As professional Massage Therapists, we are governed by various legislations which outline the duty of care and attention to be provided by all employers and employees providing professional services.
Duty of care means that to the best of one’s knowledge and ability all appropriate safeguards are in place and relevant precautions have been taken to minimise risk or harm to a client or their property.
The massage therapist must be aware of the legislation and how it applies to their role in different environments, which may include working as an employed or self-employed therapist in a salon, sports facility, at a sporting event, from their own home or as a mobile service provider. They must also ensure that their practice complies with legislation.
FHT and IPHM massage diplomas and certificates will provide you with the specialist skills to become a professional massage therapist. Our courses are designed to teach you the practical skills of massage and to help you to build on your business practice.
After completing our massage courses, you will be qualified to practise professionally both in the UK and in many other parts of the world.
This means that:
- You’ll achieve a recognised qualification – our courses are designed to take you from a beginner right through to a professional level!
- You will gain skills that will enable you to perform massage in the UK and in other parts of the World.
- You will be able to get Professional indemnity insurance.
- You will be able to add variety to your day! Open up your own practice or offer treatments in a corporate establishment.
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.
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 or Holistic, Sports and Deep Tissue, Aromatherapist, Reflexologists). 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, are essential for anyone looking to become a Massage Therapist.
What you’ll do
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 chair or spa, or from 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.