Massage Therapists

Massage therapists are professional therapists who practice massages to simply relax or rejuvenate their clients. Also known as reflexologists, aromatherapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, holistic health therapists or practitioners, massage therapists aim to improve a client’s physical health and wellbeing by offering the ultimate holistic solution to aid the body and mind. Most massage therapists specialise in a particular branch of massage, such as Indian head massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure or Swedish massage. Celebrities who swear by a therapeutic rub include Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and Madonna, who claims to have a massage before every appearance on stage.

That said, you don’t have to be an A-lister to indulge- anyone can visit massage therapists. Many clients visit massage therapists for medical benefit, emotional healing or simply for relaxation purposes. Those who are ill or recovering from a period of sickness, adults who want to manage stress more effectively, individuals suffering with anxiety or depression, or people who want to develop their ability to relax can all benefit from massage therapy as it is an ideal way to unwind and loosen up.

Massage therapists work by appointment and many are self-employed. Some massage therapists also travel to client’s homes or offices to provide treatments, or you can book a session at most hotel spas, day spas, and health farms. Before beginning a massage session, therapists conduct an informal interview with their clients to find out about their medical history, diet and lifestyle. This gives massage therapists a chance to discuss which techniques could be beneficial to their clients and the desired results to expect from the massage. When giving a massage, massage therapists may use their fingers, hands or elbows to stroke, knead and manipulate soft body tissue. During treatment, massage therapists apply pressure to specific areas to ease tension by using massage oils, lotions, or creams to massage and rub the client’s muscles.

Most massage therapists, particularly those who are self-employed, supply their own table or chair, sheets, pillows, and body lotions or oils. Despite most modalities of massage requiring clients to be covered in a sheet or blanket, to be undressed or to wear loose-fitting clothing, massage therapists only expose the body part being massaged to spare your blushes. Generally, massages will be given in dimly lit settings using candles or incense and play ambient or other calm, soothing music in the background to put clients at ease and aid relaxation.

Sessions with massage therapists can be as long as 2 hours or as short as 15 minutes. Usually, the type of massage given depends on a client’s needs and physical conditions. For example, massage therapists may use special techniques for elderly clients that they would not use for athletes, or for clients who are simply seeking relaxation. After treatment, massage therapists usually give their clients further advice about how to maintain and build upon their general well-being.

Massage therapy is currently an unregulated area and qualifications are awarded by several exam bodies including the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT), International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) and CIBTAC (internationally recognised). Professional massage therapists will have their certificates upon the wall of their therapy rooms.