How to become a Massage Therapist

Overview, Courses, Exam, Colleges, Pathways, Salary

Medicine & Allied Healthcare
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Growth
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Salary
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Overview

Who is Massage Therapist ?

Massage therapists manipulate the client's muscles and other soft tissues using their hands to aid in the relief of pain and tension, the healing of injuries, the improvement of circulation, and the enhancement of relaxation. Female massage therapists are referred to as'masseuses,' while male massage therapists are referred to as masseurs.'

Individuals interested in becoming massage therapists must undergo official training, which may be given via community colleges and technical schools as certificate and diploma programmes. Additionally, several universities provide informal comparable competency certifications. Before a massage therapist may begin working as an apprentice, he or she must possess a skill certificate issued by an approved institution.

Typical day at work

What does Massage Therapist do?

A massage therapist, or masseuse, is a health care practitioner who administers massages to patients undergoing physical treatment, experiencing health difficulties, or seeking stress relief. Massage therapists work with patients to alleviate pain, mend injuries, and refresh them. Typical responsibilities include examining patients, offering massage choices, and guiding patients toward relaxation.

  • Help detect painful or tense parts of the client’s body
  • Apply finger, hands, elbows, and arm pressure to massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body
  • Communicate with clients about their medical histories, allergies, and other health concerns
  • Maintain records of treatment and clients
  • Assess client’s soft tissue, quality and function of joints, muscle power, and motion
  • Guide clients about posture improvement techniques and rehabilitative exercises
  • Suggest a plan of treatment that state the kind of massage to be used
  • Provide referral to other professionals when required
  • Develop treatment plans after consulting other health care professionals
  • Provide additional therapies or treatment techniques to massage
  • Prepare client’s skin for massage by applying blended oils
  • Perform different massage styles
  • Resolve complaints from guests and inform the supervisor in case of accidents
  • Sterilizing workspaces, changing treatment room sheets, and disinfecting all tools and equipment before each use
  • Describe treatments, massages and therapies to clients and provide appropriate recommendations when required
  • Follow health, hygiene and safety principles.

Abilities and Aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Massage Therapist?

While technical talents such as manual dexterity and an understanding of human anatomy are necessary, a massage therapist must also be able to create a calming environment. They must maintain a calm, patient, cooperative, sanitary, and confident demeanour.

They collaborate closely with customers to provide massage services. As a result, great customer service, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills are required. These qualities include active listening, tact, and problem resolution.

They must conduct themselves properly, civilly, and professionally while dressing/undressing the customer or performing massage treatments on personal body areas. Additionally, professional massage therapists will respect their customers' privacy and susceptibilities and will refrain from revealing or conversing about what they see and hear.

They must be adaptive and adaptable with their services to meet the demands of their clients. Additionally, they must exhibit physical strength and stamina to perform services for extended periods.

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Pathways

How to become an Massage Therapist?

Entrance Exam

Entrance Exam for Massage Therapist ?

Courses

Which course I can pursue?



Industries

Which Industries are open for Massage Therapist?

internship

Are there internships available for Massage Therapist?

Career outlook

What does the future look like for Massage Therapist?

Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, sports massage, Shiatsu, and other techniques are available to massage therapists. Spas, hotels, gyms and fitness centres, chiropractor offices, and nursing homes are also common employment locations. They often work long hours, including weekends, and are constantly on their feet to deliver the services.

They may work in private practice, as independent practitioners, as independent contractors, or as paid or commissioned workers. Additionally, one might opt to work independently and go to clients' homes and businesses to deliver massage.

Jobs at a gym or athletic facility providing services to athletes are accessible for those with specialised training in sports injuries.

According to the BLS, employment for massage therapists was predicted to grow at a substantially greater rate than the national average between 2018 and 2028. The anticipated growth is being driven by an increase in the number of spas and massage clinics. Increased public awareness of the benefits of massages, as well as a large population of active senior citizens, will all contribute to growth. New massage therapists may be unable to work full time until their clientele has grown.