What Skills Do You Need to Be a Successful Massage Therapist?

Are you thinking about becoming a massage therapist? Massage therapy can offer great job satisfaction for the right candidates, and you’ll get to help other people improve their quality of life. So, what skills do you need to start this career path?

What kind of personality best suits a massage therapist? Take a look at everything you need to know about what it takes to become a massage therapist below.

Qualities and Skills of a Successful Massage Therapist

Academics

You will need to study to become a certified massage therapist. There are many vocational schools that offer training in massage therapy. You’ll learn the different massage techniques that will best suit specific clients and the benefits of using essential oils for the relief of pain, anxiety, and many other conditions.

More intensive courses will also teach you anatomy and how massage can correct and realign many body disorders. You can usually complete this course within five months, and you often don’t need to present any previous qualifications to secure your place in a class.

Communication Skills

A good massage therapist needs to have excellent communication skills. You’ll need to communicate what you’re going to do and what you need your client to do. You can also explain the benefits of the massage to your clients during the treatment. 

Many clients will also feel more comfortable talking during the treatment. You may find that making ‘small talk’ during the massage is a good way to build a loyal working relationship.

Flexibility

Massage therapist jobs can be physically demanding. You’ll be on your feet throughout most of the day and your posture may take a beating. It’s important to look after yourself physically so your job doesn’t become overwhelming.

You’ll also need to be flexible for your clients. There may be times where clients cancel appointments, request last-minute appointments, or where you accidentally book in more than one client for the same time. It’s important to be adaptable in this role.

Understanding

Every client you meet will want something different. Some clients will want to talk to you as if you are a trusted confidant during their massage, while others will prefer peace. When a client gets what they want, they usually return.

That’s why it’s so important for massage therapists to understand what their clients want. It’s okay to ask what your client would prefer before the session begins. Otherwise, you may get an idea of what your client wants as the session goes on.

Comforting

In many cases, you may be a voice of comfort to your clients. Often, people come for massages because they’re dealing with the physical struggle. This is especially true for oncology massage where you’ll help patients dealing with cancer. 

You will need to study further if you want to pursue that type of certification. Knowing that you understand their struggle and you’re willing to help in whatever way you can, can be a true comfort to many clients.

Be Aware

If you’re massaging someone who is in regular pain or a client who is pregnant, you’ll need to be aware of the pressure you’re using. You’ll be able to gauge whether your client is in pain by their level of relaxation. If a client is uncomfortable, you may notice their shoulders tense.

It’s important to apply pressure during a massage, but finding the balance between pressure that will heal and pressure that will cause more damage is vital. 

Systematic

As you study massage, you’ll be shown how to systemically cover the area you’re massaging. There is a method to massage that allows you to be sure you’ve covered the whole area, not just parts of it. One of the most important massage therapist skills is being systematic in your role.

If a client leaves with half a massage you can be sure they’ll feel it shortly after. However, if a client feels that the whole area was covered and their body is better for it, you can be sure they’ll be back for more.

Outstanding Hygiene

You will see many clients during the day, so you must keep your hands and your massage table impeccably clean. However, it’s also important to remember that you’ll be standing incredibly close to your clients. You’ll need to ensure your teeth are brushed, you are showered and wearing deodorant, and your clothes are clean.

What Do Massage Therapists Do?

If you’re looking for an idea of what a massage therapist does, take a browse through our website. You can see the range of treatments we offer, from hot stone massage to deep tissue massage. The range of clients we work with is vast and exciting.

Becoming a Massage Therapist

Being a massage therapist is such a rewarding job. If you have a real passion for working with people, caring for people, and listening, you may just be the perfect fit for massage therapy. If you’re willing to put in the work, you could start a new career in just a few months.

For more information on becoming a massage therapist or to book a treatment for yourself to find out what it’s all about, call (402) 384-8400.