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Posted on: May 28, 2014

If you are considering becoming a massage therapist, you will want to make sure that you learn everything there is to know about the position so that you can make an informed decision. Many people choose a career in the massage industry because it is rewarding and it allows them to work with people. This hands-on career is challenging. There are many opportunities for growth and chances to expand your skill set. When deciding to become a massage therapist, consider both the advantages and disadvantages of a career in this field.

Advantages of Becoming a Massage Therapist

Opportunities

There are many opportunities within the massage therapist field. You can choose many places to work from a doctor’s office to a spa or even a clinic. You are never stuck in one place and your services are needed in many different facilities. Careers in the massage industry are only growing and you will continue to find opportunities all around you.

Flexibility

One of the best things about becoming a massage therapist is the flexibility you have. You can choose to open your own company or you can work in a brick and mortar location. You can choose your own hours for the most part and when working for yourself, you can choose whether to go to a client or have a client come to you. Many massage therapists work part-time and fulfill their other obligations during the day, weekends, or evenings. You can choose to work full-time as well.

Skill Set

There are skills within the massage industry that you can learn and you are not limited to only one sector of it. You can start out knowing and mastering a Swedish massage, then continue your education, and delve into hot stone massage therapy, pregnancy massages, and more. The more skills that you have, the more clients will walk through your door. One of the nice things about the massage industry is that there is always something to learn.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Massage Therapist

Upset Clients and Expectations

Sometimes you will have a client that comes into your facility and has unrealistic expectations and they expect you to solve them completely. This will put you at a disadvantage because you are not able to cure them or rid them of their pain forever. The best thing to do is explain to them how massage therapy works and how it can benefit them. You will also have to deal with unhappy and unruly clients from time to time. These clients may be hard to please, but you should always keep your calm and remember to do the best you can.

Standing

Another disadvantage to this career is that you will be standing for many hours of the day, every day. You are required to perform massages and for most of them, you will need to be standing. This can make your body tired and you need to remember to care for yourself as well, to prevent injury or burnout.

Repetitive Motions

Another thing to consider is that you will be repeating many of the same motions repeatedly. If you are not careful, you may injure yourself or burn out quickly. Try to change things up to make them enjoyable for yourself, never schedule too many appointments in one day, and take time to relax in between clients.

Your Career

Your career is very important and becoming a massage therapist is a great choice. You must always consider the upsides and downsides of any career. If you love working with people and helping them feel better, this is the right career for you.

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