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Massage Therapist

State/Territory Specific Information

Massage therapists massage clients using oils and creams for relaxation and remedial purposes.

Massage therapists may perform the following tasks:

  • massage the soft tissues of the human body, including muscles, tendons and ligaments, to assist healing
  • use massage techniques to enhance relaxation and wellbeing
  • use techniques such as muscle stretching to assist with recovery and to enhance muscle performance
  • use finger pressure techniques in shiatsu, reflexology and other therapies.

Specialisations:

Massage therapists generally work in three broad (sometimes overlapping) areas:

  • Remedial massage which is a paramedical massage treatment to assist in healing parts of the body that have been injured or left inactive due to age, illness or injury.
  • Relaxation massage which combines massage techniques to promote relaxation, improve circulation, relieve muscle tension and increase range of movement.
  • Sports massage which combines different massage techniques to enhance sports performance and recuperation and prevent injury. It can include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques.

Massage therapists may specialise in one or more of the following techniques:

  • Aromatherapy which combines the therapeutic properties of essential oils with other massage techniques to promote health and wellbeing.
  • Reflexology which uses thumb and finger pressure on the reflex points (nerve endings) of the feet (which correspond to all areas of the body) for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
  • Shiatsu which uses a system of finger pressure along acupressure lines to release discomfort and re-balance energy.
  • Swedish massage which refers to a collection of techniques designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Massage therapists spend a lot of time standing. Although the work is physically demanding, it requires stamina rather than strength.

Massage therapists may travel between appointments to see clients at various establishments or in their homes. Freelance and self-employed therapists may work irregular hours or evenings to fit client schedules.

Personal Requirements:

  • physically fit and in good health
  • a caring, positive attitude
  • a genuine interest in helping clients overcome their physical problems.

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