Massage Therapy for Stress Relief: Why Demand has Grown for Massage Therapists in 2025
Train for a career in this growing field, with IBMC College!
If you are interested in health, holistic healing, and helping others, there has never been a better time to begin a career as a massage therapist! In 2025, more people than ever before turned to massage therapy as a tool for stress management. With our work‑lives accelerating, remote and hybrid work blurring boundaries, and mental health front and center, massage therapy is riding a wave of demand – and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. You can get the training you need to enter this growing field with IBMC College’s Therapeutic Massage training program!
Demand for Massage Therapists is Growing in Colorado!
Nationwide, demand for massage therapists grew in 2025. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*net system, employment of massage therapists in the United States grew throughout 2025, and is projected to continue to grow at a rate of 15% over the 2024-2034 decade. Here in Colorado, the trend is accelerating at an even faster rate. Growth in the massage therapy industry in Colorado is expected to grow at an incredible 24% through 2032!*
What is Driving the Growth for Massage Therapy in Colorado?
There are several trends that are influencing the growth in demand for massage therapists in Colorado over recent years, many of which accelerated in 2025. Key factors driving growth include:
- Wellness & Preventative Health Trends – Value is increasingly being placed on health maintenance rather than just treating illness, and massage is being viewed not as a luxury, but as a legitimate way to reduce stress, support recovery, prevent injury, and improve overall well‑being.
- Mental Health & Stress Relief – As stress, anxiety, and burnout become more common, people are turning to massage rather than medications in order to relax, relieve stress, and sleep better.
- Chronic Pain & Physical Ailments – There’s rising awareness that chronic conditions like back pain, musculoskeletal issues, sports injuries, arthritis, etc. can be treated with massage in order to help manage pain, improve mobility, and allow for a more active lifestyle.
- Aging Population – As the population ages, the demand for massage therapists increases, because older adults often have more physical ailments, stiffness, joint issues, and general need for recovery and mobility care.
- Integration into Healthcare & Workplace Wellness – Medical providers (doctors, PTs, chiropractors) are increasingly recommending massage as part of treatment plans for a variety of health issues. Meanwhile, many companies are also adding coverage for wellness programs that include massage because they believe it will help reduce employee stress, boost morale, and improve productivity.**
Join the Growing Trend – Train for a Massage Therapy Career!
IBMC College’s Therapeutic Massage training program is designed to prepare students in Colorado for careers in the growing field of massage therapy. At IBMC College, Massage Therapy students learn a wide range of massage techniques and modalities, designed to increase circulation, relieve tension, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and promote relaxation throughout the entire body, as well as many other benefits. Students learn a variety of massage techniques and modalities, including Swedish (classic Western) massage, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular massage, sports massage, prenatal massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial techniques.
At IBMC College, Massage Therapy students have the opportunity to practice their skills in a real-world environment by working in IBMC College’s on-campus massage clinics, which are open to the public. Hands-on experience builds the students’ skills and confidence, and allows the student to begin accumulating the training hours required for professional certification.
Upon completion of the 12-month program, graduates are prepared to sit for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEX). Nationally-recognized industry certifications such as this one demonstrate to potential employers your level of skill and knowledge, and can greatly expand job opportunities. Upon completion of the program and successfully passing the MBLEX examination, students are then eligible to apply for a license in the state of Colorado to become a Licensed Massage Therapist.
Enroll in IBMC College’s Therapeutic Massage Program Today!
At IBMC College, you can get the training you need to enter the growing field of massage therapy in as few as 12 months! IBMC College is a great choice for massage therapy training in Colorado. IBMC College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and all courses are taught by industry professionals in a hands-on learning environment. IBMC’s Therapeutic Massage program is offered at IBMC’s Fort Collins campus; additional programs are available at the Greeley and Longmont campuses. Admissions representatives are standing by to answer your questions, and can even help you begin the enrollment process. Call us at (970) 223-2669 or click here to get started today!
Train for a Career in the Growing Field of Massage Therapy, with IBMC College in Colorado!
* Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9011.00?st=CO
