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How to Become a Massage Therapist

How to Become a Massage Therapist

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  4. How to Become a Massage Therapist


How to Become a A Massage Therapist



If you want a career that is all about relaxation and helping others, then massage therapy could be for you. Massage therapists are essential to the lives of many, helping to ease out those knots, aches and pains from everyday life. Find out more about becoming a massage therapist and how you can be a part of the wonderful world of massage therapy.

What do Massage Therapists do?

Massage therapists manipulate the muscles and soft tissues in order to help with pain, tension and aches in the body. They are experts in helping the body recover from injury or illness and relieving the everyday tension, so massage therapists work with various clients, from sports players and the elderly to people of all ages wanting to treat themselves to some relaxation. 

Massage therapists are experts in different types of massage therapy, including professional sports massage therapy, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, bodywork and other forms of therapeutic massage. Some massage therapists also specialise in international massage techniques such as Thai massage, Indian head massage, reiki and Swedish massage.

Who do Massage Therapists work with?

Massage therapists take on various clients, including those suffering from physical pain or tension and people who are just looking to relax. Depending on where you work (a sports club, a GP practice or a spa resort), you are likely to see one type of client more than others. However, some of the most common reasons people go to massage therapists are to help with a sports injury, relieve the pain of conditions such as sciatica, relax and relieve general body tension, and help with back and neck pain. For some, massage therapy can even help with anxiety and depression.

What does the day-to-day life of a Massage Therapist look like?

As a massage therapist, you will: 

  • Discuss with clients their reasons for wanting massage therapy
  • Plan an appropriate massage treatment plan
  • Apply pressure to areas of the body to relieve tension
  • Manipulate muscles and soft tissues in the body
  • Discuss with a client which areas are painful or tense
  • Evaluate how the massage therapy program is working with the client
  • Provide guidance and advice on stretching, relaxation and exercises to alleviate pain or tension
  • Reassure the client and support them during massage therapy
  • Make referrals to other professionals if needed

What qualifications do massage therapists need?

There are various routes to starting a career path in massage therapy. Gaining a massage certificate from a massage therapist course will ensure that you have a good base of knowledge to build your career on. Meanwhile, an Ultimate Massage qualification will equip you with an in-depth understanding of massage therapy’s various techniques, styles, and disciplines. If you want to use your skills overseas, an International Massage Diploma is a great way to find work abroad, as the certification is recognised worldwide.  

Elsewhere, some health clinics, spas, and hotels offer schemes or work experience programmes that all you can learn on the job. With an apprenticeship, you will be working full time and get massage therapy training daily, learning all about massage therapy as you go. You can explore your local healthcare facilities or spas, and you can inquire as to whether they take on apprentice students. 

To become a fully licensed massage therapist, all massage therapy students must also complete a final exam to demonstrate competency. This has GCST accreditation, and after completion, you are certified to begin practice.

What skills should Massage Therapists have?

Alongside the hard skills such as an expert knowledge of the muscles systems, a massage therapist should also have some key soft skills. These include:

  • Communication skills – Many clients might feel insecure or vulnerable during massage therapy, so communicating well is key. It is also essential to have excellent listening skills, as you will need to align your treatment plan with the areas of the body that the client is concerned with
  • Manual Dexterity – This skill will be honed during your studies. However, having naturally good manual dexterity is an excellent basis for a massage therapist. Pinpointing and manipulating the body areas that are causing problems is a crucial skill that a massage therapist needs
  • Physical Fitness – You will be on your feet and bending most of the time and need to apply specific amounts of pressure to areas of the body. Therefore, having good posture and a degree of physical fitness is a must
  • Empathy, Sensitivity and Understanding – This is especially important when you are working with people who may be in pain, vulnerable and/or self-conscious. You are applying pressure to someone else’s body, often in very vulnerable areas that can ache or be painful, so being empathetic and understanding the client’s emotions is essential. Not only physically but also psychologically, as clients could have worries, you may need to reassure them

How much do Massage Therapists earn?

In the UK, massage therapists typically earn around £25,000 per year. Entry-level massage therapists earn around £19,500 whilst experienced massage therapists can earn up to £58,500

£0,000
Average Salary for a Massage therapist

Where do massage therapists work?

There are a variety of places that offer massage services, and therefore working as a massage therapist means that there are plenty of work opportunities. You can find work in hotels, spa resorts, healthcare institutions, fitness centres, hospitals/hospices, GP surgeries and cruise ships. 

Many massage therapists are self-employed and travel to their client’s homes. If you choose to become a self-employed massage therapist, you will essentially own your own business. Whether you are visiting client’s in their homes or purchasing a building to set up your own massage facility, the same steps will need to be taken as owning any other business. For example, having a good social media presence to build a client base and promoting your business through professional websites and advertising.

Want to find out more about how you can begin your education journey and become a massage therapist? Explore our wide range of courses and get started today.


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