Massage Therapist Jobs

Massage is all about touch therapy. Massage is known to improve blood flow and aid lymph gland function. This in turn works on the nervous system to reduce muscular tension and stiffness. Massage therapy has also shown benefits in improving pulmonary function in kids suffering asthma, reducing distress in persons, enhancing immune system and improving motor development in infants, especially premature ones.

A massage therapist is trained and skilled in massage therapy for medicinal benefits. Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues by hand, applying fixed or movable pressure. A massage therapist uses hands but sometimes the forearms and elbows are also used. Massage therapists work towards relieving pain, reducing stress and relaxing the muscles. Most often, the massage serves to make the person feel more calm and relaxed.

Massage therapists can specialize in acupressure, reflexology, orthopedic, sports massage and deep tissue massage. Neuromuscular massage is a deep massage that releases trigger points and reduces pain. Acupressure and Shiatsu use thumb or finger pressure on specific points to release blocked energy and release tension.

Become a massage therapist

• Massage therapists are required to have a valid certificate or license. There are examinations like the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork which you can take up after graduation to become a certified massage therapist.
  
  
• Regulation and licensing requirements vary from state to state. In states without regulation of massage, municipalities insist on a business license. A massage therapist should hold a license to massage. People who wish to take up to massage therapy need to become familiar with the regulatory requirements in cities and states where they want to practice.
  
  
• Eligibility for license to practice requires 300-1000 hours of in-class training. Few states may insist on training for a specified number of hours.
  
  
• If the massage therapist has a background in subjects like science, psychology, humanities, etc, it is an added advantage.
  
  
• Schools that train massage therapists conduct a personal interview to check personal qualities such as communication, empathy, interpersonal skills, etc.
  
  
• Ensure that you enroll in a training program that is accredited or approved by a credible, national accreditation agency. Agencies like Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) run such programs. There are about 70 such agencies that have been accredited to conduct training programs. When one qualifies from an accredited agency it speaks for the quality of the training undergone. While choosing a training program ensure that the program covers subjects like physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, theory and practice of massage therapy, ethics and business values, hands-on practice under faculty supervision, etc.
  
  
• There are schools that offer student clinic that is open to public thus lending them an opportunity to work while training.
  

Massage therapist employment options

Massage therapists can be self-employed; a survey revealed that about 57% of massage therapists are self-employed. Nearly 48% massage therapists work as part-timers. Increasingly, massage therapy is being offered in nearly 40% of hospitals. Sometimes, you can specialize in pregnancy massage or Fibromyalgia massage. Massage therapists can work in spas and massage franchises, cruise ships and resorts. You can get referrals from chiropractors and other healthcare professionals.

Massage therapist job responsibilities

The responsibility of a massage therapist includes the following:

• Massage their clients to relieve discomfort and ease muscle tension
  
  
• Before the massage begins, the therapist should discuss with clients and understand their medical history. This helps to find the type of massage that would be most beneficial. Often the massage therapist needs discuss with physiotherapists, chiropractors, and doctors in order to design a proper treatment plan for a client.
  
  
• The massage therapist should understand condition of the joint, range of motion, and muscle strength.
  
  
• The therapist uses a blend massage oils. The lotions and oils serve to warm up the muscles and allow the therapist easy movement. Soothing music and dim lights help create a relaxing ambience.
  
  
• A massage therapist should educate clients on how to improve their posture and teach them to strengthen, stretch, and rehabilitating exercises as well as relaxation techniques.
  
  

Typically, for an hour of massage, a therapist earns anywhere from $15 - $58. Entry-level salaries for trained massage therapists are around $20,400 annually, though they can even go as high as $80,000 based on where you practice.

Massage therapist career

In this profession, you work by appointment only. Typically a massage therapist needs to factor in long working hours, especially early mornings and late evenings. Weekends are busy times. It is tiring for the therapist, who must ensure good posture and rest. You need to possess high energy levels and passion for the practice.

Listening skills, empathy and ethical practice are of utmost importance to a massage therapist career. You need to build a rapport with your clients to create trust and respect; so essential in this profession. You should feel comfortable working with your client's bodies. Other than the part worked upon, the rest of the body is kept covered.