Massage Therapists – The Position

 

Job Growth

 

Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists.

Looking to take your job into your own hands? You should be a Massage Therapist…

Massage Therapists use a range of techniques to manipulate their clients’ muscles and soft body tissue, with the overall aim of improving health and wellbeing.

There are a number of different types of massage therapy they could employ (e.g. Swedish, shiatsu, sports and deep tissue), and benefits of regular treatments could include pain relief, improving circulation, injury recovery and even alleviating the effects of stress, depression and anxiety.

Typical duties for a Massage Therapist could include:

  • Consulting with clients to determine problem areas
  • Learning more about medical history & lifestyle, and devising treatment plans
  • Administering specialised treatments, such as deep tissue massages
  • Advising on how to maintain improvements in life, such as changing posture
  • Booking follow-up appointments, and completing courses of treatment
  • Referring to medical professionals if further care is required

Excellent interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to build trust in clients from all walks of life, is essential for anyone looking to become a Massage Therapist

What you’ll do

Your work will depend on the type of massage you do and the clients you see. You could offer sports massage, baby and infant massage, or massage therapy for people with medical conditions.

A typical session will include:

  • checking the client’s medical history, diet and lifestyle
  • identifying the client’s reasons for wanting massage therapy
  • planning a course of treatment
  • applying pressure to areas of the body
  • giving advice to clients about their wellbeing
  • referring clients to medical professionals

Salary

Most massage therapists are self-employed, so your pay will depend on how many clients you attract, how many hours you work and how much money you charge.

You can usually charge between £45 and £100 an hour, depending on the type of massage you offer.

Working hours, patterns and environment

If you’re self-employed you’ll choose your own working hours. You may have to offer evening and weekend appointments to meet the needs of your clients.

You may work from your own home, from a complementary therapy clinic, a massage chain or spa, or a GP surgery or hospital.

You may need a driving licence and your own transport, if you visit customers at home.

Career path and progression

With experience you could build up and maintain a reputation and client base, and set up your own business.

You could also train in other complementary therapies like aromatherapy, reiki, reflexology, sports injury, and Indian head massage.