The massage therapist is the professional who is responsible for offering health and well-being to people through therapeutic and relaxing massages.
By contributing to the relief of various physical and psychological conditions such as muscle and joint pain, stress, anxiety, and depression, he is considered the professional of the future.
The massage therapist is the professional who is responsible for offering health and well-being to people through therapeutic and relaxing massages.
By contributing to the relief of various physical and psychological conditions such as muscle and joint pain, stress, anxiety, and depression, he is considered the professional of the future.
Just to give you an idea, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), South Africa is among the most anxious country in the world. Another survey reveals, however, that 60% of the South African population suffers from muscle pain.
Therefore, it is easy to see the relevance of the massage therapy profession to society. Through maneuvers performed in different areas of the human body, the massage therapist helps relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
In addition, it helps to improve blood circulation, control blood pressure and strengthen the immune system of patients. But, how to become a massage therapy professional? Where to act?
The answer to these and other questions can be found here. follow up.
The first step to becoming a massage therapist: investing in professional training
If you like to help people have a better quality of life and you have identified in massage therapy an opportunity to do so, the first thing you need to do is invest in knowledge.
Fortunately, in South Africa, there are several teaching institutions qualified to offer massage therapy courses taught by the best professionals in the market. And thanks to the benefits of online classes, even if you don’t have much time to dedicate in-person to specific training, you can become a great professional.
Taking classes with a qualified and experienced teacher in the area is, without a doubt, the best way to learn reliable massage techniques, to become a massage therapist able to meet various clients and their different needs.
Purchase the necessary materials
In addition to investing in professional training, anyone who wants to become a good massage therapist should also invest in the materials needed to apply the technique to others, such as:
- Essential and vegetable oils
- Professional massage creams
- Bamboo therapy kit
- 70% alcohol%
- Stretcher (or table) for massage therapy
- bath and face towels
- Sheets of paper (for the stretcher)
- Buckets and spatulas
- Heat-activated creams
- Apron
- Disposable gloves and caps
- Scented candles
It is worth noting that these are basic materials, ideal for you to start in the massage therapy profession. As you gain experience and customers, you can invest in more specific ones.
Deepen your knowledge of aromatherapy
As you have seen, the list of materials for those who want to become a massage therapist includes essential and vegetable oils. That’s because the technique combines the power of massage with the active ingredients of these products to offer patients physical and mental benefits.
Both therapeutic massage and relaxing massage using the therapeutic properties of essential oils to treat joint and muscle pain and promote mental relaxation.
For this, however, they must be diluted in vegetable oils so that they are properly absorbed by the skin without damage. But how to know the active principles of essential oils? Still, how to apply them correctly on the patient’s skin?
In this case, the best way is to invest in online classes in aromatherapy. Under the guidance of qualified professionals, you will learn how to naturally treat various ailments and discomforts of everyday life.
By combining both disciplines, you will certainly become a much more prepared professional to face the job market and its challenges. It will also be able to expand its operations in the health, wellness and beauty segment, serving a wide variety of people.
Choose where you want to work
After the previous steps, it’s time to choose your area of expertise. Fortunately, the massage therapist has several options of places to put your learning into practice. Among the main ones, we can highlight:
- Aesthetic clinics
- Hotels and spas
- Fitness centers
- Sports centers
- Physical rehabilitation institutions
- Hospitals
- Companies from different segments
- As a home massage therapist
- Own office
For those who are taking their first steps in the profession and still do not have a defined client portfolio, working in partnership with clinics, hotels, hospitals, gyms and other companies can be very advantageous.
After all, these places already have their own customers and that way, you can put your learning into practice more easily. After gaining experience and making a name for yourself in the market, you will be able to work independently.
In this modality, you can choose to serve your own clients at home or in your own office. Or, who knows, both of us. Opt for courses that offer professional certification and accessibility wherever and whenever you want.
Finally, always opt for courses that offer professional certification. Even because it will be required in all places where you go to work, including autonomously.
Likewise, check if there is an offer of complementary materials so that you can review the classes and deepen your knowledge whenever you need to. And if you have a busy routine, be sure to prioritize courses accessible by mobile devices as well.
So, whether you’re on the bus, on your way home, from work, or to school/college, you can access the contents and become a successful massage therapist.
