Getting discouraging info about massage career

thebodyworker in Redmond, Washington said: Being drained by a job is much more than physical. It has to do with giving of your time and not feeling appreciated or rewarded. Many in the helping professions have a tendency to give too much thinking it will get them somewhere when all it does is deplete you. You can stop it by setting good boundaries and taking care of yourself not only physically but emotionally and mentally too.

Unfortunately it hasn't worked that way for me at all. My clients and peers are VERY appreciative of my work. My peer supervision & I have decided that for me 18 massages a week is enough and I strictly adhere to it. I'm still so exhausted at the end of every day that all I do is crash in the bed and cry myself to sleep. Some jobs themselves are just too much. I agree with Jen, it's only good for a part-time gig.

Then something is still not right - Do you love what you are doing? Do you charge enough? Do you know why you help? Are you giving too much in each session? Are you working only on your ideal client? Are you getting (paying) for a massage once a week yourself? Addressing the issues underneath these things can help.

At 18 massages a week is pretty good actually and you should be able to make $70,000 a year or so.

Julie

$70,000? HA! The only MT in this area who charges that much does 3-6 massages a week. And she markets the heck out of herself and has twice the overhead costs!

thebodyworker in Redmond, Washington said: At 18 massages a week is pretty good actually and you should be able to make $70,000 a year or so.

PLEASE stop doing this. It obviously can be done in some areas, but not many. You're giving prospective and new MTs false hopes of unrealistic incomes in MOST markets.

I know what I'm talking about! I worked in a wealthy vacation community glutted with practitioners and made $100+ per massage. It took only 6 months to build a full practice with waiting lists. Yes, it can work that way in a glutted market. How? CLIENTS want to distinguish themselves from the average massage consumer. Yes, CLIENTS like to think they're getting something special. While there's little to no difference on the PRACTITIONER side, paying more makes the CLIENT think s/he is getting more value. It works this way in markets like Seattle where plenty of inexpensive massage is available.

Now I live in a working class community with average incomes. THEY DO NOT THROW AWAY $100+ ON THE SAME MASSAGE THAT COSTS $60 NEXT DOOR! I charged $100 when I moved here and couldn't build a full practice IN A YEAR. Don't tell me I don't know how to market or I have faulty beliefs because I've proven otherwise. This practice took off when I lowered my price. I did it gradually and found $60 is the amount people in this area are willing to pay.

People, be realistic about income potential in YOUR area. Julie's estimates are WAYYYY too pie-in-the-sky. She's apparently has NEVER worked a community of frugal people that will only pay reasonable prices for massage.

Please stop buying into that belief that you can't make more if you want to. The whole massage profession supports the belief that making money is somehow bad and that to be good one must suffer without it. It just isn't true. I didn't say you need to charge more. There are many other ways to increase the value of each session and to also make money like doing things to promote massage products on your website, writing articles on massage, teaching massage - the sky is the limit really if you just take some time to just start thinking differently.

Yes you tried to charge more and failed so you can still buy into your beliefs. I didn't say it is easy to change. It actually is one of the most difficult things to do in life - change your beliefs because they are unconscious.

Read "Making the Switch to Being Rich" by Steve Capellini who is big in the spa industry as he explains it better than I do.

My God, you don't read a thing anyone says, do you? You just have in it in your mind that NO ONE believes she can charge what she wants, and no matter what anyone says you just go off assuming we're all a bunch of poor-minded idiots who don't know how to run a business. You're either arrogant or a brainless automoton working on autopilot without a single original thought in your head other than what you read from books.

LIKE I SAID, I ALREADY HAD A LONG-TERM BUSINESS THAT CHARGED $100+ PER MASSAGE. SINCE I'VE ALREADY ACTUALLY DONE IT, I KNOW BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT IT IS POSSIBLE! When I started this practice I KNEW FIRST THING that the same price point would work in this market! THERE WAS NO OTHER OPTION!!!!!!!!!!

But it DIDN'T work the same in a different market. It's different clientele here and I had to adjust to make it work. And I DID make it work! You wouldn't make it in any other markets but your own.

Hopefully everyone else reading can see what's going on and will have a REALISTIC understanding of how the free marketplace actually works.

Sabeena in Portland, Oregon said: My God, you don't read a thing anyone says, do you? You just have in it in your mind that NO ONE believes she can charge what she wants, and no matter what anyone says you just go off assuming we're all a bunch of poor-minded idiots who don't know how to run a business. You're either arrogant or a brainless automoton working on autopilot without a single original thought in your head other than what you read from books.

Oh, come on now, Sabeena! You missed the 'both' option...both arrogant AND a brainless automoton spewing new age psychobabble from stupid books!

$100 massages don't sell in Olympia, either, for most of the year. However, when Congress is in session, they do. You are exactly correct about high-end customers wanting to distinguish themselves as 'massage connoisseurs'. It doesn't matter if the person next door charges half. The 'massage snob' will go to the higher priced practitioner because he THINKS he's getting more. After all, he's PAYING more, right?

You obviously know your target clientele. So do I. Good for you, lady!

I have never said anything about you people not knowing anything about running a business. You continue to twist my posts into your own liking.

This is not all about charging more but changing your unconscious beliefs about money that is all.

Yes I read books. I also work with hundreds of massage therapists in person and thousands on line with my websites to help people break out of their moneyless bubble. You can if you want or not. That's all.

You had to start out in an area charging less to get the clients that you need. Each year when you raise your prices like every business does and as you gain more experience and take more classes and learn more, you can charge more if you want or not.

Oh my effing god, you still don't get it, do you?

As a person who can think for herself, here's what I hear her saying. Sabeena had a high-dollar massage business. She closed it to move into Oklahoma City, a regular working-class town.

At her new business she started out charging THE SAME $100 as her old business. This turned out to be MORE than her clients would pay. After a year she re-evaluated her pricing, figured out her problem and decided to charge less. This resulted in a full clientele.

Julie, you're STILL saying she started out charging LESS to get the clients she needed. In reality, she charged TOO MUCH and therefore couldn't get the clients.

If I'm wrong, Sabeena, please correct me! I don't think so...

Yes I shortened it because I don't have time to keep explaining this to you - she did change to a lower rate so she could get clients. That still does not prove anything. If a person had enough money to live on while they build their business or created residual income from other sources and held out and charged more it still could be done if one wanted to.

Just because a person tried once and failed at charging more does not mean it can not be done wherever they live.

Just because she couldn't make it charging more doesn't mean that everyone in the whole city that she live won't be able to do it. She had to do what she had to do to get by and that is great. She can now build her business and raise her rates each year as all businesses do and add services and take classes and get more experience and learn new techniques etc.

It's OK, MT. There's no need to interact with a brainwashed person who believes everyone in the world has a poor mindset, no matter what. Julie has her face glued to so many books that she has lost her capacity to interact with real people with different experiences in rational ways.

The important thing is other people on this forum understand a diversity of experiences in the massage industry. Yes, my story DOES prove that some markets will not support $100 massages. I've tried more than THREE TIMES - not just once as accused - to raise my rates. Every time it resulted in LESS CLIENTS, and a loss in client confidence. People in Oklahoma City are smart, frugal people who understand the value of a dollar. They do not waste money on overpriced services that can be found for less at the same quality.

I see you have similar experiences. $100 is too much for your full-time residents. But the elected government officials who live there part-time do pay that much. That's a great idea! I live in the state capital, too. I'll start marketing to the state representatives when they're in town. Thanks for an real, practical idea that I can actually USE! (Unlike Julie's 'all you have to do is just believe' crap devoid of a real action plan!)

Okay, I'm a bit scared to stick my nose in here, because I don't feel like being attacked. But I do want to help if I can. I've found that if I can keep my workload to twenty hours per week, or less, and make over $85,000 per year... I never feel tired. When I was working more and earning less... I was exhausted. This can be a very tiring profession if one doesn't feel properly rewarded. And everyone has their own set of needs that must be met to feel that they are adequately rewarded.

As the economy changes Massage Therapists may need to diversify their practices, increase their skills, provide services in different markets etc. I'm not saying that compromise is easy, but it is sometimes necessary.

If you love being a Massage Therapist but feel burned out, it's time to reevaluate your boundaries and take a look at your pay and hours worked. The reason why I push Mts to look for ways to earn more money is that then they can reduce their hours and stay in this profession as long as they choose.. burnout-free. However, this is based on your needs and personal expenses. If yo are making more than you need and working too many hours, simply cut back your hours and redefine your spending. If you are in the majority of MTs who are not earning enough to avoid burnout, then sit down and get realistic about your financial needs. figure out what hourly rate you need to make to be able to work the amount of hours that you can work and feel great. Then look around and see if there are higher-cost niches that need your service. Travel massage, hotel massage, wedding parties, higher-education modalities, VIPs, all pay more. However, that doesn't mean that you will average $100 per hour in YOUR town or city.

To make your desired hourly average, you may have to supplement with other endeavors. An article a month written for a massage magazine, selling a product line, having blog with advertisements, referring business to other MTs for a small fee... all these things can increase your hourly average the additional $5-$40 per hour that you need to achieve your goal and avoid burnout.

Sometimes charging LESS in certain areas and getting swamped with business and referring to other MTs is the answer. Sometimes the answer is splitting your time between out-call massage and massage in your clinic to get the average hourly rate you need. Whatever the answer, it can be done. It's not easy. But it is certainly easier when you set a goal and keep trying to achieve it until you find what works for you.

Making money was never my goal, but as I learned to look for ways to stay healthy, build stronger boundaries and uncover niche markets that allowed me to work less while earning more, I discovered how to make a great living. Similar opportunities are available to every MT, they need only want to uncover what works for them.

I know many of you already know this. I am posting it for those that don't. I know many of you don't want to be Massage Therapists anymore. I'm posting this for those that do. I feel its fair to give people interested in this profession an equal chance at success. Perhaps those that don't want to be here anymore should make room for them.

I LOVE being a Massage Therapist! And YES YOU CAN make $100,000 per year at it. www.hundredthousanddollarmassage.com

I read all the posts here hoping there are some pointers I can use to charge more than what I am charging now

Sabeena gave me the best eye opener post.

Because I just moved to a new area where the next door massage therapist charge $85 an hour, I am debating whether I should charge $85 or charge $5 or $10 less than that rate.

The lowest rate in this are is $40 per hour.

My rate on clients of 2 years or more is only $50 per hour, I want to raise their rate to $55. Clients of 2 years and new clients are $60 per hour (I am not planning on rasing their rate).

Any suggestion ?

Barb in Midlothian, Virginia said: Do not let others hold you back. I also "had" a husband that didnt want me to go to massage school. He thought that it wouldnt be profitable and never encouraged me to fulfill my dream. Well we broke up & I went to school, and just passed my Natl. Certification test 2 days ago! I love my work & find it very rewarding. It is physically hard, but enjoy my job!

My husband holds me back and I have allowed him to becauseof my own uncertainties.. I do not get any encouragment. I moved from NY to Florida for him and helped him out big time w/finances that he created that I never knew about. I am late forties w/a nine year old, have no friends and no family and need to do something. I am procrasinate...tutition is high...will I find work...will this career pay for iteself in the long run. I hope I have another 20 years to work. I need a career where I can work anywhere.

massage therapist in Brockton, Massachusetts said: Greg,
It all depends on the area that you live in. I'd go and ask the local therapists what your area is like. The area that I practice in is more geared toward female therapists. Not just the homophobic guy thing (a lot of guys don't want to be rubbed by another guy). The females in my area prefer females and God's honest, I really don't know why. I did ask one once and she just said "I would never have any guy touch me but my husband". I just left it at that. So Greg, you'll just have to have a look around and see what it's like in your area.

By the way, just starting out, the pay isn't that great. It takes a couple of years to get established and have a steady clientele. Plus there's the whole economy thing. Folks have less disposable income nowadays and even though massage is really a necessity, folks really think it's a luxury.

I have been a MT for 20 some years and burn-out happened long ago. I now only do it part time. Watch you body mechanics, keep hydrated, and know when to say, "sorry I'm all booked up," even if you're aren't, so you can save yourself for this career if you want it to be a career.
Personally I'd say find a good network marketing co and get to work. Less stress and more moola. For the most part you don't have to be 'present to win', in other words you don't have to trade your time for money. Anyway, good luck and above all make it fun..whatever you do!

I have been a deep tissue/sports massage therapist for ten years now & I've found some ways to keep healthy & burn-out free.  First, I've never worked full-time.  My average is three days a week.  Second, I've consistently taken continuing education - Thai massage, craniosacral, hot stones, Ashiatsu, reflexology, body treatments, Shiatsu, lymphatic drainage, and Ayurvedic treatments.  I've become a yoga instructor and a personal trainer with a corrective exercise specialty to complement my massage income.  There are a lot of other complementing professions, like physical therapy, acupuncture, and skin care.  Diversity is key to staying healthy and having a number of helpful skills.  I believe some people are built better than others for the massage profession, like having naturally strong hands.  I also stretch, ice and heat, get massage, self-massage regularly, and exercise.  That is key!  It is a very physical job and you have to be in shape.  As far as pay is concerned, my experience has run from $20 to $105 an hour.  I admit the $105 job I have now is rare.  I work at a very exclusive private golf club with multimillion and billionaires.  I've found between the two states I've worked in, California and Hawaii, the average spa pay is $40 a treatment and the price to ask in private practice is $70.  To the original post and question, I wouldn't necessarily recommend becoming a LMT to help with your tension/anxiety.  It is hard work!  As for working in a typical spa, running from room to room doing 50 minute massages on the hour is hardly relaxing.  It's the going to them part that is!      

Why shouldn't be about making money? Do you think that all doctors are in business to help patients? Why do people have this aversion to making money? I've been doing massge for longer than a lot of therapist have been alive. (30+ years) I've given more free massages than most therapist have given paid sessions. I charge a premium for a massage and my clients happily pay it. But there is a reason for it. I give a premium massage. Do you think I feel guilty for making big money? Not a chance. Get over the money phobia.

1prettygirl77 in charleston, South Carolina said: Becoming a LMT shouldn't be about making money... it should be about believing in the profession.

30+yearsAsATherapist in Des Moines, Iowa said: Why shouldn't be about making money? Do you think that all doctors are in business to help patients? Why do people have this aversion to making money? I've been doing massge for longer than a lot of therapist have been alive. (30+ years) I've given more free massages than most therapist have given paid sessions. I charge a premium for a massage and my clients happily pay it. But there is a reason for it. I give a premium massage. Do you think I feel guilty for making big money? Not a chance. Get over the money phobia.

Wow. It surprises me that we're still having this discussion with all the information available and the obvious evidence showing the problems inherent with hyperconsumerism. As a society we need to get over big money and like prettygirl says start caring about people instead of possessions.

A focus on wealth is really a focus on materialism. Why do you want to make a lot of money? To collect lots of shiny things. The evidence clearly shows that money only makes us happy up to the point that our physical needs are covered. After that, making more money not only doesn't contribute to our happiness but makes us greedier for more.

This new focus on materialism in massage is disturbing. And spare me the "you say money doesn't matter because you don't have any". I'm debt free and willing to bet you're not. People like you contribute to the problem of overspending. Get over your moneyphilia!

Money ain't everything but it is right up there with oxygen. Once you have enough you can always give your surplus to others : Habitat For Humanity, Animal Rescue, Green/Sustainability projects. Having money doesn't have to equal evil.

Sharon in Palm Desert, California said: Money ain't everything but it is right up there with oxygen. Once you have enough you can always give your surplus to others : Habitat For Humanity, Animal Rescue, Green/Sustainability projects. Having money doesn't have to equal evil.

Having money never equals evil. Pursuing money and charging too much always equals evil. People cannot afford your "premium prices", especially for optional services like massage. Reasonable prices is the only moral choice.

You people say the same things over and over about giving your surplus away but you never actually do it. You just get greedier and greedier, spend more and more, and accumulate more shiny things and more debt. A focus on money is a focus on consumption. A focus on people is a focus on responsibility and creativity instead of consumption.

Do charities have too much money, or do Americans have too much debt? Are they losing their houses and business right and left? It's a rhetorical question.

"You people"...?

Sharon in Palm Desert, California said: "You people"...?

Yes, you money lovers. Just curious. How much money do you give to your favorite causes? Again, rhetorical question because I know the answer. Money lovers charge exorbitant prices and keep it all while preaching charity to everyone else. A few claim to give proceeds of book sales and the like to charities, but it's such a tiny amount that it's ridiculous.

Interesting discussion about money. My friends and I write a lot about this topic on our blog:

massagecareertruth.com/principles.php

There are no ads or selling of any kind here, just our opinion on money and plenty of advice on building a business for almost free.

30+yearsAsATherapist in Des Moines, Iowa said: Why shouldn't be about making money? Do you think that all doctors are in business to help patients? Why do people have this aversion to making money? I've been doing massge for longer than a lot of therapist have been alive. (30+ years) I've given more free massages than most therapist have given paid sessions. I charge a premium for a massage and my clients happily pay it. But there is a reason for it. I give a premium massage. Do you think I feel guilty for making big money? Not a chance. Get over the money phobia.

Good info on your website Kalen. THX!

@30+yearsAsATherapist Do you pay big money or do you shop for the best value?

Where is all this money we are supposed to be making anyway? I have been a massage therapist for 17 years now and the only year I made near my previous salary of $50,000 per year was the first one. I know its because back then 1) I got paid 60% of the service fee, 2) there were way fewer people in the field and I did not have licensure costs, and 3) I did 6-8 60 min massages per day! Now I can barely make 4 a day without getting so sore that I can barely move. I am also 17 years older. The pay rates working for others have dropped steadily in my area to about 33% -45% per service or hourly even worse in health clubs and spas, so 5 years ago I opened my own business. I also taught business at a massage program locally. I have a loyal clientele, but since everyone is offering $49 per hour massages, my rates have adjusted downward to get and retain new clientele. I have also added renters to my space that account for almost 50% of my income, and I am adding more this year to get additional income that way. I plan to add yoga/workshop space and get 50% of that. So I will become an employer also, since renters and independent contractors don't even show up for work or try to build a business these days. I am trying for diversification to beat the McMassage shops coming in. The only real income for Massage seems to be in training/CEU's for other MTS so that is where I am headed. So I disagree that the future for this field is so rosy and bright especially since our costs for education are actually rising since licensure, which seems to offer no protection for our title or scopes of practice in my state (IL)as we first thought. Everyone is after the "wellness" dollar, so chiropractors can now use unlicensed persons that they train here to do massage and zoning laws continue to cause threats for resales. I do love doing massage but I can't say the money has been great for me. If I did not have second sources of passive income I would have had to quit years ago.

Good post, Robin. Potential massage school enrolees need to be aware of these trends. Sorry to hear you're struggling.

It's the law of supply and demand taking effect. Too many MTs are entering the market. With no official distinction between relaxation/medical and generally low requirements to get into massage, prices are being driven down. Everyone is turning to alternative ways to make money. There can only be so many books & CEU classes out there before we start to see the same effect. I see it happening already.

Just wait until the government takes over health insurance. The game will be completely over then. These are the reasons I am moving into another field full time, just doing massage on the side.

MT n WA in Olympia, Washington said: Oh my effing god, you still don't get it, do you?

As a person who can think for herself, here's what I hear her saying. Sabeena had a high-dollar massage business. She closed it to move into Oklahoma City, a regular working-class town.

At her new business she started out charging THE SAME $100 as her old business. This turned out to be MORE than her clients would pay. After a year she re-evaluated her pricing, figured out her problem and decided to charge less. This resulted in a full clientele.

Julie, you're STILL saying she started out charging LESS to get the clients she needed. In reality, she charged TOO MUCH and therefore couldn't get the clients.

If I'm wrong, Sabeena, please correct me! I don't think so...

I don't understand why she would leave a profit town charging a $100 a massage to a poor state like okla.I worked in okla as a cna and only made min wage.

kat in Seminole, Florida said: I don't understand why she would leave a profit town charging a $100 a massage to a poor state like okla.I worked in okla as a cna and only made min wage.

Don't read or believe anything this person posted here. She is a troll.
However I know a real massage therapist who's done very well for herself in OKC. She opened a spa and has a bunch of employees. She says massage jobs are hard to find but there are plenty of clients if you're willing to hussle up business.

Ann in San Diego, California said: Burnout happens rather quickly for a massage therapist. After 13 years as a MT, I went to school for physical therapy assistant and I am glad I did. I've been in that field for 3 yrs and while it is somewhat physical it doesn't compare to the energy it took to do 6 massages a day!
I would recommend to anyone working as a massage therapist to have a plan B in place before you burnout.

Hey Ann,

I'm considering applying to PTA programs next year. Could you tell me what program you went to? Also do you have to have a lot of strength to be a PTA? Please reply here or email me at folkpixie at gmail dot com.

Thanks

This has been a very enlightening blog. I wish I had read it about 10 months ago. I will be finishing massage school next month. I have learned to keep my ear to the ground and eyes wide open for my niche as well different opportunities all together. I am sure my education was not a waste of time, but I am becoming aware these last months are just the beginning...

Arl.farmgirl in Marysville, Washington said: This has been a very enlightening blog. I wish I had read it about 10 months ago. I will be finishing massage school next month. I have learned to keep my ear to the ground and eyes wide open for my niche as well different opportunities all together. I am sure my education was not a waste of time, but I am becoming aware these last months are just the beginning...

I have been a massage therapist in Texas for 13 years. I have also owned my own massage/spa business. I now do equine massage only. If you really love massage and really believe in what you do, you will do well. I know MT's who charge $100/hour and are completely booked. Their clients can get a cheaper massage, but they choose to stick with the one they know and trust. So, If you really love it, stick with it and you won't regret it.

how is the equine field? $?

Equine $$ is great. Show one client how much your massage can improve their competitive horses performance and your business will grow quickly via word of mouth. I limit the amount of massages I do because of my health issues, but it is very rewarding work and the results I have had never cease to amaze me. Knowledge of horses and the demands of their specific sport will of course take you much further. As far as income goes, I believe it depends on how many massages you are physically able to do.

All the silly notions about working hard and not wanting to make good money is plain foolishness. Obviously these comments were made by idealistic children who have never supported themselves. Good intentions and acts of charity cannot pay bills!!!

Next: for those of you who frivolously think they want to become a physical therapist: be prepared to go to college for 6 yes six years. A masters degree is required. It is a nice cooshy job if you can get hired. Then you pay your school loan.

Any cmt who wants to make good money has to move to a location where people can afford to pay a decent fee. Massage is physically demanding, and mentally draining. You deserve to be compensated. Also, boundaries are important. People will try to use you, exploit you, in every way imaginable. If you don't learn how to say no, and how to take control, you will fail.

cmt in Coatesville, Pennsylvania said: All the silly notions about working hard and not wanting to make good money is plain foolishness. Obviously these comments were made by idealistic children who have never supported themselves. Good intentions and acts of charity cannot pay bills!!!

Next: for those of you who frivolously think they want to become a physical therapist: be prepared to go to college for 6 yes six years. A masters degree is required. It is a nice cooshy job if you can get hired. Then you pay your school loan.

Any cmt who wants to make good money has to move to a location where people can afford to pay a decent fee. Massage is physically demanding, and mentally draining. You deserve to be compensated. Also, boundaries are important. People will try to use you, exploit you, in every way imaginable. If you don't learn how to say no, and how to take control, you will fail.

I could not disagree with you more on every single point. First, who wrote anything about working hard AND not making a good living? Are you reading comments from a different site?

I am going to OT school next year. I'm on partial scholarship and working my way through as an MT so I will have no student loans. Just like MTs you don't have to depend on an employer, you can earn a lot of money as an independent contractor. What is your problem with professional education anyway?

Sorry but in 4 years I've only had 2 or 3 massage clients try to use or exploit me. You should examine what you are doing to attract those kind of people. I live in a small town with people who can't afford to pay the big bucks for massage and still have made a fine living for myself. I can't stand MTs who degrade massage into the money it will give them. It's a selfish and old paradigm that is best left to the greedy Wall Street crowd of the 20th century.

MicBen in Salt Lake City, Utah said: I see you've adjusted down your income estimates from $100K firm to $50-100K. Interesting. I work at a small chain med spa that does all of those things, which are very good. All it does is change the average length of our careers from 6 to 8 years. So those self care techniques do help, but they are not a permanent solution. It does not change the fact that massage is very damaging to the body.

I too have received regular massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care for 9 years. A difficult thing for me to admit is that massage just does not work for therapeutic purposes. It's fine for relaxation but does very little to actually heal the body. And I've devoted my life to it. So sad.

Wow, I absolutely disagree!! I specialize in Corrective, Neuro-muscular, Sports therapy. Which I would recommend to any one that loves massage, finds relaxation incredibly boring to do, and wants to create results right now for their clients. I did check out this forum because I also am looking for "what's next." Been doing massage for 13 years, love what I do, but know that I can not do this forever. During my summer months I go to a physical therapist as often as I can (that's my busy, busy time) After I herniated my neck and tore the A/C in my shoulder massage is very hard on my body. I've been looking into Holistic Nutritional coaching, or something along those lines. It's hard to know what to do next that can keep you working with people and bodies, but isn't quite so taxing.

Sharon Moak in Vancouver, Washington said: Wow, I could not disagree with you any more. This statement is completely off base. Massage is a high burnout job because it is physically and emotionally draining and doesn't pay enough to compensate for the toll it takes.

I worked as a computer programmer 12 years and never burned out. I switched to massage because it sounded fun and my company was downsizing. 5 years into my massage career I'm frazzled to a crisp. I've gone back to computer programming and plan to keep doing it the rest of my life without burning out.

Here are things my friends have done. One is a cosmetologist and specializes in wigs, nails and skin treatments for cancer patients...7 years strong.

Another became a physical therapy assistant. It's tough but pays better, offers good benefits and is MUCH easier on her body...4 years no burnout.

An ex-coworker just got her degree in nursing. She worked 4 years through school doing home health care and will continue. Nursing is also a high burnout job, but non-hospital work is better. She loves it and gets paid twice as much.

A male friend is a personal trainer with a specialized certification in corrective exercise...10 years happy facing no discrimination in the workplace. Another friend just quit massage to spend more time teaching and playing music full time...he's done this 40 years and has never burned out.

THIS PROVES BURNOUT ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT KEEP HAPPENING IN ANYTHING YOU CHOOSE!!!!!! It keeps happening with brutal jobs.

I agree. I have been doing massage for 6 years and am absolutely burnt out and looking for other work as I prepare to start school for nursing.
I do believe in massage-absolutely. I actually want to continue to do it to help ppl but not as a full-time profession to support myself. I was told in school it was not a good idea to try to do it full time and they were right.

As a practicing Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from a 2200 hour program (valedictorian at that!) this is the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard.
Massage is a very individualized practice. Each client will benefit (or not) differently, and a lot of it comes from their mental state and their willingness to get better. The power of positive thought is enormous in overall body/mental health for every therapy including but not limited to Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Psychotherapy....
To say that 80% of back pain alleviates itself in a month is an absolute lie. I'm not entirely sure where you get your information, but that is an absolute inaccuracy! What about conditions like Osteoarthritis affecting the spine? Or spondylothesis? Or Degenerative Disc Disease? Ligamentous Sprain? Tendon Strain? The list goes on and on and these conditions can affect clients for years.
Massage is not for everyone, if it is not your preference, that is ok. What it does do (based on physiological facts) is: facilitate increased circulation (venous return and lymphatic flow) activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System - releasing endorphins, increases flexibility and range of motion of joints, improves the flow of nutrients to muscles and joints, accelerating recovery from fatigue and injury, increases the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia, reduces heart rate (helps develop a stronger heart). Just to name a few! Massage offers countless other proven physiological advantages!