MASSAGE THERAPIST

A Massage Therapist is a licensedcertified therapist who had undergoneextensive training regarding anatomy,physiology, and multitude of massagetechniques. They manually manipulate softtissues and muscles to increase the healthand wellness of their clients.

Tasks

Evaluate a patient to determine whattreatment is required;Manually manipulate muscles and softtissues to relieve pain and stress;Use appropriate oils and lotion, hotcompresses or vibratory devices asneeded to aid the massage technique;Consult with other healthcare workersas needed to create a plan of care;Record the treatments given andprovide assessments of the patient’sprogress;Maintain a calm and soothingenvironment that enables the patient torelax.

Basic Educational RequirementAt least a high school graduate with

appropriate training from local orinternational training institutions and/orassociations duly recognized by the properauthorities.

Licensure from the Department ofHealth is also required to practice massagetherapy. To qualify for licensure, the personmust meet the following basic requirements:(1) at least 18 years of age or has receiveda high school diploma or graduateequivalency diploma; (2) has completed acourse of study at a recognized massageschool or has completed an apprenticeshipprogram that meets standards approved bythe Board of Massage Therapy; and (3) hasreceived a passing grade on anexamination administered by theDepartment of Health.

Skills and Competencies

Knowledgeable about anatomy andhow the body functions;Skilled in various massage techniques;Strong communication skills.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

Healthy and physically fit;Able to stand for long periods;Strong arms and hands;Able to inspire and motivate patients;Interested in the health and well-beingof others;Have a calm and reassuring manner inaddressing patient’s problem;Friendly, emphatic personality.

Salary/CompensationMassage therapists employed in spa

and other establishments catering to healthand wellness get an average basic salary ofP10,250 per month. On the other hand, self-employed massage therapists who arehighly experienced and with a large clientbase have higher earnings since they cancommand higher fees from their clients.

Prospects for Career AdvancementHighly-experienced massage therapists

working in spa establishments can bepromoted to a supervisory or managerialposition after they have demonstrated theskill and competency requirements of theposition.

Those with entrepreneurial skills may gointo their own business as owners of spaestablishments. As entrepreneurs, they havethe opportunity to expand their client baseand increase client fee which means higherearnings and income.

Employment OpportunitiesWage employment for massage

therapists can be found in spa; salons;offices of physicians and chiropractors;fitness and recreational sports centers; andhotels. Therapists who have completedformal training programs and have passedthe licensure exam are likely to have verygood job opportunities.

The increase in the demand formassage therapists is expected to besustained as more people learn about thebenefits of massage therapy. Likewise ,increased interest in alternative medicineand holistic healing will provide jobs forthose skilled in massage therapy. Massagetherapy?s growing acceptance amongmedical practitioners will greatly increaseemployment opportunities as well.

Cost of Training *An extensive training program for

massage therapist cost around P18,000covering 560 hours of training.

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007-2008