What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

The aiding practice of massage therapy has been around for a very long time, and people all over the globe benefit from its use. 

Massage therapy can be a great thing for people dealing with both physical and mental issues. Either way, knowing more about the actual person doing the massage may help you feel more comfortable. 

What does a massage therapist do? How much training do they have? How much money do they get paid?

If you’re considering working with a massage therapist and want to learn more about their job, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

The Basics about Massage Therapists

A massage therapist is someone that offers massage and wellness services for different clients. Massage therapists are trained in specific techniques that are designed to assist with pain relief in muscles and tissues.

There are so many different massage techniques and methods that can be used. Because of this, different massage therapists will practice with their own modality to reduce stress and improve a client’s physical and mental health. 

A masseuse or masseur is the same thing as a massage therapist.

These professionals are trained in specific techniques and have to obtain licensure to practice. You could see a massage therapist for options like deep tissue massages, Shiatsu, hot stone therapies, or sports massages. 

Massage therapists use hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, and feet to give massage. The primary goal of any massage is to relieve tension within the body. 

What Kind of Training Is Needed?

All massage therapists have to complete training that covers the basics of giving massages safely and effectively. There are many massage schools and programs that offer this type of training.

It is possible for a massage therapist to complete some of their training online. They will still need to complete a hands-on practicum before they can be effective in the field. All programs will require in-person experience before someone obtains their certificate or diploma. 

If a massage therapist wants to specialize in a certain area, like prenatal massage, they would need to get additional training.

It is possible for professional massage therapists to receive credentials in their specialized services through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

Professional Massage Therapist Salary

The pay range for a professional massage therapist will vary based on experience levels and the types of clients that are being served.

For instance, a massage therapist with 15 years of experience will be paid more than someone that is just beginning their career.

Additionally, the location where the massage therapist works, whether it is a spa, a hospital, or on a movie set, is going to drastically impact their overall salary.

If a massage therapist is self-employed and working with clients privately, they can set their own rates. This means that they can make a lot more or a lot less money than the average massage therapist based on their prices. 

A medical massage therapist working in an alternative health facility can expect a salary of about $50,000 per year.

As you can see, there are many factors that impact the pay range for a massage therapist. Choosing a massage therapist that is licensed and vetted by their organization is the best bet to get the most out of the experience.

Typical Massage Therapy Appointment

Before a massage, the massage therapist will speak with the client to find out more about the pain or discomfort they are experiencing. During this consultation, they will also discuss expectations. The client can expect questions regarding their medical history or medical chart. 

The massage therapist will talk with the client during the massage to be sure that the patient is comfortable throughout the process. They also want to check that the treatment is in the right area.

A massage will last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, so it is important that the client and massage therapist can communicate openly.

Following the massage, the client can expect to discuss actions they can take at home to prevent future pain. A client could even use exercises, suggested by the massage therapist, to strengthen the parts of their body that cause them discomfort. 

Because everyone is different, a massage therapist is not going to use the same techniques on each client. The methods used will vary based on age, activity level, pain tolerance, and area of irritation. 

How Can a Massage Therapist Help?

Massage therapy can help someone dealing with a variety of concerns, from nerve pain to digestive disorders. 

A lot of people enjoy getting a massage simply because it is a great way to pamper yourself as well. You get the opportunity to relax and feel comforted during the process. 

Because a massage can range from gentle to deep pressure, you will choose your own comfort level in consultation with your massage therapist.

You will get the most out of your experience if you go into it knowing what to expect and having a good idea of the outcome. That makes massage a more positive experience for everyone.. At Faces Spa, we have massage therapy for people that want a healing massage. 

Do You Need a Massage Therapist?

There are a lot of benefits from massage.

Whether you’re looking to work on a specific problem area or you just want to take a moment to relax, our massage therapists are here for you.

If you’d like to learn more or are interested in booking an appointment, contact Faces Spa today at (402) 384-8400.