If you are looking for a career with some flexibility and the option to work for yourself, massage therapy could be the right choice. It can offer you the chance to control your own financial destiny by providing an invaluable healing service.
Natural health services and wellness care is on the rise. With baby boomers retiring, careers in such fields promise to remain in high demand for years to come. A career as a massage therapist could be the right choice for you!
Besides charging a good hourly rate, ranging from $45 on up, massage therapy could be a terrific choice for your career in the wellness field. It helps with a wide range of issues. Massage provides relief for anxiety, headaches, digestive disorders, insomnia, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and soft tissue strains or injuries.
Career in Massage Therapy
A massage therapist has the option to work in a spa or a clinic, which can be a good way to get some experience under your belt. Those who work to build a regular clientele independent of another business, can set their own prices and schedule. When venturing out on your own, buying the right equipment matters. You may also decide to choose a specialty to boost income potential.
Setting Up Your Massage Office
You will need a professional grade massage bed to work on clients from different angles. It’s also a good idea to buy a massage chair if you plan on offering demos when marketing your business at health expos or health food stores. To make your massage table as comfortable as possible for your clients, use flannel sheets and pillows.
You will also need a variety of oils and lotions for massage. It’s a good idea to have a supply of essential oils. For instance, add three drops of cinnamon essential oil to two tablespoons of a carrier oil to relieve pain and improve blood circulation. Check here for more information about essential oils.
Finally, create a soothing atmosphere using music and candles. Choose music that has a meditative effect to create a serene environment. Use candles to provide soft lighting, preferring those with neutral scents.
Deciding on a Massage Therapy Specialty
By choosing a specialty, you will not only be able to earn more an hour, but you will also find it easier to market your business. Your business will flourish compared to other massage therapists in your city or town. Three popular specialties are medical massage, sports massage, and corporate massage.
1. Medical Massage: After doctors have made a diagnosis of a health condition that benefits from massage therapy, they will refer you because you will provide complementary treatment. You will help patients by using techniques like Myofascial treatment, Deep tissue massage, Muscle energy technique Neuromuscular trigger point therapy, and Cross-fiber friction. As a medical massage therapist, you will be one of the best-paid massage therapists in the business. What’s more, you’ll attract a steady flow of referrals–because once doctors are aware of your specialty, they will send people who need your rare skills.
2. Sports Massage: for sport’s injuries with neuromuscular therapy and trigger-point therapy. You may also teach your clients Active Isolated Stretching, which is the safest stretching method for people with injuries. Additionally, you might use myofascial techniques to correct problems with muscles, connective tissues, ligaments, and tendons. Besides athletes, your clients may include physically active people, gym members, and dancers.
3. Corporate Massage: You may be invited to corporate wellness events to provide chair massage. Using somatic techniques like Swedish massage and Shiatsu, you’ll help provide pain and stress relief for people with neck, back, and hip issues.
Focus On Your Passion
In the final analysis, the type of equipment you buy and the type of specialty you choose should be based on your passion. As the saying goes . . .
Find something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life!
While looking as careers that will be in demand is important, choose something that you find deeply interesting is a true recipe for success.
Get a Massage License
The first step is to get your education and license. There is also funding available and student loans. Find reputable schools in your area with the free guide: