Massage therapist

Career path and progression

With experience and a caseload or regular clients, you could set up your own business.

You could also take additional training to offer other wellbeing or complementary therapy treatments like aromatherapy, reiki or reflexology.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of how the human body works
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Massage therapists need a thorough understanding of human anatomy, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the skeletal system. Knowing how the body's circulatory and nervous systems work helps them understand the effects of different massage techniques and identify when something might need medical attention.
• Physical Education - Massage therapists – especially those specialising in sports massage – work with clients recovering from injuries or looking to improve physical performance. Understanding how the body moves, how muscles respond to exercise, and how injuries occur is central to planning effective treatments.

Also relevant

• Psychology - Massage therapists need to build trust with clients and understand how stress, anxiety, and mental health can manifest as physical tension. Being sensitive to a client's emotional state helps them adapt their approach and create a safe, supportive environment during treatment.
• Business - Massage therapists often work as self-employed practitioners or set up their own businesses. Understanding how to manage finances, attract and retain clients, and market their services is important for building a sustainable career.
• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Massage therapists check clients' diets and lifestyles as part of their assessment and give wellbeing advice. Understanding the basics of nutrition helps them have informed conversations about how diet can affect muscle recovery, inflammation, and overall health.
• Chemistry - Massage therapists often use oils, creams, and aromatherapy products during treatments. Understanding the properties of different substances and how they interact with the skin helps them choose appropriate products and avoid allergic reactions.
• English Language - Massage therapists need strong communication skills to discuss medical histories, explain treatment plans, and give clear wellbeing advice to clients. They also maintain detailed written records of each client's condition and progress.