Do some research. Look online for information about different types of massage, or check out massage books at your local library. You can learn a lot about massage therapy just by reading about it. Practice on friends. Start getting a feel for what your “bedside manner” should be like, and how a typical session should go.
Sports massage. This form of massage is designed to help athletes recover from injuries and everyday play, allowing them to perform at their physical best at the next game. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/f/fe/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/f/fe/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet1. jpg/aid147207-v4-728px-Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Clinical massage. This focuses on using massage to heal physical ailments. A thorough understanding of anatomy is required. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/2/2e/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/2/2e/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet2. jpg/aid147207-v4-728px-Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Swedish massage. This is the most common type of massage, and is used for both healing and relaxation purposes. [5] X Research source Deep tissue massage is a similar form of massage, but more pressure is exerted on the muscles. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/c/c1/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet3. jpg/v4-460px-Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet3. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/c/c1/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet3. jpg/aid147207-v4-728px-Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet3. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Reflexology, reiki, acupressure, and hot stone massage are all special types of massage that serve specific purposes. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/8/83/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet4. jpg/v4-460px-Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet4. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/8/83/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet4. jpg/aid147207-v4-728px-Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist-Step-3Bullet4. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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In the U. S. most states have some form of licensing, so check with your state’s licensing board to get more information. [6] X Research source Keep in mind that even if your state does not have licensing requirements, your city or county may. Some jurisdictions require licensing for some types of massage but not for others.
Most massage schools teach basic Swedish massage and allow you to choose other specialties in addition to that. Look for a school that caters to any specialties you are most interested in. You can research schools online, or you can ask massage therapists what schools they went to and what they thought of their experiences. You’ll also want to consider your budget. Massage schools can be quite expensive, with tuition ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Most schools offer some kind of financial assistance, including federal student loans.
Many states are now accepting another exam offered by the Federation of Massage State Boards, which could lead to National Certification becoming obsolete. [10] X Research source If you plan to start your own business, you will also most likely need to also get a business license from your state or municipality before you can practice.
While you can usually make more money starting your own business, it can be difficult to get clients at first, and business expenses can pile up. If you want to start your own business, you’ll need to lease a space in a central location to pick up plenty of clients. Another option is to contract with a health care provider or group of massage therapists to share a space. You’d still be in charge of your own services and business, but you’d have more security operating out of an established. Your massage school should be able to provide some counseling to help you make your choice.
Pick a business name and get it registered. File incorporation documents with the state. Apply for an Employer Identification Number with the IRS. Get a small business loan to help you start your business. Get insurance. Call an insurance agent and figure out what insurance you’ll need to protect you from malpractice and liability in your state.
Purchase equipment. You’ll need a massage table, chair, pillows, sheets, lotions, oils, and any equipment you may need for the specialized type of massage services you’re offering. Create a relaxing atmosphere. Have candles, light dimmers, or soft natural lighting in your space. Paint the walls a soothing earth tone, and hang calming art on the walls. You may want to offer a changing room and a place for clients to store their belongings during the session. Make sure the bathroom area is also clean and calming.
Use social media. Create a Facebook page and a Twitter account to announce deals and other news. Take out a local advertisement. Put yourself on the map by advertising in a local weekly newspaper. Have a grand opening event. Offer a tour of the facilities and a discount to people who come to the party. Don’t forget to serve refreshments! Provide excellent service. The best way to get more clients is to do a wonderful job with the first few, so people will start recommending you to their friends.
