Nothing in the world feels better than a good shoulder or back rub, given by a licensed massage therapist. Today, modern massage goes beyond relaxation and pleasure.
Doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists are incorporating massage and bodywork into their practices. Thus, the need for licensed massage therapists is growing.
Furthermore, as the elderly population increases in the coming years, massage may come in handy to help them age more gracefully. Continue reading to discover more about how you can pursue this career and some of the perks that come with it.
What Is a Massage Therapist?
Massage therapists are like any other health care worker who manipulates the body’s soft tissues, such as the lymph, connecting tissue, and muscle, to promote relaxation, healing, and wellness.
Most of them are skilled in several massage techniques, such as sports massage, Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, or deep tissue massage. Depending on the client’s aim and goals, massages can last between five to 90 minutes.
Massage Therapist Job Description
Depending on whether you decide to work independently or under someone else, these are a few things you will do every day.
- Deliver therapeutic and massage touch treatments
- Take your client’s health history and evaluate their goals for therapy
- Offer wellness information to clients, including tips on stretching and posture
- Teach your clients relaxation techniques and stress management tips.
In addition to what was stated above, if you work for yourself, you will handle your day-to-day business operations, which include marketing, billing, inventory, and cleaning.
Where Will You Be Expected to Work?
If you run your own business, you then get to decide where to work. Others work in client’s workplaces or homes. You can choose to maintain your own office, work at home, work in health care settings, or work in spa settings.
Expected Salary of a Licensed Massage Therapist
Rates vary depending on whether you are employed or working independently. With that said, in the U.S., licensed massage therapists earn an average of $39,860 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10% are paid $74,870, and the lowest 10% are paid $19,720 per year.
How to Choose a Career Setting That Is Right for You
After completing therapy school and obtaining your license, it’s time to decide what type of massage therapy best works for you. Are you business-oriented and probably want to be your own boss? Do you prefer to work with someone else in the same field?
Then a franchise massage setting or spa salon might work best for you. The latter comes with other benefits, such as gaining first-hand experience from professionals, getting loyal clientele, and getting to focus on massaging rather than billing, marketing, and scheduling.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed massage therapist will allow you to be part and parcel of a rewarding working environment as you put effort towards developing personally and professionally. Do you think this is an excellent opportunity for you? Have you had dreams of working in a spa?
Well, knowing what to do and what you need to get started, you are one step away from landing your dream job. We will wish you all the best as you start on your new journey.
Also read – How to Become a Successful Medical Technologist