Massage Therapist Careers: Med Spas vs. Chiropractic Offices vs. Resorts
So, you’ve decided to become a massage therapist. Now, you must decide what type of massage you want to provide and the environment in which you want to work. The setting you choose has a significant influence on what your average workday will be like.
Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes offers a Massage Therapy training program in Denver, CO; Provo, UT; and the metropolitan area of Phoenix, AZ. Here, we compare three different settings for massage therapist careers to help you determine which one is the best fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- Massage therapists in med spas help to treat chronic pain conditions under the supervision of a licensed physician.
- Massage therapists at chiropractic offices provide a complementary service that relieves soreness after an alignment.
- Massage therapists at resorts help patients relax and de-stress, and may also manage their own booking, supplies, and workspace.
- The best working environment depends on your individual goals and priorities for your massage therapy career.
Massage Therapist Careers in Med Spas
As more people look for natural, non-invasive ways to revitalize their skin and bodies, med spas are growing in popularity. A med spa is a combination of a cosmetic medical center and a day spa. Patients receive a variety of aesthetic and wellness services guided by a physician.
Massage therapists in this setting will work under the supervision of a licensed physician. While you may use techniques for relaxation and general wellness, your focus will be on treating conditions such as chronic pain, sports injuries, neuropathy, and even high blood pressure.
Med spa careers are a great choice for people who love the science side of massage. They also present the opportunity to make a real difference in patients’ lives. If you’re looking for more control over your schedule, however, this setting might not be for you, as there is less flexibility compared to private practices.
Massage Therapist Careers in Chiropractic Offices
Chiropractic offices offer a similar working environment to med spas, with some differences. People visit chiropractors to treat aches and pains caused by musculoskeletal issues, such as arthritis, sciatica, or scoliosis. Through manual manipulation of joints, the chiropractor can relieve pain while improving the patient’s range of motion and restoring healthier body mechanics.
Many people feel sore after a chiropractic adjustment. This is where the massage therapist comes in. Massage therapists relieve tension and loosen the patient’s aching muscles after an adjustment, helping them leave the appointment with less soreness and a greater sense of satisfaction. The massage therapist may also treat conditions that are muscular in origin, complementing the chiropractic techniques that focus on the skeleton.
Like a med spa, chiropractic offices come with the opportunity to make a big difference in patients’ lives. By helping patients manage their chronic pain, massage therapists do more than provide a sense of wellness: they improve the patients’ quality of life. The work is collaborative with the chiropractor, however, so it’s not a good fit for people who prefer their independence.
Massage Therapist Careers in Resorts
The candlelit resort spa is what many people envision when they think of massage therapist careers. This space is designed to promote relaxation, relief, and overall wellness. Massage services have a similar focus. Instead of treating a medical condition, therapists help to relieve stress and promote positive feelings. They may emphasize Swedish techniques, body scrubs, and wraps.
Resort-style settings can be found at a variety of locations. While you may find a placement at a vacation, golf, or ski all-inclusive resort, you might provide similar services at:
- Day spas
- Hotels
- Cruise ships
- Airports
Resort jobs are often lucrative during peak season, and many massage therapists enjoy the longer sessions with clients who are ready to relax and feel good about themselves. Paychecks can slow down during the off-season, however, so the income is not always. Resort massage therapists also handle bookings, supplies, and other aspects of the job, which not everyone enjoys.
Start Your Massage Therapy Career Journey at a Campus Near You
No matter which massage therapist career you choose, training for it starts at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes. We provide state-of-the-art massage training to prepare students for the work environment of their choosing. Contact us to learn more or enroll at one of our locations in Denver, CO; Provo, UT; and Tucson, Phoenix, and Avondale, AZ.
FAQ About Massage Therapist Career Environments
What is the difference between medical and resort massage therapy?
Massage therapy in medical settings is focused on treating injuries or health conditions. It prioritizes techniques like deep tissue massage, lymphatic massage, and acupressure. Massage therapy at resorts, meanwhile, is about relaxation and general wellness. Swedish massage, body scrubs, and wraps are often used.
What types of massage therapist jobs pay the most?
Resort jobs pay more during peak season, but income may slow down during the off-season. Jobs at med spas and chiropractic offices may pay less than a peak-season resort job, but the paycheck stays consistent year-round.
What makes Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes different?
Students at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes learn a wide variety of massage techniques for all types of settings, including both medical and resort-style services. They work with top products and train under experienced beauty professionals. They also have the opportunity to study abroad or to flex their skills at world-renowned industry events.
Are massage therapists in demand?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 15% growth in employment of massage therapists through 2034, which is much higher than the average.
What are the benefits of becoming a massage therapist?
The benefits of becoming a massage therapist include versatile job opportunities, often flexible hours, an exciting industry, and the opportunity to meet people and help them feel better