There is no such thing as "a standard massage therapy practice". One of the reasons individuals choose this profession is because of the flexibility it offers in terms of work hours, independence, and choice of practice locations and types. There are many different massage modalities and massage courses catering to different client groups and tastes.
Massage therapists can work full-time or part-time. Income levels for massage therapists vary by region, experience and type of practice.
Settings in which Massage Therapists Practice
Massage therapists practice in a variety of settings and locations and in a variety of contractual arrangements. A therapist may also practice at several different sites and/or settings in a single day. Some examples of locations in which massage therapists practice are:
- massage office
- group practice
- office (in-home)
- physicians’ offices and clinics
- wellness centres
- nursing homes/hospices
- chiropractic and physiotherapist clinics
- on-site (chair massage in offices, airports, at public events, etc.)
- health clubs and fitness centres
- sporting teams and events (amateur and professional)
- hotels
- mobile massage/home visits
- spas and resorts
- beauty and hair salons
- cruise ships
Generally most massage practitioners are self employed or work as sub contractors and, with some exceptions, most have Diplomas, ABN numbers, health fund provider numbers and are members of an Association.
Modalities Practiced by Massage Therapists
The massage therapy profession includes practitioners of many modalities, specialties and sub-specialties. The most commonly practiced massage types (for example) are:
- Relaxation massage
- Therapeutic massage
- Trigger Point therapy
- Sport massage
- Myofascial Release
- Craniosacral Therapy
This varies from state-to-state and region-to-region and to specific communities.
Who Chooses Massage as a Career
There is no barrier to opportunity as there are a wide variety of therapies that can be practiced to suit all age brackets and gender. Many are attracted to massage as a career, as massage practice can be pursued full time or part time. Part time is ideally suited to those who look after children or who have other part time jobs, or are in semi-retirement.
The Path to a Career in Massage Therapy
Pursuing a career in massage therapy mainly has a couple of options -
1. Complete a massage training course that will qualify you to practice with some clarity and understanding of what you are doing, eg completing some short course certifications. These certifications are suitable for part time or those who want to work in a spa or in corporate massage see www.adelaidemassage.com.au – or
2. Become an accredited Practitioner by obtaining a Nationally Accredited Qualification such as a Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT50307. This is suitable for the full time professional therapist. Certificate IV is part of the Diploma qualification but these days is virtually a redundant qualification as it is not accepted by most health funds and associations for membership see www.massageadelaide.com.au.
LOOK AT THIS TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF A JOB DESCRIPTION
It is helpful, in choosing a massage course, to look at a typical situation where you (the massage practitioner) may be engaged.The following is a typical scenario for someone who is wishing to work in a chiropractic environment. The situation would be similar for a physiotherapy environment with the exception that physios would expect more sport injury management expertise. Looking at where, or what situation, you would like to be in will help you to formulate a tentative plan of action (that you can change) to help focus your thoughts for completion of subjects for a Diploma. So questions you would need to ask is what situation, or environment, am I likely to massage in and what skills (subjects) are required to perform the duties in that environment?
Hi my name is Bob, and I am the owner of Hillside Chiropractic Clinic. Our clinic is looking to employ a full time massage practitioner on a subcontract basis to join our multi disciplinary team. Besides our own chiropractors we have in our services a podiatrist and an Acupuncturist. Our clinic is fully established with a large client base. We deal with all sorts of musculoskeletal problems but in particular neck and back disorders. Here is our job description for the position -
Qualifications Required:
- Must have latest Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT50307 specialising in Musculoskeletal disorders (especially neck and back disorders)
- Must be able to perform full body massage with special emphasis on back massages
- Must be a member of an association and have provider numbers for health fund rebates
- WorkCover approved an advantage or be able to obtain a WorkCover provider number
- Must have a mobile phone, own transport and professional indemnity/public liability insurance.
General Appearance/Dress code:
- Male or Female applicants must be well groomed, of neat appearance and be willing to wear our clinic uniform or alternatively neat massage apparel with our logo. Since we project a professional corporate look we require individuals to reflect the same.
General Duties:
- Applicant must be able to be part of a multi-disciplinary team and be able to handle referrals from our chiropractors, podiatrist and acupuncturist. We would require similar exchange of referrals by practitioner if appropriate.
- Applicant is required to work within the chiropractic hours that we have but there would be some scope for applicant to work own hours outside of our requirements.
- Applicant will be referred persons from our clinic from time-to-time who mainly have neck and back/spinal problems. As such, expertise in dealing with these problems will be an advantage. We also see people with herniated discs, sciatica, whiplash and nerve pain or damage.
Remuneration:
- The applicant is required to work on a subcontract basis by renting own rooms from us at an agreed rate or 60/40 split of total earnings with the minor portion of split our way. For this split we would supply all towels and sheets and general supplies for the massage room. This split percentage is negotiable if applicant does not have own established clients and we can provide some support to establish applicant.
- Applicant will need to arrange own insurance both public liability and professional indemnity.
- Applicant is responsible for own taxation and superannuation obligations.
