(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 21, 2009 ) Philadelphia, PA - In spite of, or perhaps because of, a weak economy, interest in massage therapy careers is increasing. This upward trend was recently reported by Massage Schools Guide, a national directory of massage therapy schools. Representatives of Massage Schools Guide cited increases in traffic to the directory’s website and inquiries from individuals seeking more information about a massage school education as strong evidence of the heightened interest.

According to Terry McDermott, co-administrator of Massage Schools Guide, the directory has seen a 26% increase in traffic to its website during the past six months along with a 46% increase in requests for information about the massage schools featured on its website. Mr. McDermott speculates that there are a number of factors influencing these positive trends. “We are receiving feedback that a number of individuals are seeking to follow a new career direction based on a change in employment status while others view the prospect of becoming a massage therapist as a means to supplement existing income.”

While ome individuals relate their interest in massage therapy directly to income and employment, others have identified a more altruistic reason for pursuing a massage education. “We know that difficult times bring out the best in some people and quite a few have identified a sort of vocational call to becoming a massage therapist. They want to help people and contribute to healing and practicing massage will allow them to do that,” said McDermott.

While no one has been immune to the economic downturn, many massage therapists and spa owners are reporting increased business as individuals trade down from larger expenses for trips and vacations to smaller, more localized indulgences which, in many cases, include a massage. Others state that clients are more convinced that massage is an investment in their overall health and not simply a luxury. These attitudinal changes are also attracting many to the massage therapy profession.

The increased interest in massage therapy education has been matched by an increase in massage schools seeking to attract these prospective students. “We have also experienced a significant uptick in contacts from massage schools seeking to promote their programs to visitors to Massage Schools Guide,” says McDermott. “One individual had just completed the purchase of a massage school in Florida and wanted to be more aggressive in promoting the school. This is a pretty strong indication that there is growth anticipated in this industry.

About Massage Schools Guide:

Massage Schools Guide (http://www.massageschoolsguide.com) is a leading online directory of top massage therapy schools in the United States. The website features profiles of individual schools, admissions procedures and financial aid information. The site also offers descriptions of various massage therapy techniques along with career resources and licensing and certification standards.

Contact Information:
Massage Schools Guide
Terry McDermott
Tel: 717-468-5226
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