The marks of a good massage therapist

by David Anthony (follow)

Complementary and Alternative Medicines (45)      Wellness Careers (1)     

We all know the benefits of a good remedial massage. It can improve circulation, relax tired or strained muscles and invigorate the lymphs. But not only is it good to get a massage, it is also an enjoyable and healthy career for those with the aptitude.



For those looking for a career change - or perhaps even a career start - the natural therapies are a growing and profitable area of employment.

Remedial and similar traditional therapy work can land you a job in a number of medical and para-medical fields, as well as a chance to work for yourself.

Here are some of the things you need to develop if you want a career in massage and remedial body therapies.

Good Communication and Discretion

A good massage therapist needs to communicate effectively with their client to discover problems and symptoms, discuss medical history, and understand their clients' expectations of the therapy.

Effective communication must be a two-way street.

The therapist listens carefully, paying close attention to the client's word, sounds, and movement, and the client cooperates, expressing themselves well so as to maximise the therapy treatment.

Adequate Training

Basic training of roughly 700 hours is mandatory for a massage therapist. However, it's best to continue training even when working full-time as this will expand physical therapy skills and massage techniques, increasing abilities and effectiveness.

A Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52015) is an ideal way to gain a national qualification that works towards developing your skills in all areas.

This is not only necessary for you to be able to join organisations like Australian Traditional Medical Society and other peak bodies, but also ensures that you can serve your clients as a Remedial Massage Therapist and work in an integrated way with other health professionals.

It will give you extra work experience and qualifications that will increase the amount of patients you will be able to treat.

Greater expertise, knowledge, and training teaches the therapist to respond to the dynamic needs of each client.

Good Physical Fitness

Massage therapists have a challenging job, requiring them to be constantly on their feet, repeatedly exerting energy from all areas of their body.



Commendable stamina is necessary for any therapist to endure the demands of their profession, and this is only possible if they get into in regular endurance training and exercise. This will, in turn, make them a successful massage therapist.

Empathy

Empathy is a vital quality for a massage therapist because they're making decisions that impact the client's health. It's important to choose a therapy that suits the client's needs and to understand if it's effective, and if not, to adjust it accordingly.

Empathy towards a client's preferences like room temperature, physical insecurities - like acne or body hair, and special needs such as music will lead to better outcomes for both the therapist and the client.

Clean, Professional Environment

Immaculate therapy rooms are the epitome of good cleanliness. The massage clinic environment should be fresh, odourless, and as hygienic as a hospital.

Maintaining a professional environment is also a must for the successful therapist.

Clients should be given utmost priority, and appointments should not feel rushed. The therapist must arrive on time and not cause the client to feel rushed or anxious.

It's also important to make sure that the client is comfortable and consents to the specific massage treatment the therapist is to perform.

The qualities of a massage therapist mentioned here are interrelated. When brought together they make for a professional therapist who is likely to enjoy success in a growing health industry.

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