How to Become a Massage Therapist

Massage therapists manipulate the muscles and soft tissues in order to help with pain, tension and aches in the body. They are experts in helping the body recover from injury or illness and relieving the everyday tension, so massage therapists work with various clients, from sports players and the elderly to people of all ages wanting to treat themselves to some relaxation. 

Massage therapists are experts in different types of massage therapy, including professional sports massage therapy, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, bodywork and other forms of therapeutic massage. Some massage therapists also specialise in international massage techniques such as Thai massage, Indian head massage, reiki and Swedish massage.

Massage therapists take on various clients, including those suffering from physical pain or tension and people who are just looking to relax. Depending on where you work (a sports club, a GP practice or a spa resort), you are likely to see one type of client more than others. However, some of the most common reasons people go to massage therapists are to help with a sports injury, relieve the pain of conditions such as sciatica, relax and relieve general body tension, and help with back and neck pain. For some, massage therapy can even help with anxiety and depression.

As a massage therapist, you will: 

There are various routes to starting a career path in massage therapy. Gaining a massage certificate will ensure that you have a good base of knowledge to build your career on. Meanwhile, an Ultimate Massage qualification will equip you with an in-depth understanding of massage therapy’s various techniques, styles, and disciplines. If you want to use your skills overseas, an International Massage Diploma is a great way to find work abroad, as the certification is recognised worldwide.  

Elsewhere, some health clinics, spas, and hotels offer schemes or work experience programmes that all you can learn on the job. With an apprenticeship, you will be working full time and get massage therapy training daily, learning all about massage therapy as you go. You can explore your local healthcare facilities or spas, and you can inquire as to whether they take on apprentice students. 

To become a fully licensed massage therapist, all massage therapy students must also complete a final exam to demonstrate competency. This has GCST accreditation, and after completion, you are certified to begin practice.

Alongside the hard skills such as an expert knowledge of the muscles systems, a massage therapist should also have some key soft skills. These include:

In the UK, massage therapists typically earn around £25,000 per year. Entry-level massage therapists earn around £19,500 whilst experienced massage therapists can earn up to £58,500

There are a variety of places that offer massage services, and therefore working as a massage therapist means that there are plenty of work opportunities. You can find work in hotels, spa resorts, healthcare institutions, fitness centres, hospitals/hospices, GP surgeries and cruise ships. 

Many massage therapists are self-employed and travel to their client’s homes. If you choose to become a self-employed massage therapist, you will essentially own your own business. Whether you are visiting client’s in their homes or purchasing a building to set up your own massage facility, the same steps will need to be taken as owning any other business. For example, having a good social media presence to build a client base and promoting your business through professional websites and advertising.