Massage therapists manipulate clients' muscles and soft tissues, treat sports injuries, and give relief to people with health issues.
37 to 39 variable
freelance / self-employed managing your own hours
You can get into this job through:
You could take a Level 3 Diploma in Massage or Complementary Therapies.
The Council for Soft Tissue Therapies (GCMT) is the governing body for massage therapy, and it sets the standards for the profession. GCMT suggest you take a course that lasts at least 6 months full-time, or 12 months part-time.
You'll usually need:
You could start in this job by taking an advanced apprenticeship in beauty therapy massage.
You'll usually need:
You can specialise in a particular form of massage like baby and infant massage, or sports massage. You'll need to take extra training to do this.
You could join the voluntary register of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council or the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
You can find out more about working in massage therapy from Health Careers and the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
You'll need:
A typical session will include:
You could work at a hospice, from home, at a GP practice, at a health spa, in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic.
You may need to wear a uniform.
With experience you could build up and maintain a reputation and client base, and set up your own business.
You could also train in other complementary therapies like aromatherapy, reiki or reflexology.