Massage Therapist

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: BCMT (Board Certified Massage Therapist); Bodywork Therapist; Certified Massage Therapist (CMT); Clinical Massage Therapist; Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP); Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT); Medical Massage Practitioner; MMT (Medical Massage Therapist); Registered Massage Therapist (RMT); Soft Tissue Specialist

Tasks

• Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
• Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
• Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
• Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.
• Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.
• Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
• Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.
• Maintain treatment records.
• Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.
• Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.
• Perform other adjunctive therapies or treatment techniques in addition to massage.
• Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.
• Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• Biology
• English Language
• Medicine and Dentistry

Skills

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking

Abilities

• Dynamic Strength
• Trunk Strength
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Manual Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Finger Dexterity
• Stamina
• Extent Flexibility
• Written Comprehension
• Fluency of Ideas
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Near Vision
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity