Registered massage therapists have licensed healthcare professionals. They undergo rigorous training to manipulate their clients’ muscles and other soft tissues to achieve certain therapeutic benefits. Several other esthetics professionals and healthcare workers incorporate certain massage techniques into their work. But, registered massage therapists have an exclusive education that sets them apart from others. They work closely with physiotherapists, chiropractors and occupational therapists but are quite different from them.
Massage therapists can heal a wide variety of conditions such as:
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Depression and generalized anxiety
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Scoliosis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Headaches
- Stress
- Sciatica
- Piriformis Syndrome
This is just a glimpse of the ailments registered massage therapists cater to. Different massage therapists cater to specific issues. It is better to consult with your therapist to know which area she/he specializes in.
Five must-have skills of successfully registered massage therapists
Not many people are aware of the skills an ideal massage therapist should have. You can choose the right massage therapist once you are aware of the skills such as:
- Empathy
Registered massage therapists are empathetic. They should be. In fact, most of them are drawn to this career to fulfill their desires of helping out people. The massage therapists perform a thorough assessment to understand your needs so they can develop a suitable treatment plan. An empathetic massage therapist is able to understand and share your feelings thereby establishing a bond of trust. This trust lets the clients become more vulnerable when it comes to communicating their needs.
- Great active listening and communication skills
The primary duty of a successful massage therapist is to communicate directly and clearly with their clients. It is impossible to provide the right treatment if the therapist doesn’t communicate with you. They should be able to communicate in a clear, open and informative way. The words, actions and body language of the therapists should be respectful and straightforward.
- Excellent time management
Registered massage therapists either work at a clinic or are self-employed. Irrespective of the situation, time management is a crucial skill for registered massage therapists to master. They ensure that your needs are met without making a busy schedule. The therapists should have the skill to balance their professional and personal life with equal precision. The inability to do so can affect their work as well.
- Curiosity
A successful massage therapist is equal to being a perpetual student. The latter is always curious to know about the areas she/he is passionate about. It is the same thing expected out of qualified massage therapists. Their curiosity about how each treatment affects your wellbeing eventually helps you get better.
- A commitment to self-care
Registered massage therapists primarily use their hands and fingers to perform effective deep-tissue massage techniques. It is crucial for them to not burn out or injure themselves during the process. The therapists not only commit to taking care of sick ones but also take care of themselves.
Look out for these skills whenever you want to consult with a massage therapist. That way, your health will be in good hands.
