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Massage Therapist - Personal requirements

Kaihaumanu Mirimiri

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.

 

Astarte.

"A basic therapeutic massage practitioner will have a good anatomy and physiology knowledge, and an understanding of body dynamics [how parts of the body work together]."

Astarte . - Massage Therapist

 

Personal Qualities

Massage therapists need to be:
  • caring and sensitive
  • mature, with good judgement and an eye for detail
  • responsible.
Massage therapists also need to have an awareness and understanding of a range of cultures and backgrounds.

 

Physical Requirements

Massage therapists need to have:
  • strong hands
  • a good level of fitness and health as the work requires a great deal of stamina and concentration
Some severe skin disorders or allergies may prevent some people from working as massage therapists.

 

Previous page - Tasks and specialisations
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Updated September 2009
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