Massage Therapy Jobs, London

In recent years complementary or alternative therapies have increased and are now even integrated into traditional healthcare to complement other conventional treatments.

There are now many job opportunities as a self-employed massage therapist or as an employed therapist in salons, spas, treatment centres, hotels, NHS, mobile therapy agencies, cruise ships, hairdressers, health clubs, gyms and even doctors and dentists. Later on as a career move massage practitioners even opt to become teachers and trainers in massage therapy!

Most massage therapists prefer to be self-employed and are often sub-contracted by other companies. The reverse is the case when it comes to beauty therapists who simply prefer to be in employment and located in the same place such as a five-star hotel spa.

What do employers look for when employing or sub-contracting massage therapists?

Of course, you are required to be qualified for a start. In the United Kingdom it is fairly easy to qualify in Anatomy, Physiology and Massage within 6 months or so. This has lead to many qualified but inexperienced therapists in recent years and the standard of knowledge, skill and service is often well below the standard of qualified massage therapists in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany or The United States.

So what other qualities do you need to possess?

• You need to be good with your hands and be able to connect with clients
• You should be good in relating to people of all kinds of walks
• You should be able to explain, listen and respond
• Show empathy without absorbing your client’s thoughts and feelings
• Have physical stamina to carry out numerous treatments a day. This is in particular important if you are a mobile massage therapist commuting from appointment to appointment
• Hygiene and good presentation are expected from all clients but in particular from hotels, spas or any other discerning clients (it is amazing how many therapists do not care much about their personal appearance)
• You should wear a suitable uniform at all times
• Flexible or unsocial working hours are part of the profession
• You need to take good care of yourself. Often within years therapists burn out because they are no longer able to listen to their client’s problems, have been using the wrong massage technique or posture for years leading to wear and tear or simply injure themselves and are no longer able to offer treatments
• You should aim to continuously develop yourself through learning new massage techniques, reading related books, swapping treatments with other practitioners and simply rest from time to time. It’s a great job but will take its’ toll on you if you don’t take care of yourself!

There are now many job agencies specialising in massage, beauty and in general health to help you to find the most suitable job for you. There are now even bank account managers especially assigned to health businesses as it is such a fast growing industry.

Here at BTS we provide therapists who are passionate about what they do and are client-centred with the opportunity to work in London’s best hotels, hotel spas and many affluent areas in London. We also provide you with continuous in-house training!

Please contact us if you would like to become part of London’s most experienced mobile therapy team.

Frank Schmidt, BTS Director