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- Use massage techniques to help people relax and recover from illness or injury
- Most massage therapists are self employed so you'll manage your own time and workload
- Work can be quite physically demanding, and you may work evenings and weekends to fit in with our clients' needs
As a massage therapist, your work will depend on the type of massage you do and the clients you see. You could offer sports massage, baby and infant massage, or massage therapy for people with medical conditions.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Check the client's medical history, diet and lifestyle
- Identify the client's reasons for wanting massage therapy
- Plan a course of treatment
- Apply pressure to areas of the body
- Give advice to clients about their wellbeing
- Refer clients to medical professionals
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Most massage therapists are self-employed, so your pay will depend on how many clients you attract, how many hours you work and how much money you charge.
You may work at a hospice, from home, at a GP practice, at a health spa, in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic.
You'll need
To be a massage therapist, you'll need sensitivity and understanding, excellent verbal communication skills, the ability to work well with your hands, patience, customer service skills, thoroughness and attention to detail, and the ability to work well with others.
You could take a Level 3 Diploma in Massage or Complementary Therapies. The Council for Soft Tissue Therapies (GCMT), the governing body for massage therapy, suggests a course that lasts for at least 6 months full time, or 12 months part time.
You could get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship in beauty therapy massage.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could build up and maintain a reputation and client base, and set up your own business. You could also train in other complementary therapies like aromatherapy, reiki or reflexology.