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What can be done to help new, struggling therapists to get a foothold in the business?

On our driving trip from Northeast Texas to the World Massage Festival, I met a nice man. He asked where we were going. His politeness turned to genuine interest when I told him. He said he was a licensed massage therapist, also. He told me his story.

Licensed now for 2 years, after incurring over $19,000.00 of tuition debt, he can’t find or create work for himself as massage therapist. None of his efforts have been very fruitful. His frustration over it was obvious, and I believe there was a great deal of sadness, as well.

We stopped back to see him on our return home, I gave him a WMF pin and offered encouragement, and I got his e-mail address so I can stay in touch with him. I read similar stories frequently. I realize that some people make it and some don’t, and I know this economy is hard on everyone, but even taking these factors into consideration, it seems to be an excessively widespread condition. I wonder if the same qualities that make a person attuned to the needs of others don’t go hand in hand with introversion in many of us. Excuse me if this has come up before, but my question is this, “What can be done to help new, struggling therapists to get a foothold in the business?”

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on September 4, 2012 at 2:40pm

Its not easy... Everybody that gets regular massages.. Guess what?? They already have a massage therapist...And being male can be an extra challenge. Hmm.. I dont know right off hand. If he could get hired in a busy spa or hotel..He would have in built clientele .. You have to be very creative and do whatever it takes..and that often doesnt work... I remember a long time ago... I applied for a job in a very nice hotel in Hawaii.. There were 700 applicants but a job for only 12... I ordered and made sure a huge beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived just before my interview... the card with the flowers said...To a beautiful lady...You have a wonderful day...I left it unsigned.... When I walked into the interview/ massage...She was so happy and in such a good mood... I said wow.. what beautiful flowers... I got hired.

Permalink Reply by Leslie A. Young on September 6, 2012 at 2:17pm

Your story makes me sad, Linda, but we can turn it around. I hope this individual is a member of a professional association. Although I'm part of ABMP, this isn't a commercial for ABMP—it's a call for therapists who are struggling on their own to use the member benefits associations like ABMP and AMTA have developed.

For some practitioners, the economic environment is really tough. Or maybe they're trying to practice in an area that isn't massage-friendly. Whatever the challenge, professional associations have tools and supports in place to lend a hand as individuals nest themselves in the field.

So if he's not a member, he should seek out an association. The member dues are an investment in his livelihood and his education. If he is a member, he should reach out to his companions and say "These are my challenges. How can you help?"

Get him on this forum so he can share and feel the camaraderie!

Warms my heart to think about you giving him a WMF and serving as his cheerleader. Good for you! This is a continual challenge, one made more pressing by the economic pressures in some areas. Together we can help him—and those like him—be successful and share his gift of healing touch.

Permalink Reply by Linda LePelley, RN, NMT on September 6, 2012 at 7:43pm

I have sent him a message, and when I hear from him I will pass your post on to him as well, it is an excellent suggestion. He did say he wasn't sure his website was still up, and I am unable to access it. His e-mail is connected to his website, so I'm worried that I won't be able to reach him with your encouragement and that of others, so I will just have to see what happens.