers excellent health insurance benefits; State Retirement Pension plan; wellness programs; Code Green early closure Fridays in the summer; college closure for spring break and several major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year; and for several days in March for Spring Break. We are an innovative institution committed to student success and well known for our flexibility to meet student and community needs.
Commitment to Safety and Well-being
College of Southern Maryland conducts background checks in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the College's staff and students.
Additional Career Paths in Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant
This program prepares the student to provide physical therapist assistant services according to the plan of care developed by the physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant administers direct patient care; teaches patients, families, and other healthcare providers how to perform selected procedures; and provides desired psychosocial support to patients and their families. Physical therapist assistants are employed primarily in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice, extended care facilities, and home healthcare settings.
Phlebotomy Technician
The Phlebotomy Technician works in a healthcare setting such as a hospital or clinic and draws blood from patients or donors for analysis or other medical purposes.
Entertainment and Sports Occupations
Employment of entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. This includes growth of 29% in coaching and scouting through 2020, and 10% growth in agents and managers; Employment is projected to increase by about 79,600.