A massage therapist job description explains a professional that provides massage to the clients. The word massage comes from the Arabic word “massa” which means “to touch, to feel or to handle”. Massage is achieved through superficial manipulations of the body to relax the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue, to enhance the body function and circulation, to increase the healing processes, promote relaxation and well being through decreasing the muscle reflex activity and tension. There are different types of massage and they can be applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm or feet achieving pressure, tension, vibration or motion on the body. The massage therapist depending on the type of massage given can relieve pain, improve circulation, and increase relaxation giving the client’s body increased wellness and wellbeing.
The type and length of the massage provided depends on the medical condition of the client, the age, and of the specific desires of the client. All the needed information can be gathered through a short interview with the client before the start of the massage therapy. With this discussion the massage therapist can learn about the client’s medical history and current symptoms, locate the tense and painful areas, and evaluate the desired results. Every massage therapist should document the client’s condition and progress achieved with the therapy applied.
Work environment
They can be working for an employer, or some spa center or any other center that provides massage. They can also be self-employed. Depending on the massage that they provide to the clients, there can be different working settings. The working room should help the clients to relax and feel comfortable, so using specific oils and body lotions, playing soothing music, use of candles and incense is essential. The choice of chairs, massage bed, sheets and pillows is also important and should be planned for the specific types of massages that the therapist is giving.
Training and education
To become a massage therapist you should complete post secondary education filled with training and gather practical experience to gain your license or certification. Education programs are different in different states and they can be found in the public and private educational institutions. Usually, to finish the course, it is required to have up to 500 or 1000 completed hours of practical work. Massage therapists can specialize in different type of massage therapy like sports massage, acupressure massage, aqua massage therapy and a lot of other different modalities and methods of massage. Massage therapists can be self-employed and that leaves them with more opportunities to grow their own business and achieve self advancement, but it also requires some extra classes in business and marketing to maintain the financial records, to learn how to keep the small business or how to grow. They usually work part time, or their schedule is filled with appointments that can vary every week.
Salary
The median annual salary for a massage therapist in 2018 was average $41,420 or $19.92 per hour. Employment for this occupation is projected to grow 23% much faster than the average of all occupations.
