The Trials and Triumphs of a Career in Massage Therapy
Like so many other careers, a career in massage therapy is dependent upon the individual and their particular situation. For many who choose to go into the field of massage therapy, the work can be a challenging yet fulfilling career. For others, the physical and emotional demands of the work can stop a career dead in its tracks. As in most other lines of work, balance is the key to achieving a good quality of life.
Statistics on the longevity of a career in massage therapy are scarce, even in the archives of the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is not uncommon to find therapists who have been practicing their craft for fifteen or more years, but many full time massage therapists currently working have five to ten years of experience to their credit.
According to statistics, massage therapy is a career path filled with opportunity, as the profession is forecasted to experience 64% growth between the years of 2006 and 2016. Most states now regulate the profession and require licensing that involves detailed testing that requires much study and hands-on experience before the license can be awarded.
Due to physical and emotional demands of massage therapy, full-time work generally consists of a work week of twenty-five to thirty-two hours. Therapy generally costs somewhere between $80-$120 per hour in major metropolitan areas, and about half of that amount in areas with less concentrated populations. Clearly, if a massage therapist is in business for him- or herself, this is a lucrative wage indeed. However, building a client base is essential to success for full-time therapists.
Many massage therapists work part-time, during nights and weekends in order to meet the demands of their clientele, as many people are not willing to take time off from their work day in order to receive treatment. Additionally, part-time therapists and some full-time therapists opt to work for a massage therapy center, spa, or other venue as opposed to striking out on their own.
People who make massage therapy a long-term career generally do so because they enjoy helping people feel better and achieve a better quality of life. The peaceful setting and rapport that comes with regularly dealing with people has to be something that a career therapist is enthusiastic about. Honing the skills as a therapist is of paramount importance to building and maintaining a good client base.
Many long-lived therapists have had to learn how to deal with a variety of issues, from communicating effectively to dealing with many different body types. It is a profession that is not for the judgmental person. Successful massage therapists are comfortable with themselves and people in general and always have the best interest of the client in mind. This helps the client as well as the therapist, since many referrals come from word-of-mouth more than anything else.
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