Massage Therapist Duties for 2024

Massage therapist duties revolve mostly around manipulating muscles and other soft tissues of the body to relieve pain, increase relaxation, help heal injuries, relieve stress, improve circulation, and improve the general wellness of clients.

Massage therapists usually specialize in many different types of massage or modalities. Apply different techniques for instance:

• relaxation massage focuses on relaxation, improve circulation, relieve muscle tension and improve the range of movement
• sports massage enhances sports performance and recuperation and prevents injury
• remedial massage helps in healing injured or inactive parts of the body due to age, illness, or injury

Massage Therapist Duties

• Welcome clients to the salon
• Accompany clients to treatment rooms and to the reception area, afterward
• Perform client consultations and take detailed notes about their needs and existing conditions (SOAP notes)
• Inquire clients about their symptoms, medical histories, issues with stress to determine whether massage would be of help
• Evaluate customers and locate painful or tense areas of the body
• Listen to client’s feedback and concerns
• Learn about precautions and contradictions for a massage before every session
• Recommend appropriate services and treatments
• Explain treatments and packages offered
• Perform soft-tissue, facial and scalp massages
• Listen to clients during appointments and adjust technique as they desire
• Provide a wide range of different massage services
• Maintain all health and safety standards
• Apply and recommend different products as appropriate
• Provide clients with guidance on stretching, strengthening, overall relaxation, and how to improve their posture
• Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity related to age plus gender during client interactions
• Suggest future massage appointments and regimes to clients
• Keep accurate and detailed client treatment records
• Sterilize and tools and equipment between clients
• Change linens and treatment room/ massage table coverings between clients
• Consult with physiotherapists and healthcare professionals about client’s treatment plans, as needed
• Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor
• Evaluate client’s discomfort, muscle tension and range of motion
• Help to develop multi-visit treatment plans when needed
• Update professional knowledge and qualifications by attending professional development seminars/ classes, etc. when necessary
• Reports any unusual customer interactions to supervisor promptly
• Explain any risks and benefits of each massage procedure to clients
• Look after general hygiene and cleanliness around the salon
• Wash and fold towels and linens as needed
• Manage inventory of all massage supplies and products
• Receive payment for massage services
• Place orders of new massage supplies
• Use software for massage therapists to manage appointment bookings and customer data
• Help to update the massage therapy and wellness section of the salon newsletter
• Inform clients of any promotions or special events
• Upsell and recommend additional services or products to clients where appropriate
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients
• Post on the salon’s social media pages

Citations

Massage therapies
https://www.bmj.com/content/319/7219/1254.short

The safety of massage therapy
https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/42

Massage therapy
https://www.medical.theclinics.com/article/S0025-7125(03)00078