There’s So Much To The Career of Massage Therapy

The definition of Massage therapy is scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues. To do this a massage therapist will use different modalities (techniques):

• Swedish
• Acupressure
• Lymphatic
• Trigger Point/NMT
• Myofascial
• Craniosacral
• Reflexology
• And many others!

The modality used depends on the client’s needs and physical condition. Different issues, such as rehabilitation or relaxation, require different techniques of massages.

Let’s Take It A Step Further – Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is soft tissue manipulation with the aim to treat the underlying cause of chronic pain through static and consistent pressure. It involves the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems and promotes the rebalancing of the body through relieving muscle tension. It addresses trigger points, circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.

Shiny Happy People

Massage Therapy is recognized amongst the highest rated careers for fulfillment and satisfaction! Therapists are likely to provide massage therapy in several settings, including their home, spa/salons, healthcare setting, or pursuit of other endeavors. Plus, a large percentage of people find their Massage Therapy Career later in life!

A Day In The Life

Every day massage therapists:

• Talk with clients about their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals
• Evaluate clients to locate problem areas of the body
• Manipulate muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the body
• Increase range of motion through joint mobilization techniques
• Provide guidance on stretching, strengthening, overall relaxation, and body mechanics
• Document each client’s conditions and progress
• Clean their workspace and sanitize equipment
• Create a relaxing environment for clients

Job Statistics and Outlook for Massage Therapy

Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists held about 155,400 jobs in 2025. Some of the largest employers of massage therapists are:

• 36 % Self-employed workers
• 33% Personal care services
• 12% Offices of all other health workers
• 7%   Offices of chiropractors
• 6%   Accommodation

Massage employment is projected to grow 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is because massage does much more than help relieve stress and increase relaxation, it is recognized as a natural and safe treatment method for managing pain. Demand for massage therapists is expected to increase as more people look to massage to maintain overall health and well-being.

How to Become a Massage Therapist

To become a massage therapist in Colorado, you will need:

1. High school Diploma or an equivalent
2. Complete a Massage Therapy program of at least 650 hours
3. Pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
4. Background check and Fingerprinting by the CBI
5. Malpractice Liability Insurance
6. Apply for license with DORA

If you want to learn more about this rewarding career, you have come to the right place! Opened for over 40 years, Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy is the longest standing massage therapy school in Colorado. We are accredited by COMTA and are the only school in Colorado offering the Advanced Neuromuscular Certification as part of our curriculum. We are here to help you navigate your way to becoming a licensed massage therapy. If you are looking for more information about our program, school, or massage therapy as a career, register for our monthly Introduction to Massage Therapy Workshop or schedule a time to come in for an In Person Tour to see our school! We are here to help!

Did you know that the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy has a partnership with the Pikes Peak Marathon? We have been partners for over two decades! On the weekend of September 19-20, 2026, our students will give pre- and post-race massages to the amazing athletes who race up and then down “America’s Mountain” Pikes Peak. At 14,115 feet elevation, Pikes Peak is quite literally a tall order, no pun intended. The race route starts in Manitou Springs before joining the Barr Trail. Runners take the Barr Trail to the top of Pikes Peak before turning around to run back down again for a total of 26.2 miles. That’s something to celebrate! CIMT supports these amazing athletes by offering massages.

But why are pre-race massages so important? There are plenty of reasons. In additional to making the athletes feel better, massage helps support the body in a variety of ways including:

• Fascial mobility and flexibility — improves mobility and flexibility of fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles, bones, and organs.
• Fluid movement — manual techniques can encourage fluid movement through the tissues and may help manage inflammation.
• Lymphatic circulation and drainage — supports the body’s natural fluid-clearing processes.
• Blood circulation — promotes healthy circulation of the muscles and surrounding tissues.
• Mental preparation — stimulating massage can help sharpen focus and support a calm, prepared mindset before the starting line.
• Regulate emotional responses — emotions such as excitement, stress, or nervousness can create physical responses in the body, and a tailored pre-event massage can help target your energy ensuring you are focused and ready.

Good luck to all of these athletes! Training has prepared these athletes for the mountain, and massage can be one more tool to help them strengthen their bodies and mind for race day. Join CIMT and Colorado Springs in cheering on these amazing individuals.

Whether you’re logging miles for your next race, chasing your kids around the yard, competing in weekend tournaments, or simply trying to stay active, your body works hard for you. Recovery is just as important as training, and giving your muscles the attention they need can help you move better, reduce discomfort, and get back to doing what you love. At the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy, our Student Sports Massage Clinic offers an affordable way to support your body’s recovery while helping the next generation of massage therapists gain valuable real-world experience.

Student Sports Massage Designed for Active Bodies
For just $20, you’ll receive a 30-minute sports massage tailored to your individual needs. Unlike a traditional relaxation massage, sports massage is focused on improving function, enhancing mobility, and supporting rehabilitation and recovery.

Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, lingering muscle tightness, or simply want to improve your performance, our students are trained to address a variety of activity-related concerns, including:

• Pulled hamstrings
• Rolled or sprained ankles
• Tennis elbow
• Shoulder pain
• Muscle tightness and restricted movement
• Other sports and activity-related injuries

Every session is customized to help you recover more efficiently and move with greater confidence.

Your body works hard for you—give it the recovery it deserves. We look forward to helping you stay active, recover well, and move with confidence.

A Learning Experience That Benefits Everyone
Our Student Sports Massage Clinic is a supervised student clinic, meaning every appointment is part of our students’ hands-on education. Students work under the guidance of experienced instructors who provide feedback throughout the learning process, ensuring clients receive thoughtful, quality care while students continue developing their clinical skills.

If you’d like additional treatment time, you’re welcome to schedule multiple sessions. A 15-minute break is built in between appointments, allowing instructors to provide coaching and feedback before the next session begins.

What to Expect at Student Sports Massage
If you’ve never experienced a sports massage before, you may notice it’s a bit different from a spa massage. Our sessions take place in an open clinic environment at CIMT and are focused on helping you move and feel better. Clients remain fully clothed during treatment, so wearing comfortable athletic clothing is recommended.

We also welcome minors, making our clinic an excellent option for young athletes looking to support recovery, improve mobility, or address sports-related aches and pains.

Invest in Your Recovery
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, preparing for your next competition, or simply looking to keep your body performing at its best, our Student Sports Massage Clinic provides an effective, affordable solution.

Your body works hard for you—give it the recovery it deserves. We look forward to helping you stay active, recover well, and move with confidence.

Ready to get started? Book your appointment today!

The team at CIMT would like to wish everyone a fun, safe, and happy Fourth!

As we celebrate Independence Day, we want to thank our students, faculty, staff, and community members for being part of what makes CIMT such a great place to learn and grow. Whether you’re spending the holiday with friends and family, traveling, or enjoying time off, we hope you have an amazing week.

Our campus will be closed this week in observance of the holiday, but we’ll be back on July 6th and ready to help students continue their journey toward a brighter future. If you’ve been thinking about starting a new career, learning new skills, or exploring educational opportunities, we’d love to connect with you when we return.

Until then, enjoy the holiday, stay safe, and make some great memories!

From all of us at CIMT, Happy Fourth of July! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for our current and future students.

Summer has arrived in Colorado, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and opportunities to get outside and enjoy it. While you’re making the most of summer, it’s also a great time to start thinking about what comes next!

At CIMT, our newest class recently began their journey into the world of massage therapy. The energy around campus has been contagious! Students completed orientation and began building the knowledge and hands-on skills they’ll need for a successful career helping others.

Over the next 42 weeks, they will complete 650 hours of classroom instruction and practical training, earn their Neuromuscular Therapy certification, and gain real-world experience through our student clinic. By graduation, they’ll be prepared to enter a profession that combines science, compassion, and meaningful human connection.

Curious About a Career in Massage Therapy?

Many people are drawn to massage therapy because it offers the opportunity to make a positive impact while building a flexible and rewarding career. Whether your goal is to work in a wellness clinic, chiropractic office, spa, or private practice, quality training is the first step.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to become a massage therapist, now is the perfect time to explore your options.

Discover What CIMT Has to Offer

Choosing a school is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident in your choice. That’s why we offer in-person tours, virtual tours, and Introduction to Massage Therapy workshops designed to answer your questions and give you a firsthand look at the profession.

These experiences provide an opportunity to meet our team, learn about the curriculum, and see whether a future in massage therapy feels like the right fit for you.

Fall Enrollment Is Now Open

If you’re ready to take the next step, our next cohort begins on October 20, 2026.

Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., making it possible to balance school with work, family, and other commitments. While there are additional requirements outside of class time, our program is designed to provide the flexibility students need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Take the First Step

Whether you’re actively exploring a new career or simply curious about the field, we’re here to help. Schedule a tour, join an Introduction to Massage Therapy workshop, or speak with an admissions representative to learn more about our program.

A rewarding career helping others could be closer than you think. Start exploring your future with CIMT today.