Massage Therapists
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
- Overview
- Tasks
- Skills
Median Annual Wage: $37,180
Education: Post-secondary certificate (57%); High school diploma or equivalent (20%); Some college, no degree (10%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Related Job Titles: Massage Therapist; Licensed Massage Therapist; Certified Massage Therapist (CMT); Registered Massage Therapist; Bodywork Therapist; Integrated Deep Tissue Massage Therapist; Therapeutic Massage Technician; Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP); Clinical Massage Therapist; Medical Massage Therapist
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Massage Therapists.
- Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
- Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
- Maintain treatment records.
- Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.
- Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.
- Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.
- Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
- Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.
- Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.
- Perform other adjunctive therapies or treatment techniques in addition to massage.
- Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Massage Therapists.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Massage Therapists.
