The word massage comes from the Greek verb massa, which means “to treat, to touch, to work with the hands, to knead dough”. A massage therapist is someone who has been trained to give massages to people for health reasons.
There are over 80 different types of massage therapies, but the most common are: aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, reflexology, Thai massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage. A good massage therapist usually specialises in a number of different techniques. It is quite common to see self-employed therapists running their own businesses, but many of them work in a variety of settings such as spas, health clubs, health centers, shopping malls, resorts, and many others.
When seeing a therapist, a client usually complains of aches or pains in their body or seeks relaxation. The hands of massage therapists are often the most useful tool in treatment, although some massage therapists may use other equipment, such as ultraviolet and infrared light treatments, water therapy, or steam and dry heat treatments. Therapists usually apply a lubricant to the client’s body before doing the hand massage. While the patient is lying down, massages are applied to specific body parts by kneading, rubbing, rocking, compressing, and stroking the flesh. The pain caused by injuries, stress, and surgery is relieved by these techniques by stimulating blood circulation and relaxing muscles.
Education, training, and certification
The requirements for becoming a massage therapist may vary from state to state, but in most states, any person wishing to become a therapist must obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent before enrollment. Most schools that offer these programmes have full-time and part-time programs. A minimum of 500 hours spent on the programme is expected by students, in which they will be taught anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, ethics, business and management. Hands-on experience is also provided to give the students a real feel for the work.
A student must have a licence or certificate in most states to practice. Students from these states must pass the certification exam before they can work. The two tests that are nationally accepted are the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Massage and Bodywork Permit Examination. There are also specific certification exams in some states. Massage therapists in states that don’t require certification can start working as soon as they finish a programme that has been approved.
environment and typical work schedule.
Massage therapists work in many different settings, such as day spas, hospitals, chiropractors, doctors’ offices, day spas, cruise ships, health centers, resorts, corporate offices, and in their own clinics. Some therapists also offer home services.
Seventy-five percent of massage therapists work less than 40 hours a week because it is physically demanding work. Many will work evenings and weekends when people are most likely to get massages. A therapist has a lot of freedom in how much he wants to work, but it ultimately depends on his own schedule.
Factors Affecting a Massage Therapist’s Salary
A massage therapist’s business is built on repeat customers. To keep customers coming back and referring others to them as well, excellent service must be provided. These individuals are more willing to pay a higher fee for a service they trust as long as they build a loyal customer base. -Education:
In general, licenced or certified massage therapists make more money because customers are willing to pay more for a qualified massage therapist. Certain third-party insurance policies may cover massage therapy, but only for services provided by state-registered massage therapists. These therapists may therefore charge a higher premium.
Address: Also very important in determining the salary of a massage therapist is location, as salaries vary from state to state. The highest-paying state is Alaska, as the supply of massage therapists in the area is low.
Employers’ salaries may also be influenced by the place where a therapist chooses to work. Therapists who work in hospitals don’t get a tip for the service, while those who work at a resort or luxury spa get more generous tips. Ambulatory health care, nursing care facilities, technical and trade schools, medical practices, and specialty hospitals are the highest paying employers in this profession.
Annual and hourly wage averages
The median annual salary of a therapist is $39,920. This is calculated by adding up all wages within the profession and dividing that value by the total number of employees. The lowest 10% of this occupation earn less than $18,300 and the top 10% earn more than $69,070. Their median hourly wage is $19.19. The bottom 10% earn $8.80 while the top 10% earn $33.21.