Anything Positve to say about Massage Therapy???

Im looking to start a MT program in inland empire CALIFORNIA.. any reviews?? thansk

rddrdd in Chicago, Illinois said: so mel3aa ... you should be in the field over a year now. how are your experiences compared to what you thought it would be, and what are your positive stories?

i finished my program in april of last year and have been working as a massage therapist since august. i am very happy with my choice to work in this profession. i am fortunate enough to live in a city where there are lots of opportunities for massage. I work at a very busy massage establishmen where i have fully booked shifts each day i work. i'm slowly starting to promote myself for my own private practice and have a couple clients. i have had many positive experiences w/ my clients. of course there are people out there who just take and take...and dont seem very grateful for the effort you put in...but you are going to have that in any profession. my positive experiences far outweigh any negative i have encountered. i am finding my massage career to very rewarding.

part of me regrets my original post... as it seems to have served as an outlet for people to spew their negativity.

Mel...good for you! I am glad that you have found a positive experience in massage! I have been working for two years in the field and it keeps getting better and better! If you remember to always keep learning, thinking out of the box, setting new goals for yourself, and operating from a high level of integrity...you will do fantastic!

Fteach2learn in Buffalo, New York said: I'm glad that there is a positive comment about message therapy. I am a special education teacher looking to get into message as a second career. I only hope its worth the money put into it.

I doubt you will get this 28 months later, but don't do it. I was a massage therapist who became a special education teacher. Teaching is so much more rewarding, less physically strenuous and you make more money. Rarely a massage job offers health insurance and if they do... you have to work way to many hours. I am originally from Buffalo, NY, but live in NYC now. Being familiar with Buffalo, NY, you will not make enough money doing massage there.

DONT get into the field of massage therapy, unless you can afford being self employed. Study something else,listen to someone who knows what this field is REALLY about.

Yeah, I think this industry is TERRIBLE!! I have been doing it for 4 and 1/2 years and my body ,especially hands, are always sore. I'am so glad I'am finally geting out!

I can hardly believe all the negative comments. Massage therapists are healers and you will have a calling if you are meant to do it. It is a whole different ball game than many professions. It is very rewarding. But if you are in it for the money, forget it, unless it is a second income or you have some support. You will burn out if your work week is over 20 hours. If you are good, you will succeed, you will know.

annabelle in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: I can hardly believe all the negative comments. Massage therapists are healers and you will have a calling if you are meant to do it. It is a whole different ball game than many professions. It is very rewarding. But if you are in it for the money, forget it, unless it is a second income or you have some support. You will burn out if your work week is over 20 hours. If you are good, you will succeed, you will know.

I can hardly believe all the know it alls telling everyone else how to think and what to do. And I can't believe how special you think you are. It's the same ball game as every other profession and is rewarding for some, not rewarding for others. Some like it, some don't. Stop projecting yourself onto everyone else and mind your own business and you will go further in your rewarding successful carrer.

And BTW alot of therapists make alot of money without a 2nd income so you didn't even get that right. Those therapists insist your a failure if you think like you. So just take care of yourself instead of everyone else.

okiegirl898 said: Hi my name is Sarah Wester,LMT. Im currently an intern from Heritage College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I wil be grauted this June, and I couldnt have pick a better field then massage therapy. Massage therapy not only hepls you relax and a spa anymore. Massage therapy has grown into hospitals, clincs, and doctors offices. Massage therapy is very much apart of the medical field. I think is so great that come this October the laws for massage therapy is going to get a whole lot sticter. Like you have to be licseced and ceritfied and all the "massage parlors" are getting shut dowm!!!!!!!!!!!!

How can you be a LMT and you haven't even graduated yet?

annabelle in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: I can hardly believe all the negative comments. Massage therapists are healers and you will have a calling if you are meant to do it. It is a whole different ball game than many professions. It is very rewarding. But if you are in it for the money, forget it, unless it is a second income or you have some support. You will burn out if your work week is over 20 hours. If you are good, you will succeed, you will know.

Annabelle, we need to move away from the thought that massage therapists are HEALERS. We are not. It's not only arrogant to assume you possess healing powers, but it places too much of the responsibility on yourself instead of the true healer, the clients themselves.

Massage therapists can be valuable facilitators in the healing process, but client does all the healing...or not.

Cav in Addison Township, Michigan said: Thanks for your comments. I started looking in the want ads to see what the market is like for massage therapy and was surprised to see quite a few listings in my area. But even though Michigan doesn't require a license every job states that they do (a certification I guess is a better word?) Anyway, when you say you spent only $4,000, did that prep you for the test? How long was that program?

Thanks!!

Michigan dosen't require a license? I thought I read directly on the michigan website that they did? because if they dont I am just going to up and start my buisness without school. I really dont want to spend thousands of dollars that I dont have on school if I dont have to. I could easily spend it creating my buisness.

Message therapy is something I have been wanting to do for years but never really got my foot in the door. Everyone I have ever given a massage said I was amazing at it and should get into the buisness. On top of that I am just sick of working for other people and dealing with management bullsh**. I like dealing with people one on one and helping them through there problems. Im going to create my own buisness so I can regulate my clientel and ditch those nasty old men that want happy endings (screw that idea ' no happy ending is coming from this message therapist')

I wish everyone the best in there career choice. I do agree that message therapy isn't for everyone. So choose your career wisely.

happy man in Fenton, Missouri said: I think it's pathetic how you american women love sex so much and spend most of your time trying to look sexy but balk at the idea of massaging a man in his most sensitive area. there is NOTHING nasty about it and it shows your level of maturity and intelligence is extremely low. the massage business does not need more close minded curmudgeons like you.

Troll

Yeahhh, Finally this forum is getting intelligent feedback from the professionals like myself who are fed up with having to deal with the happy ender wannabes as i classify them . I cant mention the name of the spa im currently working at ... but I must share this true incident that took place with a young rookie female therapist recently and a MALE customer that refused to leave the room because of his discusting innuendos,moaning, etc... The therapist became so uncomfortable with the situation .that while she left the room to get help from management, she wound up having to wash SPERM off the cover on table where client ejaculated !!!!! Bottom line business sucks...

Kristoph in Hoffman Estates, Illinois said: And by the way, the name DadMIke screams old homo who preys on younger...[/QUO

Another troll.

Kristoph in Hoffman Estates, Illinois said: And by the way, the name DadMIke screams old homo who preys on younger...

Another troll.

Well, I was in the same group as everyone else here. I hated my massage career and it seemed like it was going no where. But now I LOVE my career. I quit Massage Envy. Now I work for a hospital wellness center and love it!!!!! My clientele has gotten so much better in every way possible. I do believe the location has something to do with it as well. My tips have improved and my clients take my advice seriously. I am only working about 12-15 hours a week and pulling in the same money as I did at Massage Envy. There I had to work 25 hours a week and barely made ends meet. Also, this has given me so much more free time that I now have time to start an at-home massage business which is also giving me some stacks of cash! Sure, my new job could use some tweeking but what job doesn't have it's downfalls. Also, my boss just came to me the other day and wanted to know if I wanted to go full time there which is 20 hours a week!!!! YAY!!!
Some other things positive about Massage Therapy as a career is that I have been doing this for 4 years now, the hospital I work at is willing to help me advance my career and open up other career avenues to me while still being a therapist, and I get tuition reimbursment.
Believe me the first couples years were rough but like any career path it is what you make it. And I also know many people with Master Degrees who have been out of work for over two years now.
So, I guess from my viewpoint it has been a very stable job during this economy, no you will not make over 30 grand a year, you can get certified in most states in under a year, and it can be a good jumping off point to start another career in holistic medicine. Hope this helps those who are having a tough time deciding for this career field. But for a part-time job, $30,000 a year is nothing to sneer at considering that most MA's and CNA's don't make that working full time.

Excellent point! What kind of hospital wellness center-and how did you get your foot in the door there?

I'm at a medicall wellness center now, but I'm very interested in getting into the hospital side of it. I'm just not sure how to go that route...

Thanks for your thoughts!

Genevieve in Lansing, Michigan said: Michigan dosen't require a license? I thought I read directly on the michigan website that they did? because if they dont I am just going to up and start my buisness without school. I really dont want to spend thousands of dollars that I dont have on school if I dont have to. I could easily spend it creating my buisness.

Message therapy is something I have been wanting to do for years but never really got my foot in the door. Everyone I have ever given a massage said I was amazing at it and should get into the buisness. On top of that I am just sick of working for other people and dealing with management bullsh**. I like dealing with people one on one and helping them through there problems. Im going to create my own buisness so I can regulate my clientel and ditch those nasty old men that want happy endings (screw that idea ' no happy ending is coming from this message therapist')

I wish everyone the best in there career choice. I do agree that message therapy isn't for everyone. So choose your career wisely.

You still have to be Nationally Certified to practice and no one will give a business license or business insurance to someone without the education to back up the business. There is a lot more to massage than just rubbing someone. You need to know anatomy, physiology, kineseology, pathology, massage business practices, and a whole lot more to be a Massage Therapist. If all else fails the biggest reason to go to school for it is to not get sued! It is so easy for someone to say 'Well, they lied to me and told me they were a professional massage therapist'. In this sue-happy nation with this bad economy it sounds like a bad idea.

smcanally_lmt in Broken Bow, Oklahoma said: You have got to be kidding me!!! Seriously??? No, not everybody $300 laying around waiting to be spent, but for the school to pay for your license? What world are you living in? Imagine the amount of money a Dr pays for school, and how much their licensing costs? Do you seriously think their schools should pay for their license? And renewals??? The entire time you are in school, you know that you have these expenses to look forward to, so save for them!!! I'm sure you make tips practicing on people, I did. Set all your tips aside. Common sense people.

A Doctor pays(depending on the state) $429-$550 to get licensed and additional $409-519 depending how many states they want to be licensed in. If you would like to research it further go to www.medlicense.com. I pay about $200-300 every two years for mine as a MT.

Rd in Chicago, Illinois said: Excellent point! What kind of hospital wellness center-and how did you get your foot in the door there?

I'm at a medicall wellness center now, but I'm very interested in getting into the hospital side of it. I'm just not sure how to go that route...

Thanks for your thoughts!

Well, it is a type of Exercise facility, like a health club. I am in the Spa. There are some few occasions where we will do insurance billed massage. However, we just give them the receipts and soap notes.
The fisrt thing you need to know is if the hospital you work for is a "For Profit or Non-Profit" Organization. If it non-profit than forget trying to do massage in the hospital unless you become a PT or OT or an assistant to one of those. If it is a for-profit hospital than that is a little easier and your best bet would be to become Pre-natal & Post-natal certified. I knew a therapist who would go into a pregnant woman's room just before birth and after birth to work on the legs and back. Mostly this is to prevent blood clots from forming. However with the invention of leg air-bag massagers it is very hard to convince a hospital director that it will be more cost effective for you to do the massage than to make a one time purchase of $300. Hope this helps you.

smcanally_lmt in Broken Bow, Oklahoma said: You have got to be kidding me!!! Seriously??? No, not everybody $300 laying around waiting to be spent, but for the school to pay for your license? What world are you living in? Imagine the amount of money a Dr pays for school, and how much their licensing costs? Do you seriously think their schools should pay for their license? And renewals??? The entire time you are in school, you know that you have these expenses to look forward to, so save for them!!! I'm sure you make tips practicing on people, I did. Set all your tips aside. Common sense people.

My school included it in the tuition for my licensure!

I am a certified equine massage therapist, and started at $75/hr, upon certification. Work conditions can be tough (barns); however, I am also an equestrian so I'm very used to this environment. And horses love massage! Performance horses (athletes) really benefit from it. Although you could get a kick or a bite, you'll never have some pervert asking you for a "happy ending". :-)

negatives and positives about MT,
correct me if i am wrong here, seems that majority of those who have been there done that, their opinion is much different than those are in school still, it is clear that in any kind of business or work, there are positives and negatives, success and failure, not sure if it is possible to put a percentage on the success with this profession, such as, lets say 70% will quit after certain years, or 50% of those who work on their own they will be very happy with their income, we can't judge the whole things because i didn't/don't make money, nice to hear stories positive or negatives, cause all that would be helpful and i think it will have a positive impact on a lot of people here.

When I first began in this field of massage therapy ,I was very excited and enthusiastic. Eleven years later and working for a franchise , I can honestly say Im considering going to work for myself. Im working almost six days a week and still NOT earning enough to live comfortably. No health benefits or sick days. The business has only been opened for a few months and already so many employees have left unhappy or have gotten fired.The pay is HORRIBLE too. We all have choices in life, And I feel that massage therapy school is not a wise choice, unless you dont need money.

mel3aa in Chicago, Illinois said: I am very surprised to find so much negativity about Massage Therapy on this forum. I am 2 months into a clinical massage therapy program in Chicago and I am loving it. From what I have heard (up until i came across this forum) that there are so many job opportunities, it's such a rewarding career, massage therapists love their jobs, etc. Now I am hearing completely the opposite. Maybe these people don't have the right outlook on the profession, got into it for the wrong reasons in the first place, did not go to a good school??? Anyone who has some POSITIVE stories about the Massage field I would love to hear!! Thank you!

no it's horrible dont do it. used to love it and love helping people, not any more. dont fool yourself, people will just want to use your back to get rich....

mel3aa in Chicago, Illinois said: if everyone hates it so much maybe you should all find something else to do.

thats pretty easy to say, but when your situation is so tight there's not even room for wiggle or movement in any direction at all you're kinda up S**t creek without a paddle. that's like saying to a day laborer outside of home depot, oh just go do something else, the society is not structured in such a way that that is even possible.

I am a Somatic Therapist who practiced for 30 years and now run one of the biggest massage schools on the west coast. At the time I stopped practicing I was making $150 per hour and loved every minute of it. Because I know proper body mechanics, my body always felt better after giving a massage. Because I choose a prosperity consciousness, I made great money. Because I am not a boring person, I was never bored doing this work. Life doesn't happen to you - you create it with your thoughts and attitude. If I had sour grapes about massage, or anything else I would not embarrass myself by broadcasting my negativity. What other profession is there where you can ease some of the pain in this world, make great money, set your own hours and experience more love and gratitude? Any, I suppose but I'm glad I chose this one...

I now run a massage school and I know that many students who come here may never practice massage. Not everyone has an entrepreneurial personality, but my students say that learning this work changes their lives whether they practice or not. To those negative comments I say, "You need more massage - You're missing the point of life entirely."

I am with Somatic Therapist in LA.

I have been in business for 11-12 years, always self-employed. I delivered newspapers at 3am 7 days a week, hustled chair massage gigs at offices around town, did part-time massage in a hospital, as well as out of a chiropractor's office. I built my business over time, and I love it.

I am a male (I mention this because I've noticed a few posts expressing anger/ugliness towards male therapists here); I have about equal men and women clientele. Initially, I had more women clients, but I developed a good reputation for doing deep work and successfully getting people out of, or managing, pain and injury. I work on office, blue-collar, as well has athletes.

Perhaps being a male therapist is more challenging, although I can't say I have noticed. I focus on those that choose to come to me for help. The rest is off my radar. I frankly wouldn't know because I don't bother to notice. Besides, when you are in pain, you go to who can help. It also helps to have a pleasant personality and sincerely caring for someone other than yourself. People pick up on that.

Granted, I have never worked at a chain, but as you can see, I've worked my butt off to get to where I am.

I am a bit shocked and disheartened by all of the negativity and ugly attitudes expressed towards this wonderful profession. Yes, it can be tough, but it is so much more rewarding. You have the freedom and opportunity to make this profession what you will--if you put forth the effort.

I am able to support my wife and child, with another on the way, a homeowner, sending my kid to a Waldorf school (I mention only because it isn't exactly cheap to do, and reading this forum, you'd think this impossible.) At times, money can be tight, but we live simply and quite well.

My advice is drop the negativity and become really skilled and excellent at some aspect of this work. No one is forcing you to stay.

For some reason the forum says I am in WA; I am in Eugene,OR

mel3aa in Chicago, Illinois said: I am very surprised to find so much negativity about Massage Therapy on this forum. I am 2 months into a clinical massage therapy program in Chicago and I am loving it. From what I have heard (up until i came across this forum) that there are so many job opportunities, it's such a rewarding career, massage therapists love their jobs, etc. Now I am hearing completely the opposite. Maybe these people don't have the right outlook on the profession, got into it for the wrong reasons in the first place, did not go to a good school??? Anyone who has some POSITIVE stories about the Massage field I would love to hear!! Thank you!

I don't have anything negative to say about the profession. It is an honorable profession. I have been in the business 15+ years. I am also am male therapist. I would say as a male therapist their are plenty of people out their who discriminate against me. Daily I run into someone who will not work with me because I am a "man". Though I also run into plenty who come to me for the same reason. If you work hard are willing to do massages, sales, plenty of office work, answer the phones, do good soap notes, patient progress reports to doctors, continuely take more classes that you have to pay for, and whole lot of more then this is a profession that you might be in the right field. Many of the people upset with the profession are not that is why you found this blog. It sad that people only state the positive with out the negatives. Sure every massage therapist also has a story about some one requesting a "happy ending", a story of someone looking bad at you and thinking your just a paid hooker because you state your a massage therapist and other negative stories but many of these are avoided with a therapuetic name to your business and then they are far and few between. Don't let people positive stories sway you into the profession with out understanding their are negatives too.

TB in Fountain Valley, California said: Yeah, I think this industry is TERRIBLE!! I have been doing it for 4 and 1/2 years and my body ,especially hands, are always sore. I'am so glad I'am finally geting out!

I don't have anything negative to say about the profession. It is an honorable profession. I have been in the business 15+ years. I am also am male therapist. I would say as a male therapist their are plenty of people out their who discriminate against me. Daily I run into someone who will not work with me because I am a "man". Though I also run into plenty who come to me for the same reason. If you work hard are willing to do massages, sales, plenty of office work, answer the phones, do good soap notes, patient progress reports to doctors, continuely take more classes that you have to pay for, and whole lot of more then this is a profession that you might be in the right field. Many of the people upset with the profession are not that is why you found this blog. It sad that people only state the positive with out the negatives. Sure every massage therapist also has a story about some one requesting a "happy ending", a story of someone looking bad at you and thinking your just a paid hooker because you state your a massage therapist and other negative stories but many of these are avoided with a therapuetic name to your business and then they are far and few between. Don't let people positive stories sway you into the profession with out understanding their are negatives too.

I don't have anything negative to say about the profession. It is an honorable profession. I have been in the business 15+ years. I am also am male therapist. I would say as a male therapist their are plenty of people out their who discriminate against me. Daily I run into someone who will not work with me because I am a "man". Though I also run into plenty who come to me for the same reason. If you work hard are willing to do massages, sales, plenty of office work, answer the phones, do good soap notes, patient progress reports to doctors, continuely take more classes that you have to pay for, not get paid for your reports when every other provider does, and whole lot of more then this is a profession that you might be in the right field. Many of the people upset with the profession are not that is why you found this blog. It sad that people only state the positive with out the negatives. Sure every massage therapist also has a story about some one requesting a "happy ending", a story of someone looking bad at you and thinking your just a paid hooker because you state your a massage therapist, waiting for a hour for patient just to have them no show and not call and other negative stories but many of these are avoided with a therapuetic name to your business and then they are far and few between. Don't let people positive stories sway you into the profession with out understanding their are negatives too.

Lots of complaints going on. For the ones complaining about not getting paid sick leave and benefits such as this, I'd suggest you look into another career or finding the rare chiropractic office that offers these benefits. To be honest, I came from a career waiting tables. Want to know how they compare? Waiters get NO paid time off for anything, even maternity leave. Neither do massage therapists in most instances but they aren't dealing with food and hundreds of customers every day.

Massage is supposed to be all about relaxation and helping people to heal. If you're going into it trying to make an easy buck, you're not really right for the profession. And if you're going to complain about not having enough cash maybe you should be supplementing your 20-hour full time massage weeks with a second job of some sort that relates to the field, such as personal training, yoga instruction or nutrition. The possibilities are endless.

It's very easy to complain and moan that you have it so tough. The real therapists and people that actually deserve to have the better career are the ones willing to do what it takes to make it happen. I'm a male and a success, what's your excuse?

TB in Fountain Valley, California said: Yeah, I think this industry is TERRIBLE!! I have been doing it for 4 and 1/2 years and my body ,especially hands, are always sore. I'am so glad I'am finally geting out!

Bad body mechanics = your fault.

Andrew in Snoqualmie, Washington said: I am with Somatic Therapist in LA.

I have been in business for 11-12 years, always self-employed. I delivered newspapers at 3am 7 days a week, hustled chair massage gigs at offices around town, did part-time massage in a hospital, as well as out of a chiropractor's office. I built my business over time, and I love it.

I am a male (I mention this because I've noticed a few posts expressing anger/ugliness towards male therapists here); I have about equal men and women clientele. Initially, I had more women clients, but I developed a good reputation for doing deep work and successfully getting people out of, or managing, pain and injury. I work on office, blue-collar, as well has athletes.

Perhaps being a male therapist is more challenging, although I can't say I have noticed. I focus on those that choose to come to me for help. The rest is off my radar. I frankly wouldn't know because I don't bother to notice. Besides, when you are in pain, you go to who can help. It also helps to have a pleasant personality and sincerely caring for someone other than yourself. People pick up on that.

Granted, I have never worked at a chain, but as you can see, I've worked my butt off to get to where I am.

I am a bit shocked and disheartened by all of the negativity and ugly attitudes expressed towards this wonderful profession. Yes, it can be tough, but it is so much more rewarding. You have the freedom and opportunity to make this profession what you will--if you put forth the effort.

I am able to support my wife and child, with another on the way, a homeowner, sending my kid to a Waldorf school (I mention only because it isn't exactly cheap to do, and reading this forum, you'd think this impossible.) At times, money can be tight, but we live simply and quite well.

My advice is drop the negativity and become really skilled and excellent at some aspect of this work. No one is forcing you to stay.

Mike in Kissimmee, Florida said: Bad body mechanics = your fault.

I have many co-worker therapists that have been practicing massage for 10+ years who use proper body mechanics AND they also complain about physical problems. They all want out of this industry as well and some already have left. Believe me this profession sucks!!

I agree with Mike 100%. Massage Therapy is a CALLING, it's not for everyone and you have to really love it for it to be worth it. Its NOT an easy job but I really can't see myself doing anything else. I could see myself getting a second job like he mentioned in the personal training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition fields but I will always work in Wellness & Alt. Health as long as I am able to. I am not a hobby-ist MT either. I am a single Mom with two children.

I also think the wages for massage therapists will be lowered with all the massage franchises coming out in the future.

Sabeena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: I massaged to put myself through college and only went back to it after my company went bankrupt. It was the largest employer in the state of Oklahoma. My INTENT was to massage as a temporary solution until I found a real job again in technology.

The tech jobs went away but the damned massage clients kept flocking to me. I didn't want to open a spa, but my uncle gave me money to start it so he could get regular spa treatments. My INTENT was to build it and sell it. The investors are nowhere to be found but plenty of massage clients are still stalking me. ARGGGGHHH!

I enjoy marketing, business building and technology. Massage is OK, but I don't love it. I detest laundry , insurance billing , and cleaning . I am a businessperson at heart and have very few lofty, romantic ideas about spirituality or healing or any of the touchy-feely ideals other people get into massage for.

LOL I would come work for you!