How to Be a Massage Therapist?

Considering becoming a massage therapist?

Massage therapy is a natural extension of the beauty trades because it complements those services so well in salon and spa settings. Much like many beauty services, massage can help improve someone's mental health and well-being. Beauty Schools Directory has answered common questions about the salary, job outlook, career options and other career information for massage therapists to help you decide if this is the right career path for you. If you think becoming a licensed massage practitioner sounds right for you, simply enter your zip code in the box to the right and select the "Massage Therapy" program to find schools near you.

What is a massage therapist?

A massage therapist is a trained and licensed professional skilled in the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of massage. Massage therapists generally specialize in a few types of massage (like traditional Swedish and deep tissue, trigger point therapy, or athletic/sports massage), so some will be better suited to clients with different needs. Licensed massage therapists (LMTs) works by appointment, and they may work out of a salon, spa or sports center, or even out of a home.

Before a session, the massage therapist should learn each client's medical history and any physical conditions they need to pay special attention to or avoid. They will also learn the desired results from the massage – relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, athletic performance, or something else. If the therapist determines that massage therapy could be beneficial and that they can help the client, he or she will begin the session.

The therapist kneads, pushes and pulls muscles and soft tissues and applies finger and hand pressure as necessary to treat the client. They work to improve muscle and soft tissue form and function, and in turn can affect muscle strength, joint health and comfort and more. The therapist concentrates working out the muscles in the areas of each client's specific discomfort. The therapist will work based on the person's goals, ailments, medical history, and stress- or pain-related problem areas. The professionals customize their treatment for each and every client.

What salary can you earn with a massage therapist career?

The mean annual wage of massage therapists is $41, 790 per year before tips, according to BLS (2015). Most massage practitioners earn either an hourly or annual salary, in addition to tips and gratuities which are difficult to report accurately.