• Massage Therapist Job Description

    A massage therapist is person who is trained to manipulate the soft tissues of the body by rubbing, stroking or kneading for the purpose of de-stressing or healing the body. Many massage therapists specialize in a particular type of massage such as swedish, shiatsu, deep-tissue, thai, back, hot stone, neuromuscular, aromatherapy, reflexology, sports, or pregnancy massage.

    A massage therapist should be level-headed, sensitive, friendly, caring and helpful, and have strong hands, stamina, and the ability to listen and relate to their clients. They should have knowledge of the surface anatomy of the body and common body diseases. They should also have business management skills to manage their massage business.

  • What does a Massage Therapist do?

    Massage therapists may do some or all of the following:

    • schedule appointments with clients
    • talk to clients to know their physical conditions and overall health
    • set up the items required for the massaging
    • manipulate muscles or other soft tissues of the body
    • identify healthy and unhealthy muscle tissues when massaging
    • give advice on exercise, relaxation and stretching techniques
    • keep records of their clients conditions and progress
  • Where does a Massage Therapist work?
  • Working Conditions

    Massage therapists may work normal business hours or irregular hours to fit in with their clients’ schedules. They work in massage clinics, fitness centers, spas and resorts, sport teams, and cruise ships. They may travel to their clients’ locations for work or work at home.

  • What is Required to Become a Massage Therapist?

    To become a massage therapist, you will need to complete a massage therapy program in a massage therapy school or an apprenticeship with a skilled massage therapist.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Massage therapists need to have:

    • patience
    • empathy
    • tactfulness
    • adaptability
    • carefulness
    • integrity and dependability
    • physical stamina
    • strong hands and manual dexterity
    • good judgment
    • good personal hygiene
    • good communication skills
    • time-management and organizational skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • business management skills
    • customer service skills
    • the ability to maintain confidentiality
    • the ability to manage stress
    • the ability to be friendly and polite
    • the ability to listen to their clients and anticipate their needs
    • the ability to concentrate for long periods
    • the ability to relate to people from different cultural backgrounds
    • the ability to be comfortable working in close physical proximity to their clients
    • knowledge of massage techniques and equipment
    • knowledge of medical terminology
    • knowledge of first aid procedures
    • knowledge of the surface anatomy of the body
    • knowledge of kinesiology

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Body Artist
  • Make-up Artist
  • Hairdresser
  • Aesthetician
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