Massage Therapy
Last updated May 27, 2008

Massage Therapists are health care professionals who are
prepared to address specific health issues and work in
conjunction with other health professionals.  Massage
Therapy addresses dysfunction injury and chronic pain
associated with soft tissue.  At the same time a therapist
can provide luxurious relaxing sessions and competent stress
management.

Massage Therapists must have good communication skills,
have compassion for people, and have the highest of ethical
and moral values.

Duties:
Therapists may be called on to provide:

  • Swedish-a gently relaxing massage

  • Pressure Point Therapy-for specific diseases or injuries

  • Sports Massage-with a focus on specific muscle groups

Massage may be prescribed for a wide range of medical conditions including:

  • Allergies

  • Arthritis

  • Asthma

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Chronic and Temporary Pain

  • Circulatory Problems

  • Digestive Disorders

  • Headache

  • Insomnia

  • Reduced Range of Motion

  • Sports Injuries

  • Stress

  • Temporalmandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

Working Conditions:

  • Work in a quiet relaxed atmosphere

  • Potential to create own work schedule

Employment:

A wide range of employment opportunities are available including:

  • Healthcare settings, including medical and rehabilitation centers

  • Hospitals

  • Chiropractic offices

  • Physician offices

  • Health spas

  • Hotels

  • Fitness Centers

  • Tourists Destinations

  • Cruise Ships

Physical Demands:

  • Active - predominately standing

  • Manual dexterity

  • Hand/eye coordination, accurate swift movements

  • Use of both hands for extended period of time

Characteristics & Temperament

  • Ability to work with people

  • Good communication skills

  • Good listening skills

  • Good social skills

  • Manual/finger dexterity

  • People person

  • Self discipline

  • Team player

  • Honesty/trustworthy

  • High ethical and moral standards

Employment Outlook
Therapists can expect the following developments:

  • possible to earn $17.00 - $70.00 per hour

  • average wage of 2006-2007 graduates is $45 per hour

  • 71% placement rate for 2006-2007 graduates

  • full- or part-time available

  • employment in cities and towns of all sizes

Employers
Recent therapists have found work at:

  • Abella on Main  
  • Countryside Medical
  • Greenwood Clinic of Chiropractic
  • Image Makers
  • Purple Door