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What is a Massage Therapist?

Picture this: A room filled with the scent of lavender essential oils, relaxing Zen music playing softly in the background and the firm but gentle touch of your massage therapist rubbing your sore back. Ahhhhh…Wait…that is not you relaxing on the table, it is your client and you are the one with the magic touch!

Massage therapists manipulate muscles and other soft tissues of the body relieving pain. By using touch, massage therapists can rehabilitate injuries, promote relaxation, relax muscles and increase the well-being of the patient. Massage therapists work in a variety of places such as spas, hotels, home offices, chiropractic offices and in professional sport team locker rooms. The beauty of massage therapy is that as long as you have your table and some oil on hand, you can offer a massage just about anywhere.

What does a Massage Therapist Do?

• Provide massage techniques for pain relief, circulation or simply to relieve stress
• Practices different types of massage such as deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone, sports therapy
• Consults with client about their symptoms and expectations
• Record patient medical history on a chart
• Educate the client on stretches they can do at home to alleviate pain

The Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fulfilling and satisfying feelings from truly helping your clients feel better
• Continuous education is required but it helps you stay on top of new techniques and information about your career
• Set your own hours and flexible scheduling

Cons:

• Can be physically straining on your body
• Higher potential to hurt your hands and wrists
• May take some time to build up your book of clientele

Occupational Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for Massage Therapists is growing much faster than the average because more healthcare providers are understanding the importance of massage and its benefits for their patients.

*Reference: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm

How do you become a Massage Therapist?

If you already have your high school diploma or GED, you’ve already completed the first step! Future LMTs (licensed massage therapists) should enroll in a program from an accredited school that awards a Certificate or Diploma in Massage Therapy. You can read and study hundreds of books on anatomy, body mechanics and massage ethics but you will never be a great LMT without hands-on practice! Every state has their own requirement of how many hours of hands-on experience are needed to sit for their exam. Hours required will range from 300 to 1000 hours so make sure you know what you is required of you before you jump into the program. An added bonus of massage school is that you will be practicing techniques on your fellow classmates and in turn, they will be practicing on you! Going to school every day where you get massage doesn’t sound so bad, huh?

After you have completed your hours and graduated your program, you will then sit for your state’s licensing exam or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). If you pass your exam, you must then apply for your state license. You can find more information about your state’s requirements on the American Massage Therapy Association’s website.

As mentioned previously, continuing education classes will be necessary to keep your license but it keeps your brain fresh with knowledge so you can provide the best massages for your clients and keep them coming back.

Ready to get going on your new career path as a Massage Therapist? Start today here at AmeriCollegs.com!