Never be afraid to ask to see a therapist’s credentials. Most therapists worked hard to obtain their education and various skills and should have no problem showing off their certifications. Other things to ask include fees, cancellation policy, and any other general business policies that may affect you such as preferred method of payment.

Another effective practice is to ask for personal recommendations or references from current clients. Word of mouth is an effective tool also, but talking to a real client can help you to understand what the therapist offers, and how they operate their business. You can also explore the various modalities offered by the therapist, and if you are unsure what something means, ask. Most therapists have literature available for clients to explain what the different techniques are and what they generally entail. This can also include an explanation of what to expect during a  treatment, for example, if you have to remain clothed or have to undress. By doing your research, you may find it easier to locate the best therapist for you. If you find that you are not satisfied, make sure to communicate your reasons for moving on to your therapist, and remember, not every therapist and/or modality is for everyone. It can take time to find a therapist that is the right fit for you.

Pay attention to your body and remember self care. If you look after yourself you will be better able to care for others more effectively.

Listen to your clients’ verbal and non-verbal messages. By giving clients what they want, we ensure that they will return.

Do not allow yourself to be taken advantage of. Your skills and time are worth money, and should be recognized as such by yourself and whoever you massage.

Accept constructive criticism and learn from it.

Do not get discouraged if you cannot fix everyone-some people will never benefit from your work, while others will come along leaps and bounds.

Spend time with other therapists-we can learn a lot from our peers, and vice versa.

Massage Therapy and Scope of Practice:

Scope of practice is a term that is used to define what you are trained to perform safely. For example, many massage therapists learn how to perform passive range of motion techniques with their clients. However, joint mobilization, despite sounding like the same technique is not taught to, nor should it generally be performed by massage therapists. Licensing bodies have been given the task to communicate scope of practice to massage therapists. By remaining within the scope of practice a massage therapist is performing techniques within their educational base, and as such, the techniques are assumed to be safe for the clients. By remaining aware of their scope of practice, massage therapists can continue to work knowing that what they are doing is promoted and is safe for the client. Having a clearly defined scope of practice also helps to promote massage to the general public in a researched and regulated light.

As a massage therapist you are obligated to determine the definition of massage therapy according to your state licensure. If a client requires a skill that you are not licensed to perform, your best bet is to refer them to a therapist that is qualified in the discipline.

Self care for massage therapists can include stretching, strengthening and even massage for the massage therapist. Chiropractic is beneficial for massage therapists as strain or repetitive injuries are common. There are tools available to help promote muscle health for forearms and hands.

Some self care tips for massage therapists:

1. Try and keep your back as straight as you can throughout the massage.
2. Try and keep your wrists from flexing during a massage.
3. Use your leg strength rather than your arms. If your legs are not the first area to feel tired, you are not using proper body mechanics. Have someone watch you or videotape you to see where you are going wrong.
4. Do some learning about body mechanics to prevent strain and injury.
5. Stretch regularly throughout the day.
6. Do not overbook yourself, and remember to take days off and holidays.
7. Follow the advice that you give your clients. Eat properly, get regular exercise, drink planty of water and try and have enough sleep.
8. Set boundaries regarding massage with your family and friends. It is not rude to ask them to book with you in your clinic space, whether or not you charge them is up to you.
9. Get massages yourself, as regularly as you can.
10. Set boundaries with your clients. A day off should mean just that, not a day off where you are answering your phone and taking on clients.
11. Take care of business during business hours. This way, the end of your day really is the end, and after you are finished you can relax.

Massage therapy equipment usually consists of massage chairs, massage tables, towels, stools, cleaning supplies, lotions and oils, pillows and sheets, table warmers, candles, music and mood lighting.

Each day there are new massage therapy equipment ideas emerging. Some are designed to help the client, and some to help the therapist. For example, there are holsters available for the therapist to keep their lubricant in. This allows the therapist to move around the table without needing to reach for their massage lotion or oil, as it is always right by their side.

The Massage Table

Apart from the therapist the massage table is the most important piece of equipment. There are many different types of massage tables available. There are portable massage tables and stationary massage tables. Some offer adjustable height, either by adjusting the legs manually or using hydraulic adjustment capabilities. Also, massage tables are either made of light weight metal or made of solid wood and come in different heights. In addition, massage tables can be covered in leather or vinyl, come in various colors, and are durable and easy to clean. Most massage tables will have optional arm rests and/or face plates or holes. When choosing a table, it may be either custom built or readymade. Some custom built tables also have optional extra thick foam, or other design options such as open ends to allow the therapist to be seated at the end of the table.

The Massage Chair

The massage chair is made of similar fabric as the massage table but has wonderful  contoured shapes that give complete relaxation and helps to decrease lower body compression. Massage chairs are used to give a client a quick but effective massage while the patient has his or her clothes on. Massage chairs are a great way to offer portable services to busy people in their work environment or their home.

The Massage Stool

Massage stools are also part of the massage therapy equipment. Massage stools are not always used but might be used when the  therapist wants to give a deeper type of massage or massage in one area for a longer time period, for example, working on the feet, In this instance, the therapist might be seated on the stool while performing the massage. Massage stools help the therapist conserve their energy and promote ergonomics, helping decrease repetitive strain on the therapist.. Most models have adjustable height and are on wheels to give the therapist easy and smooth movement.

Massage Pillows

Pillows are used during a massage to support, or bolster various body positions and parts. They need to be covered with pillow protectors that are not only waterproof but also cleanable. There are, of course, many different shapes and sizes of pillows used for varying purposes. Regular flat pillows are often placed under the hips of the client when they are lying face down on the massage table, and then loved under the knees when they are on their back to promote comfort. There are wedge shaped pillows that help for massage during pregnancy, to support the woman’s belly during massage. As with any equipment, it depends on what modalities you practice, as well as your client’s preferences as to what type of pillow you use.

The Massage Towel or Sheets

Massage therapy towels/sheets are  another very important part of the massage therapy equipment. During most massage therapy sessions, towels/sheets are used to cover or drape many areas of the body such as the arms, legs, face, and torso. The therapist simply uncovers the area being addressed, while the rest of the body is covered to keep warm, and for modesty. Client ‘s are all shapes and sizes, so the size of your towels/sheets must be adjusted accordingly.. Therapists also use separate towels to clean the equipment and to clean and dry their hands. The quality, texture and laundering requirements of the towel must be considered for optimal results and satisfaction for the patient.

Massage Tools

There are also many massage tools available. These are designed to help therapists save their hands. For example, there are trigger point tools available that allow the therapist to apply the necessary pressure to a trigger point using the tool, rather than their thumb or fingers. These types of tool help therapist from muscle strain, the leading injury amongst massage therapists. Therapists still require their hands to palpate, or feel what is going on with their client’s muscles, but the tool can be used to replace the pressure needed to release sore muscles. Also important is the ergonomics of the tool, it needs to allow the therapist to keep their wrists straight during use, and promote good body mechanics for the therapist. There are many available on the market, and just like finding a match between client and therapist, one size does not fit all. Trial and error will allow you to find the appropriate tools for your practice and your clients.

Added Features of Massage Therapy Equipment

In order to reduce friction on the client’s skin, a lubricant is needed for most massage styles. Massage lotions, creams and oils are readily available, and many are scented or unscented, depending on your client’s needs.  Some clients are allergic to artificial fragrances, and there are natural, aromatherapy lotions that make a great alternative to fragranced products. Pillows may also be required for padding or bolstering during the massage, and generally should have a waterproof pillow protector to allow them to be sanitized between clients. Pillows are also generally covered with cases, which need changing and laundering between clients as well. Other equipment may also be part of a therapy session, such as table warming pads, specialty lighting, music and even candles. The need for some equipment depends highly on the needs of the client, and the setting for the massage treatment. Massage therapists also require adequate cleaning supplies. There are ready made cleaning solutions, and also plenty of recipes online for cleaning sprays and solutions. The massage table must be sanitized between each client, regardless of the fact that sheets cover your table between clients. Sheets and pillow cases must be changed, and the pillow protectors sprayed and wiped clean also. A therapist needs some way to store laundry , and if massage oils are used, it is best to store used linens in an airtight fashion to prevent the oils on the linens from smelling rancid before you get them into the laundry. This brings up the question of how the laundry will be cleaned. Some therapists take the linens home and launder them themselves, and some use a linen service that picks up the laundry every day, replacing it with a bag of clean linens.

There are many different places that hire massage therapists. Many of the places that you can find employment are day spas, resorts, hotels, health clubs, doctor’s offices, chiropractic offices, hospitals and cruise ships. You can of course open your own business which requires more work and an initial outlay of money to get the business going.

One of many things to remember when it comes to looking for a job in massage therapy is that pay is dependent on where you reside. Everyone pays different and when you are self-employed, you are either with clients and getting paid, or not bringing any money in. Alternatively, some companies pay therapists hourly, in which case your income is based on hours worked, rather than clients booked. The most common pay for a massage therapist is between $12-$15 an hour. Your success is going to be dependent on how many clients you can get. If you are working for a company then always make sure you understand the difference between subcontracting or an employee position. Remember to read the fine print before signing any contracts as many places require you to be contracted to them alone, leaving you unable to perform massage outside of their office.

Accurate training is very crucial when it comes to being a massage therapist. The more training you have as well as experience is going to have an impact on how much work you get and how many clients you can retain.

If you are interested in finding a job or training in massage therapy it may take some time to find the right match. If you are looking for training, you find that in just about state in the US. As mentioned previously, always make sure you do proper research into the school and the training they are going to provide. Some schools will provide financial aid and some may not. Finding a job is something that is going to require research as well. Make sure you understand everything about the job such as pay, hours and what kind of position is being offered. Massage Therapy is a growing field and is need of highly trained and professional therapists. Take the time to get the most and best information as you can find to determine if this is the right position for yourself.

Annual income really does depend on where the Massage Therapist lives and where they are employed .. It will also depend on their experience, where their employer is located and what kind of business they are involved with. Some therapists have been able to up to $180,000 a year after getting the much needed experience and training they need. You can work many different schedules being a Massage Therapist. It can range from full-time to part time to being a contractor.

Once you have been in the industry for  a while, you can start your own business and make a significantly higher income. You are of course going to have some things that you will need to purchase in order to run a successful business. You will have to purchase a massage chair and table, some sheets for the chairs and table and lotions and oils. You may also require equipment for hydrotherapy, or for the application of heat or cold. Some therapists swear by infrared sauna treatment prior to the massage to maximize results. It is important that you remember that is can take a couple of years to get your business up and going. Some therapists have been able to make an upward of $70 for one hour of massage. If you are working for someone else’s business, you may be able to make $20 or more for an hour not including tips. For part time workers, they have been able to make $30,000 or more a year.

Once you have decided that massage therapy is the right choice for you, you are going to have to find the best school to get your training. Many schools are starting to offer this kind of degree and it can be done with in as little as year. Research the schools and what all they have to offer so you know you are getting the best deal for your education with the best program. Choose the one that has the most training so you can get all you need to be the most successful and make the most salary each year.

Massage Therapy is a rewarding field that can help you build one of the biggest businesses in the world. In order to maintain the best customer relations, you always take the time to make sure that you strive for the best work possible with every client that you have. Before starting into your career take the time to understand your goals and what all you want to accomplish. The most important aspect of being a Massage Therapist to always have a warm, friendly, inviting personality and you should have no problem building the business of your dreams.

The benefits of massage have long been recognized in almost all cultures. Its use is even reported on in the Bible. (Esther 2:12) “Massage techniques play an important part in traditional Chinese and Indian medical care,” observed the British Medical Journal (BMJ) of November 6, 1999. “European massage was systematized in the early 19th century by Per Henrik Ling, who developed what is now known as Swedish massage.”
Massage is credited with relaxing the muscles, improving circulation of the blood, and removing toxins that have accumulated in the tissues. Doctors now prescribe massage for such ailments as back pain, headaches, and digestive disorders. Most people who receive massage therapy comment on how good it makes them feel. According to Dr. Sandra McLanahan, “eighty percent of disease is stress-related, and massage reduces stress.”
“As massage becomes more mainstream, consumers are becoming concerned about a massage therapist’s credentials, and they should be,” noted E. Houston LeBrun, past president of the American Massage Therapy Association. BMJ advised that to avoid unprofessional behavior, “patients should ensure that practitioners are registered with an appropriate regulatory body.” A report last year noted that therapists were licensed in 37 states in the United States. There are basically two types of certification tests. One is the National Certification Examination (NCE) for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The other is National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage. You must check with state boards to see which type of exam they require for practice. Of course in order to take the exams you must have accumulated 500 hours of supervised instruction and graduated from an accredited school. In states that do not use the NCE, anyone applying for licensing must either take that state’s test or apply for reciprocity, which is usually on a case-by-case basis. Reciprocity refers to the exchange, recognition or enforcement of licenses, privileges or obligations between states of US or between nations.
Characteristics of Massage
Basically there are four kinds of movements used in massage. There is the stroking of the muscles of the body. This is performed with the palms of the hands and the pulps of the fingers. Kneading (actually the French word for massage means kneading) is accomplished by grasping the muscles between the thumb and the fingers, both hands working together. Then there is friction, which involves a rotation movement. And there is also percussion, which is performed by striking the muscles with the edges of the palms. While there is a trend toward using mechanical means, such as a vibrator, there are many in the profession who believe that only by means of the hands are these movements most beneficially and effectively performed.
These differing procedures of massage are, in turn, modified and varied by certain factors. There is the matter of pressure, which can be light, medium or heavy. The rate or pace, at which the massaging is done, as well as the rhythm, is also important, being governed by whether stimulation or relaxation is the goal. Still another factor is that of duration, the length of time involved, usually from forty-five minutes to an hour for a thorough head-to-foot treatment. How frequently one gets a massage is another consideration. Once or twice a week can be beneficial, if time permits, unless an injury is involved. Once a client is balanced, it may be once a month for maintenance. Then again, the use of baths and heat in preparing a person for a massage is considered by many to be essential for maximum results.
There is reason to believe that massage is undervalued, even as are other aspects of physical medicine. Of course, a massage is a time-consuming treatment. By way of contrast, a thorough massage may take sixty times as long as a chiropractic treatment. A massage also involves a great deal of physical exertion on the part of the practitioner. Additionally here are some tasks a massage therapist may undertake:
• Providing clients with rehabilitative exercises
• Conferring with clients about medical histories
• Developing client treatment plans
• Preparing clients for tests, therapy or treatments
• Maintaining treatment records
• Preparing and blending massage oils
So, if you want to become part of this growing industry, making people feel better and improving your own quality of life; enroll in an accredited school of massage therapy and bring your credentials to us so that we can begin long a meaningful relationship in the field of health care.

By definition, massage therapy is manipulation of soft tissues. Massage therapy uses various hands-on techniques to release tension in muscles, decrease scar tissue and swelling, and to regain mobility. This can mean anything from a light relaxing Swedish massage to a much more intense technique, such as Rolfing, that is used to realign the body and restructure muscular and connective tissues. The therapist’s hands are the primary tools used in massage, but there are a variety of other devices and tools that may be used to help meet therapeutic goals.

What is it like to be a massage therapist?

The career of a massage therapist is as varied as each individual therapist and all therapists’ days are certainly not the same. As a massage therapist you may spend your days working in a day spa, on a cruise ship, doing out calls in office buildings, or working with professional sports teams. The possibilities are endless.

How do I become a massage therapist?

The requirements for a massage therapist are different, depending on where you live. Almost all states require some sort of education, but this varies greatly from only about 250 hours to over 5000 hours. It’s best to check your state’s requirements, and then find a school accordingly. The cost of schooling also greatly varies, but most schools do offer some sort of financial aid. In addition to educational requirements, there are licensing and certification requirements that also vary by state. Some states require no license or certification, while other states require massage certification as well as licensing in each city that you would like to work. Depending upon where you live, your state may also require you to participate in continuing education to maintain your licensure.

What are the job opportunities for massage therapists?

One of the great things about a career in massage therapy is that the job opportunities are endless. You have the option of deciding whether you would like to work for someone else or on your own, full time or part time, or in just one location or several.
Some of the people and places that hire massage therapists are:
• Day spas
• Chiropractors
• Doctors
• Physical Therapists
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Gyms
• Professional sports teams
• Country clubs
• Offices and large corporations
• Cruise ships

There are even many massage therapists that specialize in unique areas (a fantastic marketing strategy). For example, there is equine massage (massaging horses), animal massage (massaging pets) and other specialties such as massage designed specifically towards the needs of musicians. There really is no limit to the areas that can benefit from massage and a smart therapist will attempt to find a sector that has less massage available and market themselves directly towards it.

How much are massage therapists paid?

A career in massage therapy can be extremely profitable. A one hour massage can cost the client anywhere from $35 to over $120 or more. The price depends on several factors; including your location, the massage technique, and in what type of facility you practice in. Of course the actual pay to the massage therapist varies as well, depending on whether you are self-employed or employed by someone else and what sort of contract you have with your employer. Some massage therapists are paid per hour, while others are given a percentage of the cost of the massage plus any tips. For self-employed therapists, keep in mind that the money made from an hour long massage, for example, $80 includes all of the overheads. These are expenses such as rent for the space, utilities, laundry services etc. Thus, income in massage therapy can be quite variable, especially until you have established a client base.