Massage Therapist, is this a bad career to get into?
Asked by nikegame58
My guidance counselor told me to change my mind about becoming a MT because theres no demand for them. Is this true...i want to help people and have my own bussniess someday. And also would like to make a decent living, doing it.

Best Answer:
The demand is for well-trained, knowledgeable, personable and ever-learning, customer-service oriented massage therapists. There are a lot of "posers" out there thinking they are something special because they can rub some lotion on somebody and call it massage. Just like any profession, if you commit yourself to becoming one of the best professionals in the area where you are working, then you will create your own demand. The guidance couselor is either going by national stats (which have found no consistency yet), does not think you are a good fit for the profession, or is uncertain whether or not you have the personality to develop a healthcare oriented business. Hopefully she/he is not being lazy in gathering the right information for you. Massage Therapy is a wonderful part-time, supplemental income career that can develop into a thriving full-time business. I recommend searching other interests that can supplement your massage career, such as training toward a business degree; physical therapy assistant; personal trainer/ yoga/ fitness/ pilates instructor; athletic trainer; nurse; etc. It doesn't even need to be in another healthcare career. Musicians have developed massage and healing songs for the massage room, just as an example. If you want to be a teacher, you can learn how to teach different techniques at massage schools. I wouldn't write-off the idea of becoming a massage therapist just because your counselor said there is no demand. You can integrate it into many aspects of your professional development; and striving toward your own interests should always be in demand, my friend. Best wishes. Go for what you believe is right for you.

your guidance counselor is ridiculous. There is a major demand for them because it's now proven to heal a body and business men require corporate chair massages now... There is a big demand for them especially in spas ... the most imporatnt thing being a massage therapist is great body mechanics so you won't overwork your wrist /hands
Answered by TWINPUMPS

Massage Therapy seems to be a thriving industry. All the gyms, YMCA`s and Athletic Clubs offer massages now. You can make a decent living however slow at first it is similar to facialist, hairdressers commission work so you must build a customer base. You may want to study holistic medicine as well and then you can not only help people feel better immediately but also down the road live healthier!
Answered by SwimMOM 1

I guess it might depend on where you live, but there is demand for Massage Therapists. In today's society, people are stressed and many have chronic pain and discomfort. That's where a massage therapist is needed. You need to have very strong hands. I actually wish I would have gotten into that right away, but instead I sit in front of a computer all day behind a desk. Go for it, you could do a lot of good. Good Luck!
Answered by jmj7299

Demand for massage therapists I'm not sure about. A lot of it depends where you work. Most people consider massages a luxury, so you're bound to find more potential clients in affluent areas. The economy is suffering, so it's probably true that demand is down for the same reason- fewer people can afford a luxury. However, you shouldn't let that discourage you if you really think it's something you would be interested in doing. As a career in general, it's hard work. You have to know a lot about the human body, be a good people-person, and know a good deal about business if you're interesting in running your own one day. You may have the potential to earn a very good living eventually, but you also shouldn't expect to make a fortune early on. No career is a bad career overall, but it could be bad for you as an individual. Here are a few questions to ask yourself: is this something I am passionate about doing? Am I committed to learning the trade? Can I handle the physical contact with clients (this is important- some bodies are gross)? Visit a massage therapist, ask them questions about their job. Go to massage schools and ask for information. Who knows- maybe your counselor can help, too.
Answered by livitup11