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Massage Therapist
Massage therapy is the therapeutic use of touch by hands, elbows or feet on the body. There are many different systems of massage but it is commonly used to help physical or emotional problems.
Many massage therapists prefer to use a holistic approach, as they believe that emotional or personal problems lead to physical conditions such as stiffness or tension.
There are many branches of massage including:
- Indian head massage; this involves using particular oils and techniques to relax the neck, shoulders, head and face
- sports massage; this area includes the treatment of sprains, torn ligament and broken limbs
- baby massage; this form of massage can bring benefits to both parent and baby, calming and possibly strengthening the immune system of the infant
- body massage (also known as Swedish massage); this covers the whole body, especially the limbs and back.
A therapist will usually begin a session by taking a detailed medical history, asking the client about their health and lifestyle to assess any possible problems or conditions. They apply pressure to specific areas to ease tension, clear blockages, improve circulation and help restore the body’s natural balance. Sometimes essential oils may be used.
Hours and Environment
There are no set working hours. Unsocial hours may be required to accommodate clients. Part-time hours are often possible.
Massage therapists can work in a variety of environments including beauty salons, health spas and fitness centres. It is also possible to work in a healthcare environment such as a hospice or complementary medical centre. Some offer a service in clients’ homes or workplaces, so a driving licence would be needed. It is also possible to work from home.
Sessions usually last from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the client's needs. Most work takes place in a quiet room with a massage table. Massage therapists spend a lot of time on their feet and bending over clients. Often they will have gentle music playing while they work to help clients relax.
Skills and Interests
To work as a massage therapist you should:
- be comfortable with close contact with clients
- be able to develop empathy with clients and appreciate what they are going through
- have a smart appearance and good personal hygiene
- be able to clearly explain the stages of treatment
- have highly developed listening skills to determine the best treatment
- recognise when to refer clients to a qualified medical doctor
- be able to keep accurate, up-to-date client records
- have the commercial skills required to run a business.
Entry
There are no set entry requirements for massage courses, however, GCSE/S grades or equivalent qualifications in biology, anatomy or physiology are useful (these may be compulsory when studying massage at higher levels). Awarding bodies such as BTEC (edexcel), VTCT and ITEC have all developed Level 3 Certificate or Diploma courses in Anatomy and Physiology.
Some massage courses may incorporate an introduction to anatomy and physiology as part of the programme. Shorter massage courses tend to be introductory or for general interest only and are not usually a suitable preparation for professional practice, and would not enable you to gain insurance cover.
There is no minimum age for training but you do need to be able to win clients’ confidence, so a mature and caring attitude is essential.
Training
Several awarding bodies have developed courses in massage. Some courses also lead to membership of one of several professional bodies such as the Federation of Holistic Therapists, British Register of Complementary Practitioners (see ICM website) or Scottish Massage Therapists Organisation. Please check with the relevant body for particular requirements.
Courses that prepare you to be a professional massage therapist usually involve a minimum of 100 to 150 hours based on theoretical study, treatments observed by an assessor or tutor, and a written exam. Courses often include:
- further study of anatomy and physiology before studying massage techniques
- health and safety including your own posture when giving massages
- keeping a record of case histories for a number of clients, which involves providing a series of massages over a period of time and noting any changes in the client's health and well being
- practical business skills as many massage therapists are self-employed.
Courses are usually taught through a series of training weekends/days, combined with home assignments given in between. You can undertake Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) and the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) massage courses at colleges of further and higher education, and private centres throughout the UK. Contact the relevant awarding body for more details; see Further Information.
Specialising in a particular form of massage such as baby and infant massage, or sports massage, will involve undertaking further courses of training in that specific branch.
The Massage Training Institute advises on general holistic massage but cannot give details on specific types of massage such as Indian head massage. Check their website for further details.
You may be able to access Continuing Professional Developement opportunities through membership of a professional body.
Skills for Health, the Sector Skills Council for Health, have developed National Occupational Standards for massage. These standards will ultimately influence the structure and content of training and qualifications in this area. For more information, check the Skills for Health website; see Further Information.
Opportunities
Interest in massage and other complementary therapies has increased considerably in the last 20 years. Many complementary therapies are progressively being integrated into traditional healthcare to complement more conventional treatments.
Positions exist for massage therapists within the NHS and private healthcare, as well as in salons, spas and hotels.
After gaining experience, it is possible to learn other forms of massage such as remedial massage or complementary therapies such as aromatherapy or reflexology.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Most massage therapists are self-employed. Charges will vary considerably - usually from £20 to £45 an hour depending on location and clients. Income is likely to be affected by contributing to or paying for business costs such as rent and materials.
A newly qualified massage therapist working in a salon can expect to earn around £10,000 a year.
With experience, therapists can earn between £15,000 and £30,000 a year.
Tips from clients and commission for the sale of beauty products may also be received.
Further information
1 Woodville Terrace
Lytham
Lancashire
FY8 5QB
Tel: 0870 005 2678
Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500
Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
London
N16 0XQ
Tel: 020 7254 7227
Bridge of Don
Aberdeen
AB23 8BX
Tel: 01224 822956
Chiswick
London
W4 4JE
Tel: 020 8994 4141
London
SE16 7QZ
Tel: 020 7237 5165
Hathaway Close
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 4SR
Tel: 0870 420 2022
Uttoxeter
Staffordshire
ST14 8DR
Tel: 01889 564 555
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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