Massage Therapists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Support
• O*NET-SOC code: 31-9011
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

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

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, AppointmentQuest Online Appointment Manager, Bath robes, Body lotions, Bolsters, Cold packs, Cupping sets, Desktop computers, Heat lamps, Hot packs, Hydrotherapy equipment

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Recreational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Skincare Specialists
• Occupational Therapy Aides
• Respiratory Therapists
• Radiation Therapists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Massage Therapists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.