Massage envy

I first want to say i love walmart it's very convenient and it's affordable. It serves it's purpose.

Massage Envy is not exploiting their therapists! I am a very happy Massage Envy Therapist and have been for 14 months. I think it's all about the owners and how they treat their therapists.

It seems like alot of you are either worried or scared of Massage Envy and their concept.

For all the little people out there massage envy is required/Suggested to spend X amont of dollars on advertising a month if nothing else this gives everyone exposure. Now the average person sitting at home reading the paper and see's an ad with massage envy is now thinking about getting a massage whether it is with massage envy, another company or using a private therapist. So when you guys are degrading massage envy just think how they are helping you.

LMT from florida said: I first want to say i love walmart it's very convenient and it's affordable. It serves it's purpose.

Massage Envy is not exploiting their therapists! I am a very happy Massage Envy Therapist and have been for 14 months. I think it's all about the owners and how they treat their therapists.

It seems like alot of you are either worried or scared of Massage Envy and their concept.

For all the little people out there massage envy is required/Suggested to spend X amont of dollars on advertising a month if nothing else this gives everyone exposure. Now the average person sitting at home reading the paper and see's an ad with massage envy is now thinking about getting a massage whether it is with massage envy, another company or using a private therapist. So when you guys are degrading massage envy just think how they are helping you.

Dear LMT,

You are exactly the kind of person I'm trying to educate. I would encourage you to learn more about business and how things work out there. Wal-Mart has transformed our economy and not for the better. They have to much power and they abuse it. In Chicago, we recognize this and we've successfully kept them out of the city limits.

If you are really a massage therapist as you claim, then you need to wake up! You're being taken advantage of. Find a real job at a real clinic paying you a real wage. Be part of the solution and not part of the problem!

I am a therapist! I have been since 1998 Has you may think i need to have more knowledge in business maybe you are the problem not me. Florida is one of the states that have an over population of therapist. How many of them aren't practicing massage b/c of lack of work? Massage envy isn't for everyone. but it's fits for alot of people in FLORIDA!

So I reluctantly dropped off my resume at the local massage envy yesterday.
I already have a massage office across town in a gym, but very few of the the gym's clientele consider massage therapy important to their health (no matter how many informative signs I post or coupons I give away) until they hurt themselves, but even then - they still insist on popping pills and getting sliced up.

the lead therapist there said that they were very very busy. perhaps private bodyworkers are charging more than (most) people can pay. I am all for affordable natural health care for everyone - yet does that mean I have to go from making $65 an hour to $15?

and don't get me started on walmart.
a couple years ago some walmart stores waited for the night shift to finish cleaning up one friday night before they called the immigration agency to deport all their own workers back to mexico just so they wouldn't have to pay them.
not like I would expect more from a corporation that backs the GOP so strongly but I digress.

LMT from florida said: I first want to say i love walmart it's very convenient and it's affordable. It serves it's purpose.

Massage Envy is not exploiting their therapists! I am a very happy Massage Envy Therapist and have been for 14 months. I think it's all about the owners and how they treat their therapists.

It seems like alot of you are either worried or scared of Massage Envy and their concept.

For all the little people out there massage envy is required/Suggested to spend X amont of dollars on advertising a month if nothing else this gives everyone exposure. Now the average person sitting at home reading the paper and see's an ad with massage envy is now thinking about getting a massage whether it is with massage envy, another company or using a private therapist. So when you guys are degrading massage envy just think how they are helping you.

AMEN!

streetspirit in New Milford, New Jersey said: So I reluctantly dropped off my resume at the local massage envy yesterday.
I already have a massage office across town in a gym, but very few of the the gym's clientele consider massage therapy important to their health (no matter how many informative signs I post or coupons I give away) until they hurt themselves, but even then - they still insist on popping pills and getting sliced up.

the lead therapist there said that they were very very busy. perhaps private bodyworkers are charging more than (most) people can pay. I am all for affordable natural health care for everyone - yet does that mean I have to go from making $65 an hour to $15?

and don't get me started on walmart.
a couple years ago some walmart stores waited for the night shift to finish cleaning up one friday night before they called the immigration agency to deport all their own workers back to mexico just so they wouldn't have to pay them.
not like I would expect more from a corporation that backs the GOP so strongly but I digress.

Illegal immigrants are just that. ILLEGAL...

streetspirit in New Milford, New Jersey said: So I reluctantly dropped off my resume at the local massage envy yesterday.
I already have a massage office across town in a gym, but very few of the the gym's clientele consider massage therapy important to their health (no matter how many informative signs I post or coupons I give away) until they hurt themselves, but even then - they still insist on popping pills and getting sliced up.

the lead therapist there said that they were very very busy. perhaps private bodyworkers are charging more than (most) people can pay. I am all for affordable natural health care for everyone - yet does that mean I have to go from making $65 an hour to $15?

and don't get me started on walmart.
a couple years ago some walmart stores waited for the night shift to finish cleaning up one friday night before they called the immigration agency to deport all their own workers back to mexico just so they wouldn't have to pay them.
not like I would expect more from a corporation that backs the GOP so strongly but I digress.

Illegal's are illegal and have no, zip, zero, nil or should I say Nada, when it comes to rights....they have the right to leave, they have the right to go through proper channels to citizenship. Wal-Mart buys lead filled toys from China. Democrats aren't the answer, Republicans aren't the answer. why do you want to confuse a thread yo?

LMT from florida said: I first want to say i love walmart it's very convenient and it's affordable. It serves it's purpose.

Massage Envy is not exploiting their therapists! I am a very happy Massage Envy Therapist and have been for 14 months. I think it's all about the owners and how they treat their therapists.

It seems like alot of you are either worried or scared of Massage Envy and their concept.

For all the little people out there massage envy is required/Suggested to spend X amont of dollars on advertising a month if nothing else this gives everyone exposure. Now the average person sitting at home reading the paper and see's an ad with massage envy is now thinking about getting a massage whether it is with massage envy, another company or using a private therapist. So when you guys are degrading massage envy just think how they are helping you.

You have your eyes closed. They do exploit their thrapist. Ask for a raise. You are the lowest paid group of therapists (behind the cruiselines). I don't know what owner thought up that line of thought where Mcssage Envy helps the industry by advertising but it sounds like you are eating up all the Bull#### they keep shoveling on to you.

LMT from florida said: I am a therapist! I have been since 1998 Has you may think i need to have more knowledge in business maybe you are the problem not me. Florida is one of the states that have an over population of therapist. How many of them aren't practicing massage b/c of lack of work? Massage envy isn't for everyone. but it's fits for alot of people in FLORIDA!

A good therapist will always have work, for the rest of you, there is Massage Envy, you are blind.

Walmart lovers: Rent a documentary called "The Corporation" and see what this model of business is about.

yeah right in Peoria, Arizona said: A good therapist will always have work, for the rest of you, there is Massage Envy, you are blind.

I take exception to your comment because I know some exceptional therapists who work for ME. They work for ME because they choose to, not because they don't have other options.

SueWest in Charlotte, North Carolina said: I take exception to your comment because I know some exceptional therapists who work for ME. They work for ME because they choose to, not because they don't have other options.

Sue,
What planet are you from? I'm afraid that you are as others have suggested, either paid or brainwashed!

SueWest in Charlotte, North Carolina said: I take exception to your comment because I know some exceptional therapists who work for ME. They work for ME because they choose to, not because they don't have other options.

Why would an "exceptional therapist" work at ME? Sue, Are you a Pathalogical liar? Now, tell us the truth, if you're able!

No matter where you go you can find an "exceptional therapist" I beliee some of you on here have worked for massage envy even if was for a day are you not an exceptional therapist?

Sue,

Don't even waste your time and energy on ignorant immature comments. It is not even worth responding to when people don't comment in an intelligent, educating mature manner. Ignore it trust me it it much more rewarding, otherwise you get pulled into their stupidity, bebating or defending something not worth debating or defending.

Sue,
For whatever reason there are people on this message board that refuse to believe that there are good, happy therapist that work for Massage Envy. For those people there is NOTHING you can say that will change their mind or make them have an intelligent, mature, educational conversation. Don't waste your time, I have found it is not worth it.

No Name,
Aren't you Sue as well? So ,are you talking to yourself? Maybe you are unaware of this phenomenon in your life.

How many personalities do you have? Please tell us, we'd all like to know!

fed up in Wilmette, Illinois said: No Name,
Aren't you Sue as well? So ,are you talking to yourself? Maybe you are unaware of this phenomenon in your life.

How many personalities do you have? Please tell us, we'd all like to know!

What kind of person are you to be so darn aggresive? I am a great therapist with lots of experience and lots of education and I LIKE working at ME I know I can make more $ elsewhere but for now I am happy with the hours I am working and I intend to stay here until I open my own business. I have a happy attitude, a calming influence and technical know-how that keeps my clients coming back to me and my co-workers asking advice on techniques. I have been offered a few other jobs in the last month but opted to stay at ME because I enjoy working there Gasp! someone happy at ME go figure.

It's happening! I told you it would. An ME franchise in Collierville, TN is in default on back rent and other fees to the tune of $95,000.00. The franchise owner is being sued by the landlord. Read the article attached. I believe we are going to see a lot more of this in coming months, as I've said in here many times.

www.memphisdailynews.com/Editorial/StoryLead.aspx?id=98650

fed up in Wilmette, Illinois said: It's happening! I told you it would. An ME franchise in Collierville, TN is in default on back rent and other fees to the tune of $95,000.00. The franchise owner is being sued by the landlord. Read the article attached. I believe we are going to see a lot more of this in coming months, as I've said in here many times.

www.memphisdailynews.com/Editorial/StoryLead.aspx?id=98650

It begins........

I don't know what's happening to our industry, but it's pretty scary. I moved here from Colorado over 2 years ago. I had a fairly steady clientele there. I worked out of my home.
I moved here thinking it's bigger, there's more people, I'll do better. Boy, was I wrong.
In the two years I've lived here I've developed two regular clients. I also work for a Chiropractor, but business is slow there as well. I also, unfortunately work for ME. I've been a massage therapist for over 12 years and when I started out in a resort spa I made $8/hr. plus $5 to $50 tips. They also had good benefits. Medical, Dental, Eye, 401K plan, and life insurance. They worked me to death. To me, even with all of that, it wasn't worth hurting myself for and never be able to do massage again. Now, with ME it's even worse. I make $7/hr. just sitting around OR $15 per massage. I do a lot of deep tissue work which as EVERY therapist knows is very hard work. It should be worth more than $15. So, I've decided that since I HAVE to work there for now, I'm not going to ruin myself for $15. I do what I need to do as far as deep work, but the rest is fluff. This is what people can expect from seasoned massage therapists that work at ME. Here's the low down:
Owners of Franchises: Expect a high turn over rate.
Consumers: Expect less than you want from your massage.
Therapist: If you are hard up for money, this is the place to be, but don't stay for long, or you'll burn yourself out.
This is just my opinion. So don't take it personally.

Do they use massage therapists?

I can clearly see none of you guys are getting the point here. The MARKET is changing. People are making less money, and want more goods and services. It’s been happening for years now, and it has happened to highly educated PHD’s who use to sell stocks in the 80 and 90’s, Doctors who spend 10-15 years of their lives and hundreds of thousands of dollars, and hardships, to find out they will no longer make the easy quarter million the old guys made, cause there are new guys, and more new guys who are willing to do the same for 120k a year. So don’t act like you’re the victims. The way I see it is..ME charges $39 of which the therapist get $15 + a Tip (average of $5, from what I’ve read here) and they are giving you guys the opportunity to make an additional $5 if you did your job right and your client wants to keep coming in to see you ( at which point when he/she requests you specifically because of your excellent talent you will be paid $17. So a client can potentially represent $22-$25 x session and the owner of ME is getting $24. So basically you guys are almost making the same amount as the owner, without the risks involved in having to run a place. How is this the “highway robbery” you guys are making it out to be??? The owner pays rent, insurance, materials, health benefits, electricity, advertising, merchant credit card fees for your tips that you are not being deducted, franchising royalty fees, cost of cleaning linen, not to mention the money hungry banks who charge 12%- 14% interest on an SBA loan for 300k+ to be able to offer you guys a stable clean environment where you are guaranteed constant work, without the hassles of dealing with managing clients, working for free, dealing with landlords, inventory, cleaning bills for linen, and running a business.

Therapist - Clinic Owner in Wilmette, Illinois said: Dear LMT,

You are exactly the kind of person I'm trying to educate. I would encourage you to learn more about business and how things work out there. Wal-Mart has transformed our economy and not for the better. They have to much power and they abuse it. In Chicago, we recognize this and we've successfully kept them out of the city limits.

If you are really a massage therapist as you claim, then you need to wake up! You're being taken advantage of. Find a real job at a real clinic paying you a real wage. Be part of the solution and not part of the problem!

I totaly agree I am a masage therapist and I do work for massage envy and its the worst job I have ever ahd the therapist are being taken advantage of and treated like they are all robotic, we are not alowed to have lives, we are not alowed to have kids, accedents ar get sick if we do we might lose our jobs. so thats why I have decided im going to rally for a union, I have already talked to the teamsters union organizer and im sticking it to them and im going to have all massage envy employees taken care of, with the union we will get better pay, paid vacation, sick time, personla holidaies, and holiday pay. I think all of you should join me and make the whole company unionize.

LMT in Largo, Florida said: I don't know what's happening to our industry, but it's pretty scary. I moved here from Colorado over 2 years ago. I had a fairly steady clientele there. I worked out of my home.
I moved here thinking it's bigger, there's more people, I'll do better. Boy, was I wrong.
In the two years I've lived here I've developed two regular clients. I also work for a Chiropractor, but business is slow there as well. I also, unfortunately work for ME. I've been a massage therapist for over 12 years and when I started out in a resort spa I made $8/hr. plus $5 to $50 tips. They also had good benefits. Medical, Dental, Eye, 401K plan, and life insurance. They worked me to death. To me, even with all of that, it wasn't worth hurting myself for and never be able to do massage again. Now, with ME it's even worse. I make $7/hr. just sitting around OR $15 per massage. I do a lot of deep tissue work which as EVERY therapist knows is very hard work. It should be worth more than $15. So, I've decided that since I HAVE to work there for now, I'm not going to ruin myself for $15. I do what I need to do as far as deep work, but the rest is fluff. This is what people can expect from seasoned massage therapists that work at ME. Here's the low down:
Owners of Franchises: Expect a high turn over rate.
Consumers: Expect less than you want from your massage.
Therapist: If you are hard up for money, this is the place to be, but don't stay for long, or you'll burn yourself out.
This is just my opinion. So don't take it personally.

Ha not just youre opinion alot of us think this way and its true, but here in Colorado we amke 16$ per session starting out, and the owner of my franchise took the microwave out of the breakroom because it was making smells in the lobby we cant eat at work now, if we so much as breath longer then they want us to they tell us we will be fired.

yeah right in Peoria, Arizona said: A good therapist will always have work, for the rest of you, there is Massage Envy, you are blind.

yeah and thoes who are full of them selves shall crash and burn.

LMT Susan in Spring Hill, Tennessee said: What kind of person are you to be so darn aggresive? I am a great therapist with lots of experience and lots of education and I LIKE working at ME I know I can make more $ elsewhere but for now I am happy with the hours I am working and I intend to stay here until I open my own business. I have a happy attitude, a calming influence and technical know-how that keeps my clients coming back to me and my co-workers asking advice on techniques. I have been offered a few other jobs in the last month but opted to stay at ME because I enjoy working there Gasp! someone happy at ME go figure.

Ha ha give it a few months it wont last i was the same way until they started taking advantage, when they start booking you with out breaks and giving you nothing but deep tissue,when they start over booking you and telling you, you have no option you have to do as they schedualed then you can talk,you obviously havent been at any location very long.

All I can say to any one who is looking at this unionize, the union will come in and they will rase youre pay, make youre franchize owner pay sick pay,vacation pay,they wont be able to run the place like a sweet shop, they wont be able to fire you for what ever reasoning they see fit,the union will fight for you,all you need is to get a hold of one and have guts.

Fedup and done in Aurora, Colorado said: Ha not just youre opinion alot of us think this way and its true, but here in Colorado we amke 16$ per session starting out, and the owner of my franchise took the microwave out of the breakroom because it was making smells in the lobby we cant eat at work now, if we so much as breath longer then they want us to they tell us we will be fired.

Complaint to the labor department...every workplace have a work comp posted and there is a phone you can call and complaint.

Fedup and done in Aurora, Colorado said: I totaly agree I am a masage therapist and I do work for massage envy and its the worst job I have ever ahd the therapist are being taken advantage of and treated like they are all robotic, we are not alowed to have lives, we are not alowed to have kids, accedents ar get sick if we do we might lose our jobs. so thats why I have decided im going to rally for a union, I have already talked to the teamsters union organizer and im sticking it to them and im going to have all massage envy employees taken care of, with the union we will get better pay, paid vacation, sick time, personla holidaies, and holiday pay. I think all of you should join me and make the whole company unionize.

No, you should find work elsewhere.

What cant stand up for youre self?Im doing some thing great for all massage envy therapists this could be a great place to work we just have to do some thing about it. And find work else where eassy for you to say you probably dont have kids you are trying to rais and suporte. I did the spa thing and it was worse I only made 660 a month I cant rais a family on that I saw 5 people a week at the spa I see 120 people a month at massage envy.

Fedup and done in Aurora, Colorado said: What cant stand up for youre self?Im doing some thing great for all massage envy therapists this could be a great place to work we just have to do some thing about it. And find work else where eassy for you to say you probably dont have kids you are trying to rais and suporte. I did the spa thing and it was worse I only made 660 a month I cant rais a family on that I saw 5 people a week at the spa I see 120 people a month at massage envy.

Sounds like you have more of an issue with the profession (or at least employers in the profession) than Massage Envy itself. Massage Envy isn't for everyone, try private practice - you can charge $60/hr and keep it all.

I am an active duty Army Officer currently serving in Iraq for the 14th Month. My wife and I visited Massage Envy prior to my deployment and during my R&R, we really enjoyed the service they provide at an affordable rate. Prior to discovering Massage Envy, I did not think about visiting a massage clinic unless my back or neck is hurting from long hours of work, or field problems, becuase it's not a cheap service that average household would visit frequently. Massage Envy on the other hand with their membership program allowes an afforable rate that my wife and I can plan for a monthly visit when I was back at home. Their clinics are very nice and clean with professional staffs.
Now, is Massage Envy the choice of employment? Well, as a customer, I received excellent services. As an professional, obviously it is up to you to balance it, be at $65/hr with 3 customers a day and do your own marketing, or $15/hour with 15 customers a day. There is a place for everyone.
Instult others on the web, I can only imagine how much you can pretend to be a professional in real life.

3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Mousl, Iraq

As an professional, obviously it is up to you to balance it, be at $65/hr with 3 customers a day and do your own marketing, or $15/hour with 15 customers a day.

Let's get real here Adrian, 3 clients a day at any respectable day spa would net you $90. Six, not 15 clients a day 5 days a week is almost impossible and that would net you $90. Why is it that when massage therapists want to be compensated fairly they are pertrayed as greedy whiners?

MuseOfTouch in Newark, New Jersey said: As an professional, obviously it is up to you to balance it, be at $65/hr with 3 customers a day and do your own marketing, or $15/hour with 15 customers a day.

Let's get real here Adrian, 3 clients a day at any respectable day spa would net you $90. Six, not 15 clients a day 5 days a week is almost impossible and that would net you $90. Why is it that when massage therapists want to be compensated fairly they are pertrayed as greedy whiners?

MOT: I wouldn't classify you as a whiner however it sure has to be certain that posting here isn't going to solve your problem or cause Massage Envy to change their business practices. If you work at Massage Envy and don't feel like you are being paid what you think you are worth the solution is simple: go work somewhere else where you will be paid what you think you are worth.

If you work at Massage Envy and don't feel like you are being paid what you think you are worth the solution is simple: go work somewhere else where you will be paid what you think you are worth.

GH - Two points 1. I am not complaining about not earning what I'm worth, but not earning what I was told I would be paid ie $5/membership. Not told ONLY memberships where client walks from my table to front desk and signs. Not paid when client walks from my table to front desk and buys membership for her sister. Why not? Client says let me go home and think about it and calls back and signs, again not paid. How about "requested therapist" first one I got was told "you dont get paid for that one, they aren't a member." They classify that one as a referral. The referral was when someone said to a prospective client "I had a great massage at ME, you should try it and ask for Jim." That is a referral. When that person calls and asks for Jim that IS a request (and certainly worth $2 for a new prospect). Next one I got I said good they're a member and was told "yes, but you've never seen that person before so it doesn't count." Again, why not? Now how about being paid for last minute cancellations. Well not if they have no CC on file or what happens to the client that was on my schedule when I left at close of business one day and it's blank when I come in the next morning, did ME call them and say please don't come in tomorrow or did they call and leave a phone cancellation. I guess the computer just ate that appointment, wonder if ME charged them for the appointment. Now the big one, "we pay you $x/pr hr for hours not worked" I clarified that one twice and was assured it was ALL hours not worked. Guess what it's NOT all hours only if you average less than that. A world of differance. So I am not complaining for not earning what Im worth, but not what they represented.

Point 2. As to your glib reply go work somewhere else, in case you haven't noticed there is a recession out there and jobs are not a dime a dozen but thankyou for your advice I must be psychic because Im already in that process. You may not believe this but Im not angry with ME, I saw their colors and have taken the appropriate action to correct my error in judgement, it just makes me incredibly sad that such a wonderful job is being turned into a cheap commondity.

yeah right in Peoria, Arizona said: You have your eyes closed. They do exploit their thrapist. Ask for a raise. You are the lowest paid group of therapists (behind the cruiselines). I don't know what owner thought up that line of thought where Mcssage Envy helps the industry by advertising but it sounds like you are eating up all the Bull#### they keep shoveling on to you.

I had always thought that the reason for massage to make it affordable to all. I have 5 to 6 clients a day that other wise would not have gotten massage. I am a good therapist that has plenty of clients that reward me well with the tips I get, but not everything is messaged in money I got into this to help as many people as I can. More than anything I want to educate my clients on the care they need. This allows me to touch more people than those with money.

MuseOfTouch in Mount Vernon, New York said: Point 2. As to your glib reply go work somewhere else, in case you haven't noticed there is a recession out there and jobs are not a dime a dozen but thankyou for your advice I must be psychic because Im already in that process. You may not believe this but Im not angry with ME, I saw their colors and have taken the appropriate action to correct my error in judgement, it just makes me incredibly sad that such a wonderful job is being turned into a cheap commondity.

MOT: I'm not trying to be glib, I've just read a lot of rant on this blog that goes nowhere. Since you itemized a list it's not rant. It sounds like you've got some beefs that are legit if the facts are as you say (and I have no reason to doubt you). I don't know if your clinic owner is just new at the business and doesn't know what they're doing or whether a bad one got hold of you (yes, they're out there). Most of your points are good ones and you should be compensated as explained and agreed.

Well, well, I have been dreaming of going to massage school for a few years, and today I signed up for a one-day workshop to learn more about it. There's a very fine school near me in North Carolina and another one in West Virginia. Two years ago, I inquired and the cost was 9 thousand. Today, it is 13 thousand. In West Virginia it is 10 thousand. Plus, nearly a one year committment to a college level curriculum. I figure that will easily cost me 30 thousand dollars what with lost work while I go to school.
One of the commentators here said something about 3-4 months training.
So, I started asking for feedback about what the downside is in this profession, and I was told about massage envy. Now, I have to seriously reconsider going to massage school at all. This is very disappointing news, to think that this healing profession could be ruined by a wal-mart franchise. Perhaps there are simply too many massage therapists, and that is the problem. This is something I need to know - is the profession saturated?

What confuses me is that the massages apparently cost either 39 or 49, and a decent tip is 15 dollars. At 50 bucks for a massage, and 15 on top of that, you are already in the range of what it costs to go get a real massage from a real self-respecting massage therapist. The ones I have gotten have costed 60 dollars. So I don't see a big savings. Well, perhaps the massage costs 40 and you tip ten. That's still 50 bucks, so not a big difference. And also, if the sessions at ME are 50 minutes, that means that you really have to add 8 or 10 dollars to the price, to come up to the same hourly rate as a regular MT. So now we are at a minimum of $58.

I have no intention of working like a waitress, knocking myself out to give good service and hoping for a good tip. I have no intention of working for tips, period. Nothing about the atmosphere at ME is the vision I have for myself. I want autonomy, for one thing.

It is certainly true that the field of massage has changed dramatically in the past few years and not for the good in my opinion. Economics 101 "Supply and Demand" applies and that certainly applies here. Ten years ago there were three major massage schools in my area, one very technical, one very traditional, and one very "energy" oriented. They each covered all the bases and all provided a good solid massage education. There's now a school on every corner mass cloning massage therapists at an unprecedented rate. That in and of itself has driven down the price of massage. On the flip side more and more people are turning to massage as they take more responsibility for their own health. If you truly want to be a massage therapist and it is not the easiest profession to break into it is still viable but you need a plan. Where could you put out your shingle that would benefit someone else. An independant gym owner may give you space to operate if you offer his/her members a discount, a win win win if you are keeping what you charge, you are enhancing the owners business and clients are getting a good massage at a reduced rate. Be creative the clients are out there. Good Luck

Thanks for your reply.

My desire was never to do massage full time or support a family on it. I would like to do a few massages a week, 5-10. The area I plan to live is quite rural.
I'd like to hear from massage therapists as to the down side. I have seen a few massage therapists leave and do other things. I think the reason is the need to a more steady and reliable source of income, and that it is simply too tiring to do full time. But I would plan to work as a nurse for perhaps 2 shifts a week, and do massages as well.
I can't figure out why so many people go to massage school when the tuition is so expensive and the time and study are so great, only to end up debasing themselves for such low pay and reprimanding bosses. No doubt, many times the tips would be inadequate or not at all, which no matter how saintly I am, would make me feel angry and used. This is not the right energy for a healing art!!!
Nor can I see where ME is a great deal. It looks like the regular price is 49 plus tip. This brings us right to 59 dollars, and that's not a great tip.
All my massages with nice private practitioners and great surroundings and no rush, were 60 dollars. I see that this might be a little low.
It has also been my experience that I love some massages and not others. This concerns me. What's the secret? In my case, I have a lot of tension in my back, and most massages are too weak for me to feel it. Could it be that the massage therapist just doesn't always know what feels good to a particular client?

I had always thought that the reason for massage to make it affordable to all. I have 5 to 6 clients a day that other wise would not have gotten massage. I am a good therapist that has plenty of clients that reward me well with the tips I get, but not everything is messaged in money I got into this to help as many people as I can. More than anything I want to educate my clients on the care they need. This allows me to touch more people than those with money.

I truly understand the desire for massage to be affordable for all so my question is why are all the ME's I know of in the high rent districts? Most of the clients I see could very easily afford a fully priced massage if they so choose. Please don't buy into that propaganda. MT's are naturally compassionate and ME owners flagrantly utilize that fact to control therapists. If you want to help people who can't afford massage, do volunteer work. Hospice, aids patients, palitive care patients all NEED massage and they CAN'T afford to pay for it. They are the people we need to be reaching out to, not lining the pockets of franchise owners. In the state of NJ thousands of Wal-Mart full time employees are receiving state benefits such as food stamps. What does that have to do with ME? It is very likely you'll qualify for such benefits working for ME. Before any of you ME therapists start quoting me how much you earn poll your fellow therapists at your location and average it. I have seen how some therapist receive special handling, gives management an ace in the hole when they interview prospective employees to show how much you can earn at ME, "can" and "will" can be worlds apart.

Muse of Touch-

I am confused. What sort of establishment do you work in?

How old are you? What is it like to give a massage for an hour, how does the time pass? And how difficult is it to give 5 or 6 in one day?

[QUOTE who="mtwannabe I have worked in many areas of massage, Im old enough to vote and the last two questions I can't really answer since each massage is different and sometimes 6 is easy, sometimes 2 are exhausting, sorry can't be more specific than that. Are you already a nurse? If so you may be able to do massage without further liscensing, check with your state or city. How tiring it is depends on the quality of your body mechanics and style of massage. Learn to work smarter and not harder and it will pay off in the long run. Hope that helps

MuseOfTouch in New York, New York said: MT's are naturally compassionate and ME owners flagrantly utilize that fact to control therapists. If you want to help people who can't afford massage, do volunteer work. Hospice, aids patients, palitive care patients all NEED massage and they CAN'T afford to pay for it. They are the people we need to be reaching out to, not lining the pockets of franchise owners. In the state of NJ thousands of Wal-Mart full time employees are receiving state benefits such as food stamps. What does that have to do with ME? It is very likely you'll qualify for such benefits working for ME. Before any of you ME therapists start quoting me how much you earn poll your fellow therapists at your location and average it. I have seen how some therapist receive special handling, gives management an ace in the hole when they interview prospective employees to show how much you can earn at ME, "can" and "will" can be worlds apart.

mtwannabe: This post is fairly representative of therapists who, for whatever reason, don't like their job or left ME because it didn't work for them. There are 500 clinics and 8,000 therapists working at Massage Envy around the country. Attempting to portray a personal experience as representative of what working at ME is like doesn't work. Truth is - ME isn't for everyone. The best way to find out for yourself is to find a clinic and talk to the therapists that work there. They'll tell you.

ME seriously violates Department of Labor requirements in any state ,I assume.
If it's incorporated- it must pay it's employees simply for being on facility. even if they sit and do nothing- remember it's a massage Dunking Donuts they too big to get away with it.
We are idiots , who allows them to take an advantage of us, especially in this economy- we are screwed. We have to create union , so no one can screw with us- like carpenters, masons, electricians, actors, even hookers have union . Or file a massive law suite to destroy ME, who makes our hard work cheap!

yeah right in Peoria, Arizona said: A good therapist will always have work, for the rest of you, there is Massage Envy, you are blind.

how long have you been the wellness business? Are you currently employed as a massage therapist full time?

LMT from florida said: I am a therapist! I have been since 1998 Has you may think i need to have more knowledge in business maybe you are the problem not me. Florida is one of the states that have an over population of therapist. How many of them aren't practicing massage b/c of lack of work? Massage envy isn't for everyone. but it's fits for alot of people in FLORIDA!

It's good to hear that Massage Envy is working for you. I'm considering a similar opportunity in Florida with a franchise competitor with essentially the same business model. I've been in this business for 10 years and I see some big advantages. Are you still happily employed with Massage Envy?

Hi I read your comments and I see you dont like ME but im still interested to work for them because in Sweden where im from I dont get any jobs as a massage therapist and it´s is almost impossible to get any other job right now because of how the market looks like.

Also when I am just fresh out of the massage school it´s really hard to get clients if you dont have a fulltime job beside while you are building you´re reputation and getting some regulars.

anyways what chances do I have to get a job at ME? when im from sweden, I went at a school called Axelsons Institute its the best in sweden and famous all over the world (I hope you have heard of it) I`am used to do 8 hours of massage and I am very good at swedish classic massage =) and all the other techniques such as revolving triggerpoints etc.

What do you recommend me to do should I aply and take a chance even tough you say they treat you like crap =)basically or stay at home. I dont care if its hard work i just wanna see USA,fl. and get experience. do you think I will get enough money to be able to live there or what?

excuse my english I wrote a little bit sloppy and maybe a little bit scrambled, hope you understand my basic questíons.
Iám a guy to if that maybe will interfere with me getting the job.

sincerly Gustaf