What Does a Massage Therapist Do?
Find out what a massage therapist does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a massage therapist.
Massage therapists are responsible for providing physical therapy treatments to clients who want to improve their health and well-being. This may include deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and other types of bodywork.
Massage therapists may work in a variety of settings including massage therapy clinics, spas, yoga studios, rehabilitation centers, medical facilities, and even private homes. They commonly work with clients one-on-one but may also perform massages as part of group exercise classes or other events.
Massage Therapist Job Duties
Massage therapists have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Discussing the effects of massage with clients before beginning treatment sessions
- Maintaining client confidentiality at all times, unless there is a risk of harm to self or others
- Preparing massage oils and lotions and operating massage equipment such as linens, towels, and pillows to ensure comfort during sessions
- Communicating with clients about any pain or discomfort throughout the massage session to ensure that it remains pleasurable and comfortable for the client
- Creating a treatment plan for each client that takes into account their specific needs and goals
- Conducting interviews with clients to determine their health history and needs
- Performing prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal massage therapy on women during pregnancy and after birth
- Conducting massage sessions using various techniques including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, reflexology, acupressure, and lymphatic drainage
- Evaluating clients’ responses to massage therapy to determine if further treatment is needed
Massage Therapist Salary & Outlook
Massage therapist salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the type of massage they specialize in, and the location of their job.
- Median Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $79,500 ($38.22/hour)
The employment of massage therapists is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
As more people recognize the benefits of massage therapy, demand for massage services is expected to increase. In addition, demand may be driven by an aging population, which typically experiences joint pain and other ailments that can be treated with massage therapy.
Related: In-Depth Massage Therapist Salary Guide
Massage Therapist Job Requirements
A massage therapist typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education: Massage therapists need at least an associate’s degree to practice. They can earn a two-year degree in massage therapy, which includes courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, ethics and business.
Training & Experience: Most massage therapists learn the specific techniques and methods they need for their job while they are in school. They may also receive on-the-job training from a senior massage therapist or other experienced member of the staff.
Certifications & Licenses: A massage therapist must earn a license from their state’s board of massage therapy. To earn this license, you must complete a massage therapy program and pass an exam.
Massage Therapist Skills
Massage therapists need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication skills: Communication skills are necessary for massage therapists to have because they use them to interact with clients, answer questions and explain treatment plans. Good communication skills can also help massage therapists build rapport with their clients and make them feel comfortable.
Listening skills: Massage therapists must be able to listen to their clients and understand their needs. This allows them to provide the best treatment for their clients. They must also be able to listen to their own bodies and notice when they need to take a break from working.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. As a massage therapist, empathy is an important skill to have when interacting with clients. You can use empathy to help your clients feel more comfortable during their massage and to help them understand the benefits of regular massage therapy.
Physical stamina: Massage therapists often work on their feet for long periods of time and may stand or walk for extended periods of time while performing massages. They also may perform a variety of different massage techniques that may require them to move and stretch their bodies in different ways.
Technical knowledge: Massage therapists should have a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology to be able to properly assess their clients and determine which massage techniques will be most beneficial. They should also have a good understanding of the different types of massage and be able to explain the benefits of each.
Massage Therapist Work Environment
Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, including spas, fitness centers, hotels, and resorts. They may also work in private practices or make house calls. Most massage therapists work full time, and many work evenings and weekends to accommodate their clients’ schedules. They may work in small, cramped quarters, and their work surfaces may be hard and uncomfortable. Massage therapists may be on their feet for long periods of time, and they may have to lift and move heavy equipment. The work can be physically demanding, and massage therapists may suffer from backaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive-motion injuries.
Massage Therapist Trends
Here are three trends influencing how massage therapists work. Massage therapists will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
Massage Therapy Will Become More Popular
As the world becomes more stressed out, people are looking for ways to relax and unwind. Massage therapy is a great way to do this, as it can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
As massage therapy becomes more popular, massage therapists will need to be able to provide a variety of services that meet the needs of their clients. This includes providing both traditional massage therapy and other types of bodywork, such as acupuncture or yoga. In addition, massage therapists will need to be able to market themselves effectively in order to attract new clients.
Massage Therapists Will Focus on Preventative Care
As massage therapy becomes more popular, massage therapists will focus on preventative care. This means that they will work with clients to identify areas of tension and develop plans to keep those areas relaxed.
This trend is likely to continue as more people become interested in massage therapy as a way to maintain health and wellness. As a massage therapist, you can capitalize on this trend by developing skills in preventive care and becoming known as an expert in this area.
More Research Into the Benefits of Massage
There has been a recent increase in research into the benefits of massage. This research has shown that massage can have a number of positive effects on both physical and mental health.
As massage becomes more accepted as a legitimate medical treatment, massage therapists will need to be able to demonstrate the benefits of massage in order to convince patients to try it. Additionally, massage therapists will need to be able to communicate the benefits of massage in a way that is easy to understand.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
A career as a massage therapist can be incredibly rewarding. It offers the opportunity to help people feel better physically and mentally, which is something we can all appreciate. However, it’s important to consider the many factors that go into being a successful massage therapist before embarking on this path.
One of the most important things to consider is your state licensing requirements. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding who can practice massage therapy and what they can do. Make sure you understand these rules before starting your career.
You should also think about the type of massage you want to specialize in. There are many different types of massage, each with its own set of techniques and benefits. You may want to try several different types of massage before deciding which one is right for you.
Finally, make sure you have the proper training and education to become a massage therapist. There are many schools and programs that offer massage therapy training, so find one that fits your needs and goals.
Related: How to Write a Massage Therapist Resume
Advancement Prospects
Massage therapists can find advancement opportunities by becoming instructors in massage therapy schools or by becoming self-employed. Some therapists open their own massage therapy practices, either alone or in partnership with other health care providers. Some therapists work as independent contractors in health clubs, spas, or resorts.
As massage therapy becomes more widely accepted by the medical community, opportunities for advancement are likely to increase. For example, massage therapists may find positions in hospitals, nursing homes, or other health care facilities. In addition, as the baby-boomer population ages, the demand for massage therapy is expected to grow.
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