Introduction to the career

Massage Therapy is a career in the healthcare industry, involving the manipulation of muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide relaxation, pain relief or other therapeutic benefits. With a growing demand for complementary and alternative treatments, Massage Therapy has become an attractive career option for those who are interested in holistic healing and helping others.

Career values, traits and skills

To be a successful Massage Therapist, one must possess the following values, traits and skills:

• Empathy and the ability to connect with clients
• Strong communication skills to understand clients’ needs and communicate treatment plans
• Attention to detail and the ability to identify areas of tension and pain
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
• Physical stamina, flexibility and dexterity to perform techniques that involve standing, bending and applying pressure
• Emotional stability to handle clients’ physical and emotional pain
• A desire to help and heal others

Career path

To become a Massage Therapist, one must receive formal training and obtain a license in their state. The requirements may vary by state, but typically, a Massage Therapist needs to complete a program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. After completing the program, the Massage Therapist needs to pass a state-approved exam to obtain a license. Some Massage Therapists may choose to specialize in a specific type of massage, such as sports massage, Thai massage or prenatal massage.

Salary range

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Massage Therapists was $43,620 in May 2019. However, the salary range can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, type of employer and number of hours worked.

Tips for Success

To be successful as a Massage Therapist, it is important to:

• Continuously improve skills and knowledge through additional training and education
• Build a strong network of clients through good communication and exceptional customer service
• Develop a strong business acumen to manage finances, marketing and other aspects of running a practice
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethics to establish trust with clients and the community

References

• American Massage Therapy Association (https://www.amtamassage.org/)
• National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (https://www.ncbtmb.org/)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm)