A massage therapist is normally found working in large salons or hotel spas, and will conduct a consultation with the client before starting. Good communication skills, manual dexterity and having strong hands are a must. Experience with reflexology, aromatherapy, deep tissue massages, Indian head massage, Lomi Lomi and sports massage are the usual areas with which a person in this position needs to be familiar.
Helping clients and patients reduce stress, adding to their well-being and relieving them of aches and pains are all parts of the job of massage therapist. The candidate should be qualified in at least one of the following nationally recognised qualifications: ITEC, VTCT, NVQ, CIDESCO or CIBTAC. Practical experience is also required and a desire to learn about the physiology and anatomy of humans is a must
The working week is usually fixed at a maximum of 40 hours to reduce the chance of RSI. A newly qualified practitioner can expect an annual salary of £10,000 to 13,000, an experienced masseuse £13,000 to 16,000, and for those in management, the upper end of the salary range is £25,000.