Career Tips from Seasoned Massage Therapists
| | By Jennifer Wegerer |
From the more familiar Swedish massage to neuromuscular therapy, energy healing and hypnotherapy, therapists can practice a unique set of techniques, yet each works toward the same goal - to promote well-being and a higher quality of life for clients.
With substantial massage therapy career choices and the opportunity to work in public or private practice, aspiring massage therapists face a bright future. Four industry professionals offer advice and massage therapy career tips to those considering this field.
Certified Structural Medicine Specialist (SMS)
Licensed Physical Therapist (PT)
Certified Hellerwork Practitioner (CHP)
Donna Bajelis
Owner/Founder of the Institute of Structural Medicine
Twisp, WA
Trained as a physical therapist, Donna Bajelis has dedicated the past 30 years to treating her clients' pain complaints. Through her experience, she observed that people suffer from pain for reasons other than physical injury. She started the Institute of Structural Medicine to offer specialized training to those looking to help people make the body/mind connection.
Bajelis said, "We have lost touch with our biofeedback mechanism, which results in issues both physical and emotional." Her institute teaches students to look at a patient's complete structure. Graduates of her program determine what types of specialized treatment will help their patients reach optimal body health and function.
Career Tip 1 - Her advice to prospective students of massage therapy: "Adults with experience in the working world should consider starting with specialty training. If you have had success in another career and know that you want to specialize in the massage field, start in a school that offers you that opportunity. Otherwise, you might end up paying twice the price for your education."
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Ellesa Hunter
Seattle, WA
Ellesa Hunter, a massage therapist since 1997, received her training at the Port Townsend School of Massage. As a student, Hunter found that Port Townsend offered an eclectic program where she was exposed to multiple specialty areas. In particular, she cites polarity therapy, which focuses on the proper balance of electromagnetic energy in the body, as one of her favorite courses.
Specializing in deep tissue, hot stone and pregnancy massage, Hunter advises therapists to allow for preparation time in their schedules. "Figure somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour of prep time for every hands-on hour you plan in a day." Preparation includes time to work on advertising, schedule appointments over the phone, do laundry, set up and break down equipment, and follow up with clients.
Career Tip 2 - When evaluating massage schools, Hunter believes word of mouth is crucial to making a choice. "Be sure to talk to graduates of the schools you're considering, not necessarily just the ones the school refers you to." Another suggestion—get a massage. "If you find a therapist whose skills and techniques appeal to you, ask that person where he or she attended school."
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Meg Mathis
Seattle Holistic Center
Seattle, WA
"Massage school is just the beginning," says Meg Mathis, a graduate of the Cortiva Institute - Brenneke School of Massage in Seattle and a massage therapist for the past seven years. "Massage therapy is becoming more and more specialized, making therapists better able to serve the public." Students who choose to specialize should prepare to continue their education beyond their initial massage training.
Mathis practices at the Seattle Holistic Center where she specializes in pregnancy massage and neuromuscular therapies, along with acupuncture. Her favorite part of the job is working with people. "The core of what I do is to help people become more conscious about ways to improve their well being. They come to understand how they are contributing to their own tension and learn how to change to relieve pain and stress."
Career Tip 3 - To those in training, Mathis points out that massage therapists tend to get injured easily. "You should use your whole body force to massage, not just your arms and wrists." She recommends that therapists use school as a time to test their body mechanics and determine whether they can adapt to the physical requirements of the job.
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Melissa Raye
The Wellness Institute
Seattle, WA
Melissa Raye urges massage students to seek out mentors who share their vision of massage as a healing method. Trained at the Phillips School of Massage in Nevada City, CA, Raye credits the school's founder, Judy Phillips, as having significantly influenced her future. "She is a really special lady. I am grateful to have had her instruction early in my education."
Career Tip 4 - Having worked as a massage therapist for approximately 10 years, Raye recommends that therapists learn the business side of the trade and network. "If you have confidence and business sense when you graduate, start building your own business from the start. If you want to gain more experience first, you'll find job opportunities for qualified therapists in many types of settings and facilities. But you may not earn the wages you deserve until you go into private practice."
Along with the flexible hours and the opportunity to be her own boss, Raye's favorite part of her job is the people. "I love getting to connect with people in a deep way. It's really nurturing for me and for the person receiving the massage." Like her colleagues, Raye finds it powerfully fulfilling to help clients transform from a state of stress and anxiety to one of deep relaxation and improved health.
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