Careers in Massage Therapy
A Rewarding Career Awaits You
Today more than ever before, people are recognizing the value of complementary holistic treatments such as Massage Therapy in the achievement and maintenance of health and well-being. In the past five to ten years, Massage Therapists throughout Canada have witnessed a tremendous growth in public, professional and governmental interest in Massage Therapy both as an adjunctive and primary health care modality. Currently, between 17–24% of Canadians are using Massage Therapy as part of their health care, to enhance well-being and health or to deal with a specific health problem. Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are now the largest professional group among Complementary and Alternative health care practitioners (CAHC), followed by Chiropractic and Naturopathy. The potential Massage Therapy clientele is expanding across all age groups and is recognized today as complementary health care by most healing modalities.
The benefits of Massage Therapy are many, from enhancing one’s energy and sense of well being, to releasing tensions that contribute to headache, hypertension and recurrent aches and pains, to rehabilitation from injury. Massage Therapy promotes relaxation and the bodies’ own healing processes, and has become widely accepted as a valuable and effective form of natural, holistic health care.
There are many compelling reasons to become a Massage Therapist:
- Flexibility in work schedule/hours
- Work that is active and healthy
- A career that is personally satisfying
- Financially rewarding.
As we head into the future, career opportunities for Registered Massage Therapists continue to expand and evolve into a sophisticated and well-respected profession with a variety of specializations.
A successful Massage Therapist combines knowledge, skilled technique and good interpersonal skills with the ability to promote his/her services. The location of the workplace and a sincere desire to succeed are also critical factors. Massage therapy is a highly flexible career, allowing therapists to choose work schedules which best fit their lifestyle.
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Career Opportunities for Registered Massage Therapists
Today there are more career opportunities for Elmcrest Massage Therapy graduates than ever before. As a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), you’ll have a multitude of career opportunities from which to choose. There is a growing trend towards self-employment or work under contract and therapists can specialize in certain areas that suit their lifestyle, their needs and the needs of their clients.
It is common to see a Massage Therapist working in Rehabilitation/Pain Management Centres, Chiropractic, Health and Wellness Centres. A rapidly growing segment of RMTs are finding employment in Corporate Wellness Programs, Nursing Homes/Hospices, Perinatal Care – Infant Massage, Day/Wellness Spas, Professional Athletes/Sports Teams, travelling with Dance Troupes, even on Cruise Ships – the possibilities are endless.
In just 18–22 months an Elmcrest graduate can have a rewarding career working almost anywhere in the world.
Career Placement Services
Elmcrest College has an excellent placement record for its graduates. Although no school or college can guarantee a job for its graduates nor compensations earned in a job, at Elmcrest we do our best to provide lifetime placement assistance to our graduates. Elmcrest maintains a Job Placement Bulletin Board, Job Binder and on-line Job Posting of prospective jobs available in a variety of settings locally, across Canada and abroad.
To get you started in your first career position upon graduation, we will assist you with:
- Resume preparation
- Cover letters
- Interview skills
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Employment Opportunities for Registered Massage Therapists
These include working in:
Rehabilitation/Pain Management Clinics
The Rehabilitation/Pain Management Clinics are made up of inter-disciplinary programs that provide a wide spectrum of services dedicated to all aspects of accident and injury treatments, especially automobile accidents, sports/personal and work-related injury claims. Evaluations and therapeutic interventions are designed to help manage injuries and/or disabilities due to a variety of orthopaedic, neurological and medical conditions. Some of the conditions treated by the Rehabilitation/Pain Management Team include, helping people who are dealing with loss of function from such conditions as stroke, arthritis, accident or trauma, repetitive stress injuries, cardiac conditions, fractures, muscle strain and sports injuries. WSIB, Extended Healthcare Insurance or Automotive Insurance Claims cover most treatments. Massage Therapy is a natural complementary treatment in the Rehabilitation/Pain Management Clinic programs.
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Hospitals/Palliative Care/Hospice Centres
Hospitals
The hospital of the 21st Century. Acupuncture, Herbal Remedies, Massage Therapy, Chiropractor – you don’t expect to find these treatments offered at your local hospital. However, with consumer interest and documented research on the benefits of Massage Therapy combined with a growing emphasis on wellness and preventive medicine, it’s not surprising to see complementary therapies slowly being added to in-patient hospital care and hospital outpatient services. The benefits of massage are many for patients. Stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep, and the overall sense of well-being from a massage can mean quicker healing. The sense of being truly nurtured and cared for in the hospital setting is greatly increased.
From infants to seniors, pre-surgical and post-surgical patients, new mothers and hospital staff members – all can benefit from Massage Therapy. A recent study of hospital nursing and physician staff members who were provided Massage Therapy, relaxation therapy and music therapy showed a significantly reduced anxiety, depression and fatigue as well as increased vigor.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary specialty that is devoted to relieving pain, providing physical, psychological, and spiritual comfort to any patient who has complex or challenging problems associated with any type of serious illness.
The goal of a Palliative Care Program is to help patients achieve the highest possible quality of life throughout every stage of illness. The Palliative Care Team applies a wide variety of clinical techniques to address the medical, emotional, and social needs that are important to patients and their families.
Palliative care can be provided at the same time as aggressive treatments directed against cancer. Palliative care physicians work closely with the patient’s primary care physician. For cancer patients, the palliative care physicians work closely with the oncologist to assess the role of pain relieving radiation or chemotherapy. Other techniques that may be used are emotional support, physical therapy, music therapy, Massage Therapy and relaxation techniques.
Some examples of the types of symptoms and problems for which the Palliative Care Team may be consulted are: pain, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, anxiety, sleeplessness, spirituality issues, emotional support.
Palliative care is not the same as Hospice. Hospices’ primary function is to help patients be pain free and to live with dignity at the end of their life. The Palliative Care Team works with patients throughout their illness to achieve and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
Hospice Centres
Although Massage Therapy is relatively new in the hospice setting, it is rapidly gaining acceptance. A warm comforting touch can make all the difference in the world to a patient. Knowing that a loved one is enjoying a foot massage brings solace to those who sometimes don’t know what else to do, or how to connect when a patient is near the end of life. Aromatherapy massage is very popular with patients. Frequently, Massage Therapists combine aromatherapy with music to provide an almost spa-like experience for the patient. As Massage Therapists see there is a demand, and realize the tremendous benefits this kind of massage can offer, it will become much more common.
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Geriatric Massage/Nursing Homes
A Growing Population: Seniors are one of the fastest growing population groups in Canada. In
2002–03, there were an estimated 4 million Canadians aged 65 and over, accounting for 12.8% of the total population, an increase of 60% from 2.4 million in 1981. In fact, the senior population has grown about twice as fast as the overall population since the early 1980s. As a result, more than one out of every eight Canadians is now a senior.
The rapid growth in the size of the senior population is also expected to continue well into the future, particularly when those born during the baby boom years from 1946 to 1966 begin turning age 65 early in the second decade of the new century. Statistics Canada has projected, for example, that by 2021 there will be almost 7 million seniors, who will represent 19% of the total population, and that by 2041 there will be over 9 million seniors, who will make up an estimated 25% of the population.
Geriatric Massage is a form of massage designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly population. Old people often suffer from a variety of such age-related diseases as Parkinsons disease, arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. As a result, they have poor blood circulation and limited physical activity. Geriatric massage can help them maintain and improve their overall health, as well as regain certain physical functions that have been reduced or lost due to aging. In addition, it can relieve anxiety and provide comfort to touch-deprived elderly patients. Geriatric Massage Therapy is extremely rewarding. As Massage Therapists see there is a demand, and realize the tremendous benefits Geriatric Massage Therapy can offer, it will become much more common.
Perinatal Care – Infant Massage
The growing popularity of Perinatal Care – Infant Massage could be due in part to recent studies by the Touch Research Institute (TRI). Beyond the obvious physical benefits of massage, such as the relaxation of muscles and joints, the TRI’s research shows that women who received prenatal massage had lower anxiety and stress hormones and fewer labour complications and symptoms of hypertension. These women were also less likely to deliver their babies prematurely.
Preterm infants who were massaged before sleep fell asleep more quickly and slept more soundly with better sleep patterns. They showed improved weight gain as compared to infants who were not massaged before sleep.
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Chiropractic Offices
The combination of chiropractic and Massage Therapy nationwide is very common, and some DCs have learned that this is a very effective and profitable alliance. Chiropractic and Massage Therapy, used in combination, form a powerful healing approach that addresses pain on many levels. Both long-term muscle tension and sudden impacts, such as falls, can pull and hold joints out of normal alignment. Chiropractic uses adjustments to return the joints to their normal positions and restore joint mobility. Addressing soft tissue problems is an important complement to chiropractic care. Muscles move joints, while ligaments support them. If a subluxation is adjusted without addressing related soft tissues, the whole problem is not being addressed and the pain and dysfunction may persist.
Health and Wellness Centres
A recent report by the Ontario Massage Therapy Association reported that the market for complimentary medicine is currently significant and likely to grow larger in the future. Canadians spent an estimated $3.8 billion on alternative treatments. It notes that many Canadians have already integrated complimentary and alternative health practices into their health care, and consumption is likely to grow.
The highest levels of usage over the preceding 12-month period were Herbal Remedies – 36%, Massage – 29%, Chiropractor – 18%, Naturopathic Medicine – 11%, and Homeopathy – 11%. The two primary reasons cited for first using Complementary Medicine were to enhance well-being and health and to deal with a specific health problem.
Mobile Service On-site Locations
A recent consumer survey by the AMTA asked consumers where they would prefer to receive a massage treatment. Of the 62% of adults who see massage as beneficial, the highest percentage of all adults surveyed (40%) say they would prefer to receive massage from a therapist in their homes, 26% in the therapist’s office and 23% at a day spa. Currently 17% got their last massage from a Massage Therapist at a day spa, while 14% got their massage in the Massage Therapist’s office and 10% say they received their massage in their own home.
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Private In-home Practice
Today, graduates of Elmcrest College are finding themselves stepping into a wide variety of employment opportunities. According to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, Massage Therapists in Ontario are mainly self-employed. Strong entrepreneurial skills to market and build a clientele are essential. Setting up a private in-home practice within a Massage Therapist’s home is one option for self-employment. Many Massage Therapists who are setting up a private in-home practice choose to either rent additional space, work as independent contractors, or affiliate with another already existing related business such as a chiropractic or physical therapy office while they establish their private in-home practice.
Corporate-Industrial Wellness Programs
Many Canadian companies have begun offering on-site Massage Therapy to reduce the amount of stress in the lives of their employees. Once considered a cutting-edge idea, Corporate-Industrial Wellness Programs have become standard operating procedure at most Fortune 500 corporations and many medium-sized companies. Studies have shown that massage not only reduces stress, which can lead to repetitive strain and problems such as headaches and high blood pressure, but is a positive influence on productivity and absenteeism. Massage also sends the message to employees that they are cared about, giving dramatic boost to morale and employee retention.
Corporate-Industrial Wellness Massage Programs was not something we heard much about 10 years ago. But now we’re seeing it more, even in companies that are not that large.
Research conducted by the Touch Research Institute in Miami and published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, reported that a twice-weekly 15-minute chair massage decreased job stress and increased productivity. Leaders in the use of massage at the worksite include Boeing, Reebok, Goldman Sachs, Motorola and General Electric.
Day/Health & Wellness Spas
Consumer demand for Massage Therapy is higher than ever before, and the rapidly growing Day/Wellness Spa industry over the past few years is playing an important role in that increase in consumer demand. The Spa and Esthetic industry in Canada is experiencing tremendous growth. According to the ISPA 2004 Spa Industry Study it was estimated that there were approximately 2,100 individual spas in Canada. Over 40% of Canada’s spas are located in Ontario , followed by 19% of the spas located in British Columbia. The Canadian spa industry generated an estimated $1.5 billion CDN in revenues for 2003 and the average number of spa visits was 20.2 million. In 2003, the Canadian spa industry employed an estimated 33,200 people; 20,442 full time, 7,075 part-time and 5,673 contract staff.
96% of Day Spas currently offer Massage Therapy, which creates a huge demand for fully trained and qualified Registered Massage Therapists. Massage Therapy at spas and resorts is an incredible opportunity, with entry-level positions usually paying between $30,000 and $50,000 a year.
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Cruise Lines/Destination Resorts
No other industry has been growing so rapidly in the past seven years as the cruise line industry. Just in the last four years all leading cruise lines have doubled their fleets and the number of employees. Many new cruise ship companies have emerged trying to get their share from the cruise market explosion.
Working on a luxury cruise liner offers numerous rewards, but the most common reasons for doing it are: you can not only earn, but save a substantial amount of money for a short period of time; all your expenses are taken care of by the cruise line (food, accommodation, medical care, airline ticket to the port of embarkation and back home). Salary range is $2,600-3,600 U.S. per month, depending on gratuities and cruise line.
The benefits available to employees are outstanding. Imagine a career at a ski resorts in Banff , Colorado or in Switzerland. Or picture yourself working and living at a resort in Hawaii, Bermuda or Jamaica , with the beach, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, and more, right outside your door.
Amateur and Professional Athletes
Massage has become an integral part of the new athletic regimen from sports medicine clinics, to college training rooms, to professional locker rooms and Olympic training. A growing number of trainers believe that massage can provide an extra edge to the athletes who participate in high performance sports. Massage has become a necessary ingredient for a complete workout. More and more people are realizing that a complete workout routine includes not only the exercise itself, but also caring for the wear-and-tear and minor injuries that naturally occur with strenuous movement. The physiological and psychological benefits of massage make it an ideal complement to a total conditioning program.
Sports Massage Clinics & Athletic Clubs
Massage has become an integral part of the new athletic regimen from sports medicine clinics, to college training rooms, to professional locker rooms and Olympic training. A growing number of trainers believe that massage can provide an extra edge to the athletes who participate in high performance sports. Massage has become a necessary ingredient for a complete workout. More and more people are realizing that a complete workout routine includes not only the exercise itself, but also caring for the wear-and-tear and minor injuries that naturally occur with strenuous movement. The physiological and psychological benefits of massage make it an ideal complement to a total conditioning program.
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Health Clubs & Fitness Centres
Massage has become an integral part of the new athletic regimen from sports medicine clinics, to college training rooms, to professional locker rooms and Olympic training. A growing number of trainers believe that massage can provide an extra edge to the athletes who participate in high performance sports. Massage has become a necessary ingredient for a complete workout. More and more people are realizing that a complete workout routine includes not only the exercise itself, but also caring for the wear-and-tear and minor injuries that naturally occur with strenuous movement. The physiological and psychological benefits of massage make it an ideal complement to a total conditioning program.
Performing Arts (Dance Troupe/Theatre)
There has been a trend over the past five years for bodywork therapists to be unofficial “cast members” in shows up and down Broadway. Producers of The Lion King, 42nd Street, Oklahoma, Riverdance and The Producers have all hired licensed Massage and Physical Therapists for on-call, backstage sessions, in addition to office sessions, for cast members. Massage Therapy has been shown to improve range of motion, mood, and performance (including balance and posture) and decrease stress hormone (cortisol) after one month of twice-weekly Massage Therapy.
Film and T.V. Production Companies
Casting companies are increasingly recruiting Massage Therapists as part of the film and T.V. Production Team – Massage Therapy has been shown to improve range of motion, mood, and performance (including balance and posture) and decrease stress hormone (cortisol). In addition there has been a trend over the past five years for bodywork therapists to be unofficial “cast members” in shows up and down Broadway. Producers of The Lion King, 42nd Street, Oklahoma, Riverdance and The Producers have all hired licensed Massage and Physical Therapists for on-call, backstage sessions, in addition to office sessions, for cast members.
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Teaching-Instructor Environments
Instructors are chosen both for their experience as teachers and for their success in the field of Massage Therapy. Each instructor is an active, certified Registered Massage Therapist or health care provider who brings real-world experience to the classroom. The best instructors are warm, caring, compassionate, well trained, and experienced. They love what they do and want to share their knowledge with others; they continually strive to inspire students to do their best, providing an environment conducive to achieving excellence in the field of Massage Therapy.
Research/Publishing – Funding for Massage Research
Massage Therapy funding sources are increasingly available to promote research, accessibility of services to all, and excellence in education.
The Holistic Health Research Foundation of Canada is a national registered charitable organization dedicated to improving the health, wellness and quality of life of all Canadians, by advancing the scientific understanding of complementary and alternative therapies. To accomplish its objectives, the Holistic Health Research Foundation of Canada receives its funding from a broad base of donors and supporters, including individuals, private foundations, corporations and founding health partner organizations. Projected revenue goals are $3.5 million over the first five years of operation.
The Touch Research Institutes in Miami, Florida is dedicated to studying the effects of Touch Therapy. The TRIs have researched the effects of Massage Therapy at all stages of life, from newborns to senior citizens. Johnson & Johnson, Gerber and Colgate-Palmolive companies fund TRI’s research.
For more information about Touch Research Institute activities.
Under the 2004 Solutions for Workplace Change grants competition, WSIB’s Board of Directors approved funding for 20 research projects. The total funding for the 20 projects is almost $3 million. The WSIB’s research grants initiative, Solutions for Workplace Change , demonstrates their strong commitment to high quality occupational health, safety and workers’ compensation research in Ontario.
Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance Research Network Committee (CMTARNC) and the executive of the CMTA, have been awarded a $20,000 grant from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) – Office of Learning Technologies to hire an experienced researcher to conduct the first ever research literacy and capacity needs assessment in Massage Therapy.
Designated Assessment Centres – DAC Assessor
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) – Insurance Companies Designated Assessment Centres (DACs) were introduced back in January 1994. DACs was intended to provide truly independent medical evaluations of disputes between insurers and insured. For example, if an insured person’s doctor recommended certain treatment following injuries sustained in a collision, the insurer might deny that it had to pay for that treatment. To resolve the dispute, you or the insurance company could request the issue be evaluated by a DAC. Its role is to provide a medical opinion about the reasonableness of and necessity for the specific treatment. The OMTA has worked closely with DAC and WSIB over the years, and through education slowly RMTs are acting as assessors.
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Income Potential for Registered Massage Therapists
The income potential for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) varies tremendously, depending on the nature of employment and years of experience. Hourly rates for a massage treatment currently range from $60 to $110, depending upon the setting, region of the country and the experience of the therapist. Massage Therapy as a career offers you tremendous flexibility with both your time and the income potential.
There are a variety of ways that a Massage Therapist can be paid. Some are paid by a combination of salary/hourly rate and commissions (percentage of treatment); others may be on a salary or commissions (percentage of treatment) alone. Another option is self-employment; the therapist will receive the full cost of the treatment but must deduct overhead expenses/taxes. According to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, about 50% of Massage Therapists maintain a private practice.
The Massage Therapists in the field who are financially successful and happy are those who got into the field out of a sincere desire to help other people, who have good skills, and who have the determination necessary to achieve success. Your income potential in this field depends on your goals, skills, and initiative.
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