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Massage Therapist

Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissue of people's bodies to treat a variety of ailments, and to help people relax.

 

Tasks & duties

Massage therapists may do some or all of the following:

  • take a case history of the client
  • conduct a physical assessment of the client
  • talk to clients about their problems and establish whether massage therapy can help them
  • decide on the form of massage to use
  • prepare and blend oils or waxes for the massage
  • apply an oil or wax blend to the skin
  • massage and knead muscles and soft tissue
  • discuss why the client has stress or pain
  • advise on exercise, relaxation and stretching techniques, and lifestyle needs
  • refer clients to other types of therapists

 

Specialisations

Massage therapists may specialise in a particular massage style such as:

  • Swedish massage
  • shiatsu
  • lymphatic drainage
  • ayurvedic massage
  • reiki
  • reflexology
  • aromatherapy
  • on-site chair massage
  • pregnancy massage
  • stone massage
  • sports therapy massage

 

Skills & knowledge

Massage therapists need to have:

  • knowledge of anatomy and the body's general musculoskeletal structure
  • an understanding of how the body functions
  • knowledge of a range of massage techniques and the oils used
  • knowledge of medical terms
  • the ability to recognise when to refer a client to a different sort of therapy
  • good listening and communication skills to help them accurately assess a patient's problems
  • business and finance skills if they are self-employed

 

Entry requirements

A certificate in therapeutic massage is recommended, as is having a first aid certificate.

 

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training, and a B Bursary or NCEA equivalent is preferred. Useful subjects include English, biology, chemistry and physics.

 

Tertiary education

In 2006, the New Zealand School of Massage introduced a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in massage and neuromuscular therapy. Competition to get into the course is high, with places limited to 24 people a year.

The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) offers a Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage. It is the only tertiary education provider offering a sports massage degree in New Zealand.

A number of polytechnics and massage schools in New Zealand offer certificates and diplomas in massage therapy.

 

Training on the job

Massage therapists improve and add to their skills as they practise. They may also do postgraduate study while working.

 

Registration

Massage therapists can register with the New Zealand Association of Therapeutic Massage, though registration is voluntary.
Registration and membership requires:

  • completion of 150 hours of postgraduate massage
  • a practical exam
  • a current first aid certificate that includes cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for massage therapists includes:

  • physiotherapy
  • nursing or natural healing experience
  • any kind of physical training (such as yoga or dance)

 A course covering the basics of massage and/or communication is also useful.

 

Related courses

Massage Therapy

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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