More About Massage Therapists

Interested in massage therapy? Find out what it's really like to be a massage therapist, and the type of career directions that are available.

What does a massage therapist do?
Massage therapists use natural remedies to help those who have chiropractic problems or just want to relax. Depending on the type of massage a client seeks, a massage therapist must be skilled to adapt to a client's needs. For example, the type of massage therapy you give to an athlete will be very different than how you’ll work with a pregnant client. People may also have injuries or health conditions that will limit the types of techniques that you can apply. These specific scenarios will be explored in massage therapy school, so that you’ll know how to work as a professional massage therapist in a variety of settings and with a variety of clients.

When it comes down to it, however, all massage therapists have the common goal of making people feel better. They must know how to manipulate certain muscles and use various techniques to relax and soothe the body. Massage therapists may specialize in a variety of different types of massage to be able to offer a variety of therapy choices for their clients. In addition, a massage therapist must be personable and be able to communicate with clients in order to understand their needs and adapt a therapy program that’s right for them.

How much do massage therapists get paid and what kinds of massage therapist jobs can I get?
While there are statistics regarding the average earnings of massage therapists (the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May 2007, median annual earnings of massage therapists were $34,870), that doesn’t tell the whole story. It all depends on the type of facility you work for, the hours you put in, and the type of clientele you have. For instance, if you’re the official massage therapist of a professional sports team, you’re going to make a very good living.  It’s also important to note that 15 to 20 percent of the earnings made by massage therapists come in the form of tips and gratuities. In other words, if you perform your services well, it will reflect in your bottom line.

Because wellness techniques are more in demand these days, the number of massage therapist jobs is expected to increase in the coming years. According to the BLS, the massage therapy industry is expected to increase about 20 percent by 2016, which is faster than the average of other occupations.

You'll find massage therapists on both the private and public levels. These may be in spas and salons, private offices, hospitals, fitness centers and sports facilities, shopping malls, and a variety of other businesses. Some massage therapists may work on a freelance basis and may travel locally to their client's homes. There’s also the option to work for a resort or cruise line – now there’s a great work perk! All in all, once you’re a licensed massage therapist, you have a tremendous amount of career freedom.
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