A massage therapist works to create a relaxing and beneficial massage to help the client alleviate pain and tension built up through illness, injury, or stress. A massage therapist’s job consists of working the soft tissues in the body using specific massage strokes to release the tension. A successful massage will loosen up the muscles and surrounding connective tissues allowing for greater flexibility and more energy for the client. The benefits of massages for the body include promoting circulation, releasing endorphins, increasing flexibility and better posture, flushing toxins from the system, and an overall increase in both physical and mental well-being.

A massage can take place on a chair or on a table. A chair massage is usually a shorter duration and focuses mostly on the neck, shoulders, and back. A table massage is usually done for anywhere between 30 minutes to 90 minutes. The client will typically remove their clothing and lie under a sheet (with some keeping their underwear on during the massage). The massage therapist will leave the room while the client undresses and gets comfortable under the sheet. Upon returning, the massage therapist will make any adjustments to the headrest and bolsters to ensure the client is resting comfortably. The massage therapist will then begin the massage, using massage oils, and removing the sheet only from the portion of the body receiving the massage. A typical table massage begins with the client laying face-down while the massage therapist works the neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs, and feet. The therapist then allows the client to turn over so that the massage can continue with the feet, legs, arms, hands, shoulders, face, and scalp. After the massage is complete, the massage therapist will leave the room again so that the client can rest peacefully for a few minutes, then get dressed in privacy.

Massage therapists can perform their work in a variety of settings. Some massage therapists work in salons, spas, and resorts, providing luxurious tension-releasing massages to help clients relax. Massage therapists can also perform chair massages in more practical environments such as providing massages to employees in corporations or to travelers in airports. Other therapists work in clinical settings such as doctor’s or chiropractor’s offices or in sports or rehabilitation clinics where the focus of the massages are less on relaxation and more on healing. While many massage therapists work as an employee of a business, a large number are also self-employed.

Massage therapists must have strong communication skills to ensure they are communicating effectively with their clients in order to provide the massage as the client wants it. Additionally, massage therapists must be able to work quietly most of the day, maintain good physical hygiene, and be accepting of all people, body types, and physical conditions. And most importantly, massage therapists must recognize and maintain strict personal boundaries with their clients.

Top Massage Therapy Programs

	U.S. Career Institute - At the U.S. Career Institute, students will be taught alternative health treatments to assist people in feeling better. With a number of organizations hiring in various positions, don't pass up this opportunity to go back to school and start a great career.
	Boca Beauty Academy of Massage - If you're interested in becoming a massage therapist, Boca Beauty Academy of Massage offers a fantastic program for students interested in this growing industry.
Cincinnati Cleveland	Center for Massage & Natural Health - The Center for Massage & Natural Health assists students in reaching their goal of becoming a massage therapist affordably and conveniently.
Boston Tampa Scottsdale	Cortiva Institute for Massage - Cortiva Institute for Massage prepares aspiring massage therapists with a rigorous program in the field of massage therapy. With locations available across the country, students can get prepared quickly.