Massage Therapists job and career information

Career:
Massage Therapist

Job Description: Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.

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What Massage Therapists do:

Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.
Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.
Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.

Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.

Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.

Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.

Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.

Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.

Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.

Maintain treatment records.

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What work activities does a Massage Therapist do?

Importance		Activities
		Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
		Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
		Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

		Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
		Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
		Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.