There are an estimated 500,000 massage therapists in the U.S. and more than 1,500 schools that offer training to obtain professional certification and licensing.

Massage therapy has proven effective in:
• Relieving back pain
• Boosting immune system
• Reducing anxiety
• Lowering blood pressure
• Treating migraines
• Decreasing carpal tunnel symptoms
• Easing post-operative pain
• Alleviating side effects of cancer

Here's a look at some types of massage:
• Therapeutic: This can vary from light touch to deep tissue massage for the neck, back and shoulders or for the whole body. It can increase circulation, enhance body tone and relieve tension.

• Relaxation: The smooth, flowing style of this massage relieves tension caused by stress while improving range of motion and circulation.

• Reflexology: This is the application of pressure and the stretching and movement of the hands and feet to affect corresponding parts of the body. For example, a pressure point between the thumb and first finger can address headache pain.

• Hot stone: In this deep, penetrating massage, heated stones are applied for relief of tired, sore muscles.

• Perinatal: For expectant or new moms, this reduces the aches and body pain of pregnancy and postpartum.

• Cranial-Sacral: This is a gentle, hands-on manipulation of the ankles, head, neck and lower back used to restore the natural rhythm found between the bones of the skull.

SOURCE: American Massage Therapy Association

THINGS TO KNOW WHEN CHOOSING A MASSAGE THERAPIST

When you're looking for a massage therapist, make sure you choose one that is certified. Therapists can be certified through the massage therapy school they attend, and they can be nationally certified, which means they have passed an additional national exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapy Massage and Bodywork.

You can find certified massage therapistslisted on their Web site.