Massage Therapists
Additional Information
Duties
In most cases, massage therapists perform the following:
- Engage customers in discussion about their symptoms, health history, and intended outcomes.
- Find out where the client is experiencing discomfort or tension in their body.
- Use your muscles and other body's soft tissues to your advantage.
- Educate clients on proper posture, stretching, strengthening, and relaxation techniques.
- Observe and record the development of your clients.
Licensed massage therapists utilize touch to heal their customers' ailments and to enhance their overall well-being. Kneading muscles and soft tissues in the body is done using the hands, fingers, forearms, elbows, and even the feet in some cases.
Clients may be treated with lotions and oils, as well as massage tables or chairs, by massage therapists. The length of a massage might range from a few minutes to many hours.
Clients and their massage therapists discuss their goals for the session. They may provide their customers customized treatment plans, which may include information on extra relaxation methods to use outside of sessions.
It is possible for massage therapists to specialize in a wide range of massage techniques. Massage treatment includes a wide range of techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage, to name just a few. There are many distinct types of massages that may be performed by a single massage therapist.
Typically, the style of massage performed is determined by the demands and physical condition of the individual. Massage therapists, for example, could employ a different approach on senior customers than on sportsmen. Prenatal massage, for example, is reserved primarily for expectant mothers. Other massages, such as Swedish and deep tissue, cater to a broader demographic.
Education
Massage therapist training requirements might differ widely from state to state and even from city to city. Education programs may be found at a variety of postsecondary schools, both for-profit and nonprofit. Most programs take at least 500 hours of study to complete; other programs require as many as 1,000 hours of study to be completed.
Admission to a massage therapy program often necessitates a high school diploma or its equivalent. Massage methods are taught both in the classroom and in a clinic setting in most diploma programs. As an example of the kind of topics covered in these programs include anatomical sciences, physiologic sciences, kinesiologic studies of movement and mechanics, pathologic studies, managerial studies of business, and ethical studies.
Various massage methods and expertise may be the focus of a particular course or program. Job placement assistance and ongoing education are also offered by certain programs, as well. There are options for both full-time and part-time study.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
Massage treatment was regulated in 45 states and the District of Columbia in 2016. Despite the fact that massage therapy is not licensed in all states, local rules may exist.
Workers who wish to practice massage therapy in a state where it is regulated must first get a license or certification. Graduation from an accredited school of massage therapy and passing an examination are often required by state requirements.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) license test given by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, or a state-specific exam is possible.
Massage therapists may also be required to pass a background check, have liability insurance, and be trained in CPR (CPR). The renewal of licenses and continuing education requirements for massage therapists vary from state to state. One should research the state and locality's legal requirements before starting massage therapy practice.
Qualities that are essential
Confidence in your ability to communicate. Massage therapists must pay close attention to their clients' needs and goals when providing massages to their patients.
The ability to make good decisions. They must assess each client's unique situation and offer an appropriate course of action.
Empathy. In order to ensure that customers have a great experience, massage therapists need to gain client trust. For therapists, making their patients feel at ease is essential to gaining new clients.
Integrity. Therapists typically have access to information about their clients, including medical history, which they might use for their own benefit. As a result, they must be dependable and respectful of their customers' privacy.
Stamina of the body. In the course of a workday, massage therapists may be required to provide many sessions while remaining on their feet.
Both physical stamina and dexterity are required. When working on a client's muscles, massage therapists need to be physically fit and able to exert pressure using a range of arm and hand movements.
The ability to effectively manage one's time. Massage therapists are responsible for customizing each session to meet the individual requirements of each client. They need to make the most of their time with each customer to assist them achieve their goals.
Pay
Massage therapists made an average yearly salary of $43,620 in May of this year. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. The bottom 10% made less than $22,580, and the top 10% earned more than $79,150.
Job Projections
There is a projected 32 percent increase in the number of massage therapists employed between 2020 and 2030, which is much higher than the average for all occupations.