Massage Therapy as a Career

Hello Everyone,

After speaking to another skilled musician friend (keys) that's just started massage therapy school here, I've just started serious research into massage therapy as a career. I'm a very skilled, but $$$-poor musician (drummer). 25 yrs. ago I got into PC's, and I have a little bit of that certification, but mostly Level 1 Tech Support work in sweatshop call centers working for large corps with lousy customer service.

Here are some reasons why I think this would be a smart career move for me, and I would love to hear any kind of feedback.

1.) I DO think my musical skills, both rhythm and sensitivity, as well as finger dexterity would be valuable natural assets. Also, that experience of dealing with, and pleasing the general public. Another aspect that my friend mentioned that this skill set has in common with being a musician is that it demands hyperfocusing on what you're doing at that moment.

2.) The fact that I can learn a skill that demands excellence in quality as a craft, where the knowledge base doesn't change everyday, like computers. I understand, and appreciate the fact that one can ALWAYS learn more about the body's anatomy, but the general paradigm doesn't change daily.

3.) I understand that realistically, starting out I shouldn't expect anymore than $17-20/hr., but that's more than what I'm getting now, and much of the technology sector is being sent to India, or overseas. Also, while we are headed into a severe economy, there are always venues that need this kind of stress reduction therapy. I would also guess that since it looks as though we're hell-bent on socialized healthcare, that these kinds of services may also be covered under some insurance pkgs.

4.) Lastly, while no good education is cheap, when you compare the prices, and time required for this occupation to the IT field it's significantly cheaper.

Again, your feedback is welcome.

Ta

Hello! Nice to see you, dear King Conga : )
I’m currently attending College for massage therapy (my second month, going through psychology classes) and was wondering about every subject you just verbalized so nicely!

I’m musician too (keys) and would LOVE to see more comments in this thread.

Cheers.

It is a smart career move for you if you think it is.

No one can really tell you. Your background in music may or may not help you.

What will make the difference is your passion about doing massage and your beliefs in yourself about being successful.

Nothing else really.

Are you a man? I ask because I'm a musician too, and I don't know a single female drummer!

It's a difficult career for men. Most male clients say, "I don't want another man touching me when I'm naked!" Some women are distrustful of male therapists. Others have difficult sexual abuse issues.

My partner is a male jazz musician, a trumpet player, who got into massage for the same reasons you have. It took me 8 months to build more than a full-time practice, which is why I asked him to help. He's been working VERY HARD AT IT over 2 years and still doesn't have a full book. I know for a fact the reason is 80% because he's male.

Before everyone starts jumping on my case, I DIDN'T SAY MEN CANNOT BE SUCCESSFUL MASSAGE THERAPISTS! My point is that it's MORE DIFFICULT for men to get clients. This unfortunate fact is well documented. Here is some reading that might help:

spas.about.com/od/spaetiquettebasics/a/malevsfemale.htm
bodyworkonline.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=50

If you think you will have problems as a male massage therapist then you will have them. While there is a challenge for males there are also many very successful massage therapists who are males - Milton Trager, Paul St John, John Upledger, Whitney Lowe, Ben Benjamin just to name a few.

There actually is a demand for male massage therapists because there is a lot of healing that can be done while getting massaged by one but you may have to educate people about this.

thebodyworker.com/malemassagetherapistissues.htm

Julie

Yep. I knew that would be the response.

For the second time, my point is not that males cannot be successful. My male partner and I never even thought about the possibility of him having difficulties building a practice as a male. It was never an option. And yet it is a problem.

So here's an example of someone who didn't think he was going to have problems, and he does. I have plenty of other examples. Wishful thinking doesn't make it so.

Those articles are not very good. One says men MTs have problems cause its a self fulfulling prophecy. They believe they'll fail and present themselves as untrustworthy. It's all your fault, men. Another article says the industry needs more men. Why? Cause 83% of all MTs are women. That's just stating a fact without providing evidence to support the claim. I see no evidence that clients or employers want or need male MTs. You gotta do better than that.

I snickered at the "men create the situation themselves by playing into the stereotype" BS myself, too. My partner is one of the most professional people I've ever met. Everyone comments how he makes them feel comfortable. Every male therapist I know would be highly offended at that, well, stereotype!

I forgot to comment on your first question about music helping a massage career. I have studied piano for 20 years, jazz for 12. Neither my partner nor I really see how our musical skills have influenced our success in massage. No, I don't think it translates well into massage skills.

The men Julie listed are not very successful MTs, they are researchers, educators, physical therapists, doctors, etc. Their new and pioneering methods are used by MTs. That is not exactly the same thing, is it?

Milton Trager, John Upledger are medical doctors
Whitney Lowe is a medical researcher
Ben Benjamin has a PhD in sports medicine

As I said, your thoughts create your reality...

Only to a point. As I said, wishful thinking doesn't make it so. You can't control the actions of others. That's where creating your own reality ends.

I have quite a few musician friends who are either in massage school or considering it. As a musician myself, I've written responses to many of their questions and posted some here in response to your inquiry.

The most frequently asked question is the same as your #1: Isn't my musical skill an indicator that I have what it takes to be a good massage therapist? My experience shows that the answer is "no". The number one skill for a successful massage career is being able to listen to what your client is communicating, most importantly non-verbally. Number two is business skills.

1.)Here's why I don't think musical skills translate particularly well to massage. The dexterity you've learned is very specific to the task of drumming. You'll have to completely re-learn a new way to move your hands. As a piano player, I've never noticed any advantage over non-musicians.

As a musician you do please the general public, but you are the center of attention. Performing is all about you, and how you want to express yourself. Massaging is all about the client, regardless of what you want to express. Your client must be the center of attention.

2.) True. If you prefer stability, massage is good.

3.) I'm not so sure socialized medicine will cover massage. Our existing socialized medical insurance (Medicare & Medicaid) do not pay for massage of any sort, even therapeutic.

4.) Yes, the education is cheaper. However, as a massage therapist you will receive NO health, life, dental, disability benefits, even if you are employed. You can get good benefits as an IT employee.

4.)Yes, the BASIC education is cheaper. However, "massage school" pretty much only qualifies you to take the state boards and get your state massage license. You really learn nothing in 99% of massage schools, not even how to give a decent relaxing Swedish massage. 75% of massage clients want deep tissue, which massage school only touches upon. You'll graduate without therapeutic treatment skills.

The quickest & best way to get those skills is to pay for more continuing education. Plus you're required to take a certain number of continuing ed hours every year to keep your license.

I spent $5,800 on massage school, and over $6,000 on continuing education.

I have a BS in computer science and worked in IT as a SQL Server developer before massage school.

I enjoyed keeping up with changing technology, and massage is somewhat boring. My clients want the same treatment even though I learn new techniques. It sounds as if you prefer routine, so it may be a good fit.

Constant layoffs in the IT industry were hard. 5 years of steady employment with no fear of being laid off has been great (2 years at a salon, 3 chiropractor).

I make 40% less as an LMP and have no insurance or 401K, which cost my company 30% of my base salary.

The BS cost $40,000. Massage education plus CEUs $15,000 to date.

Good luck to you, no matter what you decide!

Julie in Redmond, Washington said: As I said, your thoughts create your reality...

This is really naive and irresponsible. Is this what you tell your kids if something bad happens to them? Put 'The Secret' down...Oprah has made her money off of you.

To King, I will say having a sense of rhythm definately helps but I think that's as far as it goes with musical training being of help to massage. It might be a perfect part time job for you to start. Keeping the benefits you get with an IT job in the day and building a clientelle for the evenings is probably going to be the most lucrative if you enjoy being an employee and not a business owner.

Good Luck to you.

Gardener in Washington said: This is really naive and irresponsible. Is this what you tell your kids if something bad happens to them?

WTF? Don't you tell your kids "You will only be molested if you THINK you will...You only create the situation yourself by playing into the role of child seductor"? Isn't a great way to deal with bullies to tell victims "Your thoughts created your reality, and that's why you attracted that bully"?

Fact: male MTs face discrimination. Fact: the overwhelming majority of MTs quit in a few years from burnout and injury. Fact: average earnings are $25K, highest $50K according to experts who actually study the matter and have nothing to gain by exaggerating.

How you choose to deal with these facts is another issue. Facts remain facts, regardless of your beliefs and the products you wish to sell.

A 58 year old co-worker who does shiatsu was accidentally placed in the "sensual" section of a local internet directory. A new client responded and lied during the intake interview. I even overheard him describing soreness from his new weight lifting routine. When she refused the "happy ending", he grabbed her arm and threatened her. She screamed, we called the cops and extracted her from the room. This never happened before and she is completely devastated.

Now I know what really caused the problem. I will tell her she thought too much about pervs assaulting her. Since her thoughts created her reality, she should imagine only legitimate clients who are honest up front. Perhaps visualizing the mistaken ad vaporizing into a ray of healing light would help, too.

It doesn't have anything at all to do with the so called 'Secret' and Oprah. It is basic psychology - what is unconscious will become your fate.

So much of our thoughts are unconscious. Your feelings will tell you what you are thinking. If you are feeling anything but love and joy you can know you are believing an old childhood tape that says you are not good enough.

If people prefer to see women massage therapists and not a male it is how you react to it that matters. Do you crawl into a cave and feel bad or do you use your creativity to overcome the challenges you are faced with?

If something bad happens to the kids we work with them to let them have their feelings but then focus on what they want and accepting what is so then you can move out of the unconscious patterns.

Julie in Redmond, Washington said: It doesn't have anything at all to do with the so called 'Secret' and Oprah. It is basic psychology - what is unconscious will become your fate.

OK, I'll give you a break since you aren't as sleazy as the old Gray Mare/aka oilylady, who ain't what he used to be...

But are you kidding me? You are not only dismissing but invalidating any human emotion other than love and joy. I hate strawman arguments more than anyone, but I must quote you here: "...if you are feeling anything but love and joy you can know you are believing an old childhood tape..."

Anger and fear are extremely important parts of our evolutionary development, and our present situation. It's not only healthy, but an important part of our self preservation. You completely ignore the story of Leann's co-worker who was attacked. Should she feel love and joy for the perpetrator?

I'm sure your answer will be 'yes'...

I, too, am a drummer and an LMT. What I'm looking to do is to work on professional musicians and actors as well (another field in which I work). Does anyone here know how I can combine the whole? Has anyone worked at Fair and Expo Centers or concert halls?

I know that it would be hard to go on the road as a therapist because most groups can't afford to pay someone to travel along with them.

Thanks!
Howard Yates

I wanted to let you know, that when I was a therapist in Texas, I gave a Massage with a relaxing beautiful melody and when I was finished the girl with a smile said"Wow!, you gave me a massage with the rythym of the music, like a dance.
It was one of the best massages I ever gave and I let the music tell my hands what to do. Music is definetely, healing and once you learn the craft of massage the artists in you will find your own technique and that is why massage is truly an ART.

Peace be with you

Doreen

Only you know if a career in Massage is right for you. There's more too it than rhythm and strong hands. (However, intuiting which music your client will love is always helpful). Likewise, being a man in thsi industry can have it's draw backs. But, that doesn't mean you can't be wildly successful. Many men in this industry have found success through medical massage, partnerships with Chiropractors, Seated massage events, and rehabilitation massage. It seems that men tend to have more success, generally in the more medical and treatment oriented side of this industry.

If you are eager to have your own business and heal people in a profound way, I believe there is no better business. www.hundredthousanddollarmassage.com

I graduated last year from a Massage School. 500 hours plus 150 hours internship without pay. I have given my resume(at least 30 times) to so many spas and chiropractors and I have never gotten a response back from them.I have personally asked to talk to spa and massage parlor managers and they have show no interest in hiring me. Most don't want male therapist.I am not saying that this is the truth for every male massage therapist but it is a reality that male MT have to face.

managers

Mark, send your information if you do in call massages, I am in need of a good massage now and I live in Redondo Beach also.

Mark in Redondo Beach, California said: I graduated last year from a Massage School. 500 hours plus 150 hours internship without pay. I have given my resume(at least 30 times) to so many spas and chiropractors and I have never gotten a response back from them.I have personally asked to talk to spa and massage parlor managers and they have show no interest in hiring me. Most don't want male therapist.I am not saying that this is the truth for every male massage therapist but it is a reality that male MT have to face.

managers

Mark, do you give incall massages? I also live in Redondo Beach and need a massage. Its hard to find a good one.