What is a Massage Therapist

Individual awareness of the benefits of massage enables the rapid growth of this industry. As people learn the health advantage of this therapy, occupation and employment increase dramatically. Today, massage is not only for luxury as it is in spas and health clubs but is now catered in hospitals, health clinics, homes, resorts, airports, businesses and others. The demand of massage therapist is exceedingly increasing. The percentage of growth these recent years is greater than any other occupation.

Massage therapist is a person who performs the art of massage. Massage is the process and systematic  pressing and rubbing of skin, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons to deliver relief and relaxation from stress and body pains. It is also believed to manage anxiety and depression, relaxes stiff muscles, boost immunity, heal specific ailments and others.  Massage has several types or what they called modalities which a massage therapist can learn as much as 80 types of massages. Since each client has different need and health condition, a massage therapist can learn special techniques and skills  to meet the individual needs. For example, an older person does not need an intensive pressing like it is applied to a young and energetic person. A good therapist can determine easily what type of massage is beneficial to every client after the consultation.

What are the qualification of a good massage therapist?

Education. There are several schools that offer courses for massage therapist. To be admitted, he/she should be at least a secondary school graduate or the equivalent. This is to ensure that they have minimum education to get started and enough knowledge to go for this career. Basic hours requirement may vary depending on the school and the structure of courses. It can go from 500 hours to 1000 hours to be qualified for license examination. Most areas require a license to a massage therapist before they can be employed. For a start, look for a massage therapist who has completed courses structured for them.

Advance Training and skills. A massage therapist should be equipped with knowledge and skill to perform best. Knowledge in Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology is vital to a massage therapist. Yet knowledge is not enough but a good massage therapist should have undergone training and developed skills to perform this job. A hands-on training can definitely enhance skills that is beneficial to this job. Since massage has different types, it is very important to learn all of them . Also, new techniques, strokes, and manipulation are vital to be learn by a good massage therapist. Learning is a continual process, so be sure to look for a massage therapist that enhances her skills and upgrade herself on learning advance techniques and methods.

Licensure. License is a guarantee and proof that he/she is a professional and qualified to do his/her job. Client will surely trust a license massage therapist than not. Some places requires license to the massage therapist before they can practice this kind of work. Since massage has risk and contraindications, safety and precaution must be heed. Thus, obtaining a license will ensure the client safety and will develop trust relationship.

Communication and Listening Skills. To develop a communication and listening skills is not hard especially if you wanted to be successful in this career. Every client that seek for relaxation and comfort in massage has their own cares. A good communication skills and listening habit will lighten their day. A good conversation about the benefit of massage and how they can make themselves comfortable during the session and listening to their complains of pain and discomfort will help the client to relax.  Also, developing these skills will develop trust between the massage therapist and the client.

Positive Attitude. A positive attitude in dealing with client is for the advantage . Nobody likes to deal with someone who is harsh and unfriendly. Doing your job cheerfully will create a positive atmosphere in your workplace. It also can develop friendship and trusting relationship between the therapist and the client. This attitude will create greater opportunity to a massage therapist in relation to her job and income.