Massage therapists assess and treat the soft tissue of the body for
therapeutic purposes.
Massage therapists spend a lot of time standing. Although the work is
physically demanding, it requires stamina rather than strength.
They employ a range of techniques and complementary aids, such as heat and
cold packs, tape and essential oils.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Massage Therapist earn an average of $701 per week. The
[average annual salary for this job is $36452 excluding super.]
Personal requirements
physical and mental stamina
manual coordination, dexterity and sensitivity
patience and concern for people
a responsible and mature attitude.
This job also involves:
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Physical effort
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical
exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing,
carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with
heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to
avoid these jobs.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
Standing for long periods
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed
standing up for periods of at least two hours at a stretch.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Para Professional Jobs
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or
completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or
an Advanced Diploma.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Biology
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Physical Education
School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a
useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physical education subject is
a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Massage Therapist
Massage therapists may perform the following tasks:
take a case history and assess the client’s physical condition
massage the soft tissues of the human body, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments, to assist healing
assess and treat specific injuries and other soft tissue dysfunction, and provide rehabilitation advice
administer treatments to promote relaxation, improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension
use a range of techniques to enhance sports performance and prevent injury
provide advice about stretching exercises and relaxation techniques.
Specialisations
Massage therapists may specialise in one or more of the following techniques:
Remedial Massage - assists in rehabilitation, pain and injury management.
Therapeutic or Relaxation Massage - promotes wellbeing, improves sleep and treats anxiety and tension.
Sports Massage - treats and prevents injuries, improves recovery and increases flexibility and endurance.
Structural Bodywork - addresses injuries and dysfunction caused by postural and biomechanical strain.
Oncology, Palliative Care and Geriatric Massage - supports the primary care of patients with chronic illnesses, such as cancer.
Pregnancy and Paediatric Massage - supports the primary care of pregnant women and infants.