I'm a musician and I just started a massage therapy program. I was unsure at first but my first class, I knew it was exactly the right job for me. I get the same feeling of "flow" when I massage than when I'm playing. That alone makes it worthwhile. Yes, I imagine it takes a toll on your body, but to me that just means you have an excuse to keep yourself healthy, built into your career.

We were told in school not to engage much with the clients, but that didn't always work for me. Some want silence, some want conversation. The bottom line for me is that people are trusting you to work on them. If they are willing to share with you whats happening with them, thats an even deeper bond of trust to me. Also, it can give you insight on how best to work on them. Thanks for your video.

IDK why it could just be where you're located, but my first job out the gate I was making $25/hour Currently working in this field 2 years now and I have 2 spa jobs and do private clientele. 1st job: $25/hour 2nd job: $40/hour Private: $130/hour

I don't usually find it stressful. I enjoy interacting with clients. I don't pay attention to rules. I go with the flow. Been at it since 1981.

Absolutely, I'm on 10 years practicing now. You have to exercise and take care of your body if you want to last in this career.

Agree with everything said. I've been a self employed massage therapist (deep tissue/sports massage) for over 15 years here in New Zealand. I love the job, the lifestyle it affords me and the positive effects it has on the people I see. One thing you need to know about this job is to SAVE your money! Always save for those slow weeks, because believe me they will happen.

I love what I do. Being a massage therapist is very rewarding. I also limit myself to 4 appointments per day.

Top secret: hot Epsom salt bath. I do these once a week (twice if it's been super stressful) and let me tell you! It's like having a great 90-minute massage; you may not feel it immediately, but I promise the following day you'll be thanking me! Cheers!

25.5 years ago I graduated from Massage College. Love my job more each day. Your points are bang on!!!

This guy seems so kind and compassionate - good qualities in a masseur.

I've been a massage therapist for 20 years and find HM's videos the most practical, real and well explained information. I've had my share of injuries (mostly due to bad body mechanics) and it's really not fun to be out of work for months waiting for your shoulder to heal. Please listen to his advice, he is soo right regarding self care, stretching and exercising! I got injured because of lack of stretching and exercise! Thanks HM for your videos. Sandra in London.

Great points! I’m happy that you mentioned how mentally demanding it can be as well. When I get very intuitive into my massage, it takes a lot out of me mentally but client feedback is always better after. I would also add that this profession is not just rubbing bodies for relaxation purposes. A lot of clients that come in, come with a loaded baggage. Often times they have medical conditions and it is important to always keep learning and stay up-to-date on massage techniques if you truly want to excel in this profession.

I am thinking of quitting my job as an elementary school teacher and becoming a massage therapist. I am so glad I came across this.

Spencer....I'm going to do it. After months of doing so much research and soul searching, this is what I want to do after a few years of four-year college. I visited a school and nothing else has felt right until now. I can't wait!!! thanks for making this video.

Currently doing massage now for 2 years and I love it. Best job I ever did 🙏👌 thank you for your videos 🙂

I work 35 hours a week, been a therapist for almost 4 years now and work deep tissue almost all the damn day. just make sure your taking care of yourself properly. I average about 3400 to 4000 every month. Self care is paramount, find a buddy to trade with and get a massage twice a month

I'm in massage school right now and absolutely love it! I'm going to IPSB in Culver City (LA area) and they teach you about proper body mechanics so you don't over extend or hurt yourself. We are also taught how to take care of ourselves and energetically connect with our own body as well as the client. We are all energetic beings. I feel great when I give massages. You definitely shouldn't be in pain if you're giving a massage. If your school doesn't mention how to take care of your body, be wary. My school mentioned that in the open house.

I'm a full time massage therapist for over 13 years and I teach both holistic and sports massage. If you're pushing your joints and your body generally into weird positions to perform the treatment then you are not doing it right. Your working posture should support your joints. You should not be using brute force to perform techniques. Instead use body weight through properly stacked joints. Use a moving lunge stance to perform effleurage strokes and keep knees bent and back straight. Correct working posture means you can use deeper sports techniques with great effect and without injuring yourself.

I agree with everything that you said in this video. I've been a Therapist for almost 14 years and it has both positive and negative things about it that most people don't consider. It's hard work but it's my passion and I can't imagine doing anything else.

I have been doing massage in my own clinic for 17 yrs ,I keep my body in shape .I make a great living doing my massage but most of all helping patients out of pain .

What a terrific outlook on a really important job. I had never gotten a massage until I had a heart attack -- at the ripe old age of 32. I'm 54 now, and a huge part of my initial recovery, and my ongoing life, has been massage. For whatever it's worth, the way you described the boundaries -- you want to allow your clients to get that emotional connection while maintaining a demarcation? -- you've got that exactly right. I'm sure you already know this, but, for whatever it's worth, what your clients are getting is, not just the feeling, but the knowledge that it's OK to be them. No matter what they're dealing with. On the compensation issue? I'm frankly astonished that you guys charge as little as you do, but I'm glad that you do because what you do ought to be within the reach of everybody.

Yes, I agree with everything you said in this video, because I have been living this every day, for 3 years, as a masseur therapist. Yes, the money is less than I expected, yes - the hours are weird. Yes - I am often a psychologist. And last but not least, it is absolutely necessary to take care of myself every day in order to physically resist. Thank you for care!🤗💗

I'm in massage school now and I'm halfway through. What you've mentioned so far are things I've already experienced in clinic or have heard from folks already in the field. My first week of clinic was emotional. I remember a lady who started telling me about where she holds her tension and why. I love connecting with people and I'm enjoying learning about massage so far! Great video. :)

Greetings from TN! I work in a chiropractors office & I make $20.00 an hr. The doctor I work for is very nice. I work 9am-12pm, then I have a two hr lunch break, then I work from 2-6pm. She understands that we can't work long hours without breaks. If we want we can work through our lunch break but that's only if we want to. We also have an option for a 30 min break during the afternoon to catch up on washing & folding sheets. She also helps with the sheets. This is the first employer I've had the pleasure of working for who really understands what we go through & tries to help us out anyway she can. We get weekends & major holidays off. I absolutely love this job! I got very lucky. I am going back to school soon though so I can have something to retire on later just in case I do get injured or I'm not able to do massages full time in my 50's. I'm just thinking about my future. Thank you for the awesome videos! They have been very helpful to me & my clients leave satisfied thanks to your deep tissue techniques! Hope you have a wonderful day!

I’m starting school in about three weeks. Very excited and eager to learn about massage therapy!

I've been a massage therapist since 2004. Your video is dead on! Thanks for doing such great videos! I've enjoyed them all!

Yes, I agree with you. You do make being a massage therapist sound like it's difficult for you. I've never felt this and have been doing massages for decades now. I feel some people have a natural talent for it while other's struggle. If you had the option of doing this for a living without getting paid for it then you know you are suited for this type of career. If it seems challenging and you'll never do it without pay then it's probably not the best choice for you. I could do massaging without pay if m needs are being met. Why? Because I massage more on a soulful level to help bring healing to the client. I don't just massage their bodies I also massage their souls. You have to know being a massage therapist is not about making money which you obviously will not get rich doing it. It's about healing the mind, body and soul.

I've been a massage therapist for 15 -18 years and I keep myself in shape doing yoga, weight lifting and such, It's a very hard job as I do deep tissue work, My roommates do not understand how much energy I put into it making me feel bad about myself.

Concise, empathic, mature, and intelligent. As a fellow LMT, well done!

Great video, very informative. Been massaging for 6 years full time and about to end my career due to burn out. If your starting your career please listen to these tips!

I'm starting massage school next month. I'm a yoga teacher too, so I definitely understand the importance of yoga. I just quit a job that had me working sometimes until almost 4 AM, so I'm fortunate to be used to weird hours.

I am literally 15 years old, I trained with my dad/learnt (hes one) ....im right now simply waiting to do a course for a diploma and I make about almost 100us a day...and im young....i absolutely love this job

Good vid! I’ve been a therapist for 10 years. DEEP TISSUE therapist! lifting weights and staying fit will help you stay in this industry for a longtime!! And there is a lot of money to be made!! And a lot of people that need help with their pain! It’s being consistent and ambitious that’s going to make or break u. Good luck

YES! On point!! 18 years in the game and love it! Clients do tell you heavy shit! lol! Best part of the gig, in my opinion.

This is all so true.... self care and being a friend to your clients - all crucial.

You made me laugh when you said this job is hard. It is so true. I always tell people that If there was something i wish someone had told me before I did this was how hard it can be especially at the beginning. Omg I was in pain the first 3 months of doing this regularly. But like everything in life, the body gets used to it and it’s worth it but ya gotta take care of yourself. This was a great video dude :-) everything you said was spot on.

As a therapist of 24 years, you are absolutely correct in what you are saying. I am now the other side of 50 and I am future proofing. Teaching my knowledge and skills to the next generation. All of this is important information that they need to be made aware of.

I was a ER nurse and I am making a change in my career to become a massage therapist and let me tell you I am prepare and I am excited to start 😊

My massage therapist puts his hands in a bucket of ice water for several minutes at the end of the day.

Thank you for this video. I don't remember being told In school these important things. Or if we were told, it wasn't focused on like it should be. SELF CARE SELF CARE SELF CARE.

I started studying MT after checking out your videos. It. is. AWESOME! School is so much fun now! Best career change EVER! Thanks, m8!

This guy is spot on! I have been doing massage therapy since 2007, and I had to learn all of these points through the School of Hard Knocks!!! These challenges almost torn me alway from my love of healing... Long Live The Massage Therapist!!!

This is so true, everything you said is spot on, people think it's a walk in the park and think I'm putting it on when I'm in pain ha!

I do agree with some of the stuff you were saying but I was fortunate enough to have gotten a great job coming out of school at a day spa, so I wasn't working weird hours and my pay is great, making 45% commission on all massages plus tips and my job always pays us a house pay. Yes I definitely take care of myself and get massages it does put a lot on your body...

If it helps anyone, this also applies to being a hairstylist. I went in thinking it was all money and glamour and came out an aching hippie.

I agree w some of the points, but in regards to the hours you're working being weird, that is all personal preference. I find that's an area a lot of massage therapists don't consider when they 1st start out by not deciding the days and times THEY want to be available and not letting their client dictate their schedule. That has been important for me, and not that you can't adjust your schedule, but I do find it easier to not let a client get comfortable w a day/time that I don't enjoy working and won't be maintaining on the regular just to get them in. On occasion I may do this, but they are clear this isn't the norm.

Exactly right. I've been a deep tissue and prenatel CMT for 30 years. Great to hear our work so well described

You're the best. Been thinking about going to one of the schools in my town. Trying to step out of my full time retail comfort zone...

I just start with this, as a side job to pay for my studies, and I love it ! I agree with you on the part of connection, people adore that. They feel safe in your arms, they feel valued. It is draining, but if it is a passion, you will earn with your hobby. I do ask 50 dollars per hour, so think of asking more. People actually pay when you sell yourself well. A client payed for one session in advance because he was grateful, I am super happy.

I work 32-38hrs a week doing Massage... since Feb 2008. I still feel good and got alot more years left to do this

I’m so pleased I found your KZfaq channel, I’m a mobile massage therapist in London (also beauty therapy background), thumbs up 👍 for this video.

Thank you my good man, I am finishing my diploma in Rem Massage next year and this really helps with having realistic expectations. Especially the self-care and the actual physical demand from the job.

I was very fortunate with my 3 instructors. The very first day in orientation one of our instructors told us almost exactly what you went over, you will not be making a lot of money at first, it is a physically/emotionally demanding career, and you will be tested in kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, myology, pathology, business, ethics, and more. They taught us trigger point therapy, sports and stretching, prenatal and hot stone massage, and some little spa treatments, which I hear not many schools teach any extra techniques besides swedish and some deep tissue. They did also show us a lot of self care, exercises/stretches, and body mechanics along with the various techniques. They wanted us leaving school prepared for the MBLEX and to have long careers as they did.

You have a great attitude to your profession. I am sure your clients appreciate your skills and empathy.

I liked the little glimpses into your life, which is kinda different. (Ex: Like that you sleep in and work late.) You should do more vlog type videos.

Yes I totally agree with the last one. In school they say don’t talk and conversations with your clients but kinda not listen and talk to them. It helps you to connect with them better and they become loyal to you too. You just have to feel out your clients. Some like to talk and some dont

Everything he is saying is not only true, but why I love this career!!

I work in China for much of the year. The massage therapists I know generally work 6-7 days a week and up to 12 hours a day. They make a small percentage of what is being charged by the business. I pay the equivalent of about $25 for an 80-minute foot/body massage and I figure my massage guy earns about six or seven dollars of that (which is why I always leave a tip, unlike your average Chinese customer). So . . . . think about that compared to your pay and your workload. There is always someone who is worse off in almost any life situation (I understand you weren't really compaining about your job, just pointing out some realities of the occupation).

Wow, I was a massage therapist for over 20 years. I never made less than $60/hr. The reality is a person has to be attractive and fit to be successful in this position and have a strong work ethic. A good school should prepare you for the physical strains and the business side. I see a lot of hack schools and franchise crap massage businesses emerging.

You are so awesome, Very informative video thank you! I am now 30 years old and have been a care giver for 8 yrs now.But when I got out of high school I had wanted to go to school to make a career as a massage therapist.I didn't end up going but it was always my calling.I am a new subscriber and like all your videos. I will continue to watch! I will be going to school soon to fulfill this dream.I like reading all of the comments there are a lot of people who give some good advice.thank you again and have a blessed day!

Entry level massage therapists can make a lot of money. It’s all about how you market yourself and where you’re applying at.

Money comes with the experience and the field you're proceeding in. Not everyone gets paid the same. Dont let money discourage you. A massage therapist can last more than 3 years. Again, dont let statistics tell you different. Every body is different. Plus I think location is key

Love it!! Ya gotta connect with your clients but maintain your professionalism. Therapy sessions can get heavy but I enjoy being there for them both physically and mentally.😌🤗

Absolutely loved the way you explained all of that. I personally love working off hours because it means I am never in rush hour traffic. I also cannot agree more about SELF CARE. I know therapists that never get work done themselves and I just don't understand it.

Some good advice. I was lucky enough to train with a Principle who encouraged self care and good posture 🙌🏼

YOU BETTER PREACH.. IN MASSAGE SCHOOL I SPENT SO MUCH $ GETTING MASSAGES FOR MYSELF FROM PROS ON MYSELF... & DETOX & WORKOUTS. U GOTTA EAT GOOD & PROTEIN.. ..

11 years here and going strong! Have seen people injure themselves after 1 year and a half from using terrible body mechanics. Very sad.

We as massage therapist aren’t miracle works, but it is rewarding when a client enjoys your massage. Recently a client of mines just book another massage with me so yes I’m pretty excited about that. Love your video by the way bro keep up the good work.

was just thinking of this job but since I don't have the money to learn right now, I decide to use KZfaq first and this is the first video I watch. OMG it just encouraged me even more . thank you so much

I'm an esthetician n this is true yes clients are going to talk to you about their personal life, you have to be willing to listen and if they want you to engage you're just not going to ignore them otherwise 1. They are not going to come back. 2. They are not going to tip.

Awesome, thank you for sharing. I've been practicing on and off for 15 years. I got really good at using hand tools to help save my hands and I was lucky enough to have an amazing body mechanics teacher. Definitely a very rewarding career. If you can, find another MT to trade with on a regular basis, it's nice to not only get massage but also share idea's.

Thanks for the advice Spencer... I was torn between part-time and full-time massage, and it seems like a full-time commitment is the best thing for my clients and myself in reference to knowledge consistency and experience thanks again.

20 years in the business. Good video and good information. You will be challenged physically, mentally and even spiritually. Exercise and a good diet are imparative! Getting massage and chiropractic and acupuncture is essential to a long lasting career without burnout. Respect your bounderies they will save your career and yourself mentally. You will not get rich doing this job, so don't get in it for the money.

i love the way he talks 😅 such an adorable person

It's a blessing to have come across to your video. The 5th advice was very very enlightening for me. It really knocks me off and always keep this in my mind. A line to put in between as a professional health care provider. Thanks a lot for this!

WELL... thank YOUUUU. FINALLY..a video that ACTUALLY... Gives the real deal.

Yep, they tell you keep it professional and not talk about anything personal . We are also told that you can do whatever you want after you are licensed, just be careful.

I am doing self-care. I am in training for a massage position (new hire). I signed on for 15 hands-on hours per week, Tues, Thurs, Sat. with a one hour break. I am also studying body mechanics. In this video, you talk about a percentage of massage therapists that eventually get injured. Do you happen to know, are the statistics you put out based on FULL-time therapists? Thank you. Your videos are very informative.

Thank you this was very informative. I’m an unemployed Registered nurse and I am considering taking a MT training course.

Thank you for the tips! I’m planning on enrolling in massage therapy courses really soon and from your given tips, it motivated me even more! 👍🏼

I used to visit the same massage therapist for a few months until he left his job. After he left I haven't been back for a massage for months lol. I trusted him with my body. One thing I noticed is that he did kinda talk alot but it was soothing because he would ask me real life questions and he would tell me about his life. The part about being a therapist seems spot on.

I have been doing massages for over 20 years and I love doing massages I even get relaxed, I do not listen to clients while I do a massage rant about their lives instead I play soft relaxing music, I also incorporate Reiki, and another thing, I get paid well, I charge by the minute after 30 min The most I have ever made was 300.00 in one session because the client had a meeting and I had to wait for an hour, clients always come back,, it’s really not so much about the money for me I have a job but I love healing and you are right self care is a must. I do at most 4 to 8 massages a week and so far it’s been great.

The last point on your list "making a connection" was so important! Thanx:)

Thinking of entering the field. This def proved helpful.

Excellent vid, no one told me it was like a constant work out for 5 to 6hrs! I almost died when I first started 😂😂😲😂😂 the money was good and I loved it.

I got FIRED from my massage job ! They said I was rubbing people the wrong way !

Can u pls do a vid on how to properly use wrists and thumbs on bodies without hurting joints

I like to help people and make them happy. I was thinking a lawyer, but too much school and stress. I was thinking pure therapist, but I'm not sure if I can mentally keep up with all the mood swings. And I landed on this. What do they all have in common? It's for the benefit of my client. I was planning to get my English major and then see where it leads me from there but if I'm able to have small conversations, as a masseuse, and, hopefully, comfort them a bit then this is definitely for me. I've been watching videos on examples of a few messages, I've tried them on my loved one and she said it was all good and fine. The first time my arms were definitely sore and the tips of my fingers just wanted out but, slowly, I'm conditioning and hopefully will be able to land a job like this. All in all, thank you for the insight, albeit I'm 2 years late 😂😂

Re wage depends where you live, in Canada those small wages don't exist and make much more starting out. Also there are people in their 50's and early 60's massaging, no it's not 6hrs/day, but older people are still massaging. Chiros in their 60's and 70's are adjusting too...they don't have a 40hr week and have a half days etc, but it's not all a young person's profession....it's great for older people to teach too.

Using cupping therapy is beneficial for removing stress on both client and therapist.

Hi Went to school for Massage Therapy Body Mechanics was first and fore most! And Yes get a Massage to balance the Lifestyle

I have 3 time massage a week, I also massage my private client, I love it, we charge £60 per hour, this job is not difficult at all, it depends on how you use your hand and body weight, u can make it very easier if u use your body weight .

I did massage therapy when I was 19yo and made 1000 thousand dollars on a bad week.. I charged 200 HR. & sometimes I had up 4 clients in one day, on a good week up to 3 to 4 thousand, I was a tan, lean cute kid that looked 16y.o when I was 19yo, in hindsight regardless of all the money I wouldn't recommend it to others in my then age and looks range because I was definitely exploited!

Thank you for your input! This short video was very nice and informative. I can see that this is not really the career for me.

I love silence yet I leave feeling an emotionally charged/positive feeling.

Omg I’m in massage school rn and when the massage clips came out my heart started pounding so much

Great video. I religiously received massages. When I would hear of other LMTs not getting regular massages, it would literally baffle me. I couldn't imagine doing this work without getting regular massages. Find your person and do monthly trades. As far as staying in shape interview for a place that also offers yoga, meditation, gym, etc so you can get free instruction. I used to get to take free core and barre classes where I worked. I worked in top luxury hotels one of which taught high level barre classes. If necessary, do modifications that support your needs as an LMT instead of over extending you re: how you are using your body as a massage therapist.

Is really hard to find a job as a male massage therapist in a spa, I've been to many interviews and always same answer we will be in touch. I'm working now for an orthopaedic Dr. Thank God.

have you/will you do a video for those wanting to go into massage? i am almost done with my 2 year associates in integrative health and healing and plan on combining that with a certification for massage. i love massage, i feel good when i give and receive. I believe that i can send my healing energies much deeper when i also use massage so i have the mental part down in terms of determination, good coping skills, exercise and other ways of healing so that i could preform other ways of massaging like the rain drop technique. Problem is, im tiny it's not going to stop me, especially with the added bonus of being small and light enough to do certain ways of massaging. But since i was a baby i have been extremely thin and have muscle but not enough of it. i have started focusing on my arms because they are the most in need. you should make a video of work out routines, and overall life changes that helped you to strengthen and ready your body.

You forgot to mention the instutionalized and latent misandry, the higher standard that male therapists are held to, and the fact that most of the places where you work want fiscal productivity and not the physical well being of the client....