To practice as a Massage therapist, you must have completed a diploma in Physical Therapy or other related studies. Likewise, candidates with at least one year of work experience are required, so it is advisable to start in professional practice as an Assistant to an experienced Massage therapist, which will allow the individual to develop the necessary skills for the trade.
Additionally, every Massage therapists, Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist must have the ability to adapt to constantly changing situations. Since the attitude of each patient usually changes regularly and is an aspect that can influence his rehabilitation process; In this sense, the individual must be distinguished by his ability to empathize with others, be patient and be an innate observer.
The most common tasks of a Massage therapist:
Design and implement a personalized treatment plan for each patient to relieve their pain and restore their physical mobility:
- Read and analyze the medical reports to determine the best treatment to follow.
- Perform an initial assessment of patient mobility.
- Design a treatment plan to rehabilitate the patient.
- Assist patients in performing different exercises designed to help them regain mobility.
- Instruct patients and their families in performing exercises and routines designed to be practised in their homes to improve their results.
- Keep track of the improvements, diagnosis and goals achieved by the patient.
- Consult with medical professionals to monitor the progress of therapy and redesign the rehabilitation program if necessary.
- Register patients once they have achieved the established goals.
- Be aware of the latest techniques, achievements and treatments in Massage therapy:
- Attend and participate in seminars, conferences and congresses together with other professionals in their field to share new methods and procedures.
Daily tasks;
- Serve new patients and analyze their medical history to design an appropriate treatment plan.
- Apply treatment to patients following a pre-established program and medical instructions or recommendations.
- Follow up the history, diagnosis, treatment and medical improvement of patients.
- Evaluate the progress of each patient until the end of treatment.
Qualities of Massage therapist;
- Communicate clearly, especially verbally, to establish a comfortable and transparent environment for patients and their families, responding to their concerns if they have any.
- They are being able to give patients clear instructions to follow up on their treatments.
- Have a vocation for service and set high standards for patient care and safety, trying to provide a dignified and respectful treatment at all times.
- Sense of empathy, compassion and altruism:
- Be sensitive to the needs of patients.
- Having the innate ability to make other people feel valued.
- High levels of manual dexterity, motor coordination and physical strength:
- Pay attention to details, have manual skills and visual coordination.
- Have the physical strength necessary to lift and load patients when needed.
- Attend and, sometimes, charge those patients with limited mobility.
- Professionalism and ethics.