Occupation

Massage Therapists

Human Advantage 70%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.2 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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.

Also Known As: Bodywork Therapist, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Clinical Massage Therapist, Deep Tissue Massage Therapist, Integrated Deep Tissue Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Massage Operator +13 more

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Core Tasks

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

Supplemental Tasks (1)

  1. Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.

Education & Training

Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
73%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
12%
Some College Courses
8%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
4%
Bachelor's Degree
4%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word

Software (10)

  • AppointmentQuest Online Appointment Manager
  • ICS Software SammyUSA
  • Land Software Customer Pro-File
  • Massage Suite
  • Scheduling software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • WinCity Custom Software WinCity Massage SOAP Notes
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (18)

  • Bath robes
  • Body lotions
  • Bolsters
  • Cold packs
  • Cupping sets
  • Desktop computers
  • Heat lamps
  • Hot packs
  • Hydrotherapy equipment
  • Massage chairs
  • Massage stone sets
  • Massage stools
  • Mechanical vibrating massage devices
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers
  • Portable massage tables
  • Steam cabinets
  • Treatment tables

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

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