Youre Dealing With The Public
The header makes it sound like dealing with the public is a bad thing. Its not. I love working with people, but lets be honest like most things there are a few that can ruin it.
I have come across some incredibly difficult people before. As the therapist, you have to take the stance that youre there to do everything you can for the client.
But there just is no way to live up to some peoples expectations. Learning to deal with this and move on early on can be make-or-break for some.
Skills Massage Therapists Learn In School
There is a lot of training and education that goes into becoming a massage therapist. By the time you have completed your degree or certificate program, you will be skilled in a variety of massage techniques. The exact ones you learn will depend on what your program offers but will likely include some of the following:
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Sports massage
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Thai massage
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Acupressure and reflexology
In addition to learning different massage techniques, you will also be trained in other skills that are important to providing a therapeutic massage session for clients. This includes proper hygiene and safety protocols, ethics and business procedures. These skills prepare you for the business side of massage therapy so that you can build positive, ethical client relationships and ensure a safe and sanitary environment for massage.
Many programs also include some coursework in anatomy and physiology, pathology and contraindications and limitations. This prepares you to make educated assessments about the health and needs of your client so that you can determine the best technique and the appropriate level of pressure to apply. It will also help you understand the connections between muscle groups so that you can better locate the source of tension and pain.
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What Do You Learn In Massage Therapy School
A massage therapist must be good with his or her hands, but the job also requires in-depth knowledge of the human body, strong communication skills, and the ability to understand a clients sometimes complicated medical history. In addition to taking the core classes your school may require for graduation, you may also learn:
- Communication Skills for Health ProfessionalsThis kind of class teaches you to explain complex procedures or medical conditions to clients.
- Anatomy and Physiology
- These topics provide an overview of the bodys structure and how it functions.
- Health PsychologyIn this type of course, you can learn about the causes and treatments of psychological issues that can affect the body physically.
- EthicsMoral codes extend to business dealings, and this kind of course will lay the foundation for how you might make ethical choices.
- Critical Thinking for Health ProfessionalsThis type of class may teach you how to problem-solve complicated situations in healthcare.
- Medical TerminologyThese types of courses introduce you to the terminology used by healthcare professionals in the industry.
You may also take elective courses such as business management, pregnancy massage or sports massage to help further your career. Some courses may even touch on holistic practices including herbalism, aromatherapy, meditation, homeopathy, yoga and tai chi.
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
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How Many Hours Do You Work As A Massage Therapist
The amount of hours that massage therapists work varies widely. Be aware that your total time on the job will not be spent exclusively on what the massage profession calls contact hoursthe time spent doing actual massage. You will also need to clean and sanitize your massage room/equipment and perform business-related tasks.
In a 2020 survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association, the average number of work hours per week for massage therapists was 27.2 .
Rehab Clinics And Hospitals
In a rehabilitation clinic or hospital, your focus would be on healing injuries and soothing pain. Youll be working with people who likely have reduced mobility, are relearning physical skills after an accident, who deal with chronic pain or injury-specific pain and those who may be well on their way to full recovery who just need a bit of extra help when it comes to stress reduction and muscle tension.
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Skills For Success In Massage Therapy
Vocational schools teach practical skills plus the soft skills massage therapists need to be successful in a competitive field, including:
Skill #1:Communication Skills
Massage therapists work with clients to create custom treatment plans, its an information exchange process requiring the ability to listen, build rapport and communicate concepts clearly. Comfort with conversation is a must.
Its easier said than done however but massage therapy school teach therapeutic communication techniques from active listening to evaluating clients body language. Youll learn how to coax thoughts out of clients while enhancing how they perceive you through body language.
Its also crucial in the digital age to master electronic communication. At least half of people regularly shop for personal services online, and when they have the option, they prefer to communicate via e-mail or text. Whether its advertising on social media or reaching out to clients by text with a special offer, messaging should be concise, appealing, timely and relevant.
Skill #2:Physical Stamina
Massage therapy is physically demanding. Massage therapists need upper body strength to apply pressure to stiff muscles, and they spend most of the day standing. A full-body massage can last up to ninety minutes with only a few short breaks. And since sessions are scheduled when clients are available, some days can be long. Being in good physical condition reduces fatigue and prevents injury.
Skill #3:Manual Dexterity
Making The Most Of Your Student Days
Your training will include more than just massage theory and application. You will also have science coursework. Still, a massage therapy program may be short many last only six months. Consequently, youll want to take steps toward licensing and career building as early as your student days. Your clinical experiences are chances to make contacts in the professional world as well as fulfill requirements. Some states allow, and even require, you to carry out services in a student clinic. You may also have the opportunity to perform services at volunteer events. Again, this depends on your jurisdiction states often have very specific rules about what you can and cannot do as a student.
If you will be performing massage on the public, you will likely need to carry liability insurance. You may get this by joining a professional association. At the student level, the costs may be low. You may have other perks, like study tools or even the chance to select a mentor.
In most cases, you will be required to take a licensing examination. If your state is one of the many that uses the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, or MBLEX, you may be approved to test as early as your student days. However, you will need to affirm that you have had appropriate training.
You may preview the examination content by visiting the website of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards . The candidate handbook includes a list of suggested massage texts.
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Skills And Qualities Of A Massage Therapist
Youll need to be a good listener to make sure youre meeting your clients needs and treating them for what they came to see you about. Its also important for all types of complementary therapists to be able to set boundaries.
This can be key to keeping your appointments running on time, as some clients may want to stay and chat like youre close friends. Striking the perfect balance between warm yet professional is important.
When starting out as a self-employed massage therapist, you have to be organised with your business admin, including:
- Thai massage
Working In A Salon Or Spa Is Not Always What You Think It Will Be
A salon or spa could be a great place to work. You will already have a client base and new treatments you can learn. If you are interested in learning body treatments, a spa could be the best place for you to work.
However, there are always drawbacks to any position. The contract is sometimes a drawback. Before accepting a position that requires you to sign a contract, have a lawyer look it over and make sure that you understand what you are signing. If you are not completely satisfied with the contract, do not sign it. This is your future, and you need to protect yourself.
You should know the answers to these questions: What kind of work will you be expected to perform? Will you need to help with the reception desk, take care of the laundry, sweep up after the hairstylists, or such? Are you expected to perform free massages for advertising? Do you receive more than 30â50% commission?
A medical clinic could be a good place to hone your skills and gain valuable experience in your field. The same considerations apply to a position in a medical clinic. What is the pay, what are the expectations, and is there a contract? Those are the need-to-know questions. Also, try to talk with someone who works there or is familiar with the establishment. They can provide you with inside information that you will not receive in an interview.
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Your Next Step: Reach Out For More Information
Exploring the possibility of a massage therapy career is an exciting time! Youve just absorbed a lot of information on how to become a massage therapist. Want help putting it all in perspective? Do you have questions about your specific situation?
Reach out to NWHSU for personalized support on your path to becoming a massage therapist.
Why I Quit Being A Massage Therapist
The first five years of practice are the most difficult because youre not used to the physical demands, and many massage therapists quit due to burnout. Acclimating to the emotional demands are difficult as well. Clients come to you with frustrations and complaints, often times breaking down and crying in the room.
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Every Session Is Different
Ive worked with people who feel shame about their bodies and have a difficult time undressing in the room before a massage. I remember with one girl it took me almost 45 minutes to convince her that it wasnt going to be a bad experience, and that she could trust me to treat her. In these cases, the obstacle is almost always psychological rather than physical its the fear of being judged.
It goes to show why massage therapy extends so far beyond just the body. Ive had clients book a two-hour session just to talk. I dont even touch them. It happens! It happens very often.
Each session is unique because I have to listen to what the client says and read between the lines, because most people dont know how to express themselves but, at the end of the day, everyone just wants to feel more relaxed. What the hell does that mean, though? What does relaxed feel like to YOU?
The most efficient way for a massage therapist to achieve results in the short period of time is by focusing on the feet and hands, because they communicate with the entire body, like a map. If you have limited time, even 15 minutes, tell your therapist to focus on your feet and hands and youll leave happy, tuned up, energized and loving life.
Things You Should Know Before Becoming A Massage Therapist
Massage Therapist, what should you know before you become a Massage Therapist?
What are the benefits and the possible disadvantages of advancing your career in Massage therapy?
And also, what are the physical and mental demands?
What about continuing education requirements?
These are just some of the questions that need to be answered before you decide on a lifelong career choice.
This article will delve into some of the important considerations you must think through to ensure you are fully aware of whats to come.
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How Long Is Massage Therapy School
Massage therapy school programs vary. USCIs Massage Therapy program is 625 clock hours that breaks down to 425 theory through distance education and 200 hours hands-on training.
Q. How can I become a Massage Therapist? A. Becoming a massage therapist typically requires a HS diploma or equivalent and formal training through an accredited institution can also be helpful. After completing a recognized program, the next step is to sit for and pass an industry certification exam. USCIs certificate program which includes Hands-on-Training in Colorado qualifies for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam through the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards .Back to top
Q. Do I need to get Certified?A. Upon graduating from our Massage Therapy program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. U.S. Career Institutes Massage Therapy program will prepare you to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam *, administered through the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards . Depending on your state and local requirements, certification or licensure may be required to obtain work.
Your MBLEx exam fees are included in your tuition-up to a $265 value.
Q. Where would I stay during hands-on-training ?A. You will be responsible for your travel & accommodations to attend hands-on-training in Fort Collins, CO.Back to top
Research The Program That Is Right For You
Schools for massage therapy can be found in all provinces across Canada. Before choosing a school, you have probably wondered how much it costs to become a massage therapist.
Robertson College offers the Massage Therapy program at the Winnipeg and Calgary campuses. The right program for you can depend on several factors such as where you live, the beginning and end date, tuition costs, and the program itself.
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Lets Get Physical: What I Wish I Had Known
What I wish I had known before embarking on the path of massage therapy is how physically and emotionally demanding it can be. Little did I know that to do excellent bodywork, the therapist has to be feeling 100% healthy in mind, body and spirit. Just try and do a full day of massage therapy with a runny nose, after an argument with your spouse or while you are worrying about paying your health insurance bill. To allow healing to take place for your client, it is imperative that the therapist is free of anxiety, stress, and worries and is feeling physically able to complete the treatment. Yes, perhaps you can manage to give a massage session when your allergies are flaring up, but I believe that true healing is only possible when the client and therapist are working together in unison in the present moment. Remember, living in the past or future is not conducive to helping a client heal in the present.
Establish A Foundation For Additional Education And Credentials
Your massage therapy education can give you a solid foundation of knowledge in health and the human body. Thats why a background in massage therapy can help you establish a career path in other healthcare professions.
Its not uncommon for massage therapists to expand their expertise and eventually become chiropractors, acupuncturists, nurses, and more.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Massage Therapist
Massage therapists provide comfort and healing for their clients through the use of skilled massage techniques. It’s a great career for people who are passionate about helping people and want a job that keeps them physically active. In this article, we’ll talk about what a massage therapist does, how long it takes to become one and what skills you will learn as you study for your career in massage therapy.
What Are The Cons Of Being A Massage Therapist
Another disadvantage to this career is that you will be standing for many hours of the day, every day. You are required to perform massages and for most of them, you will need to be standing. This can make your body tired and you need to remember to care for yourself as well, to prevent injury or burnout.
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What Qualities Do You Need To Become A Massage Therapist
Anyone can become a massage therapist, but its a better fit as a career for students with specific personal qualities, such as:
Quality #1: Empathy
Empathy is the ability to put yourself in your clients shoes. Its essential for recognizing how the client feels about getting a massage. Many of the million-plus potential customers who say theyd like to try it dont because of physical and psychological barriers.
Massage is an intimate service, so it can provoke discomfort, many people, for example, are reluctant to have one because of body image issues. Empathy lets massage therapists evaluate their services from the customers perspective, helping them anticipate concerns so they can adapt massages to meet their clients preferences.
Quality #2:Passion for Massage
Passion not only predicts a massage therapists job satisfaction, but it also helps build their client base. The ability to self-market without being overbearing is a prerequisite for success in business. Youll need to feel comfortable reaching out to people and discussing the benefits of your services, so the customer develops the same enthusiasm. Passion shows through in everything you do.
Quality #3: A Thick Skin
Quality #4: A Positive Attitude
Quality #5:Open-Mindedness
The world is shrinking. Like healthcare professionals, massage therapists should be culturally competent, meaning that theyre willing to accommodate different expectations for their services.
Quality #6:Flexibility
How Do I Go To School To Be A Massage Therapist
Finding the right school to become a massage therapist is as simple is quickly skimming through google. With enough research you can soon find yourself reaching out to various schools and seeing what their programs have to offer. Once you call a school you can schedule an in person or virtual appointment and get information from an admissions advisor. From there, that advisor can give you all the information you need and walk you through the process of enrolling and financial aid. We highly suggest looking for a school that is majority hands-on considering it would be fairly complicated to teach massage therapy without a hands-on approach.
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