Massage Therapist

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What does everyone think about the possibility of becoming a massage therapist?

I'm interested in it because I've had back trouble before and it seems like a profession I could learn and possibly help someone else out who has the same problem I did.

I know, of course, the physical aspect is what would most obviously be there to be pointed out to me. I don't think I'd have a problem with that being unpleasant for me, however I would be worried I would seem 'uncomfortable' or hesitant or something to the client. For example, sorry to go into too much detail, but just to explain; relatives have said that when they hug me, to greet me, I don't 'hug them back,' ie, I kind of unconciously must shrink back or something, anyway it's not cause I dislike being hugged, but I probably don't understand how, which crazily enough is certainly feasible for someone with AS, I think. So, I'm working on that. I'm more worried about how I would come across to a client than how it would be for me, b/c actually disliking physical contact luckily hasn't really been a problem for me.

Anyway, I would think making small talk with the people who want to while they get a massage would be the hardest part. Probably a lot of people just want to be quiet, but when people want to talk, you can't seem rude, b/c then it certainly isn't relaxing for them. Anyway, is anyone, or does anyone know of someone with AS who is a massage therapist? Any input would be appreciated.

In the medical profession, I think the correct title is "Kinesthesiologist" - a kind of physical therapist.

In a more commercial-clinical sense, a massage therapist is something like a Chiropractor without the pseudo-medical training.

In the New Age movement, any person with a padded mat, a scented candle, a collection of coloured rocks, and a deck of Tarot cards is qualified to perform massage.

Even shadier than New Age, there are "Massage Parlours" where men go to pay for a massage and sex.

Make sure you know what you are getting in to, and take your training from only licensed and qualified trainers.

Yeah, for sure. I don't want to become a 'masseuse' (haha) From what I understand, a kinesthesiologist would require a BA. I could be wrong. I have a BA but certainly not in that area. I was thinking a massage therapist was kind of less education, like a year or two, and then obtaining a certificate. Also less responsibility, as in not working with people who have serious medical problems like a physical therapist would, which would be harder, and, let's face it in this forum, easier to get fired. (not to mention of course i don't want to hurt the people) I guess I'd rather just work with people w/ knots in their back, etc. But yeah, nothing shady! Thanks for the info.

I considered being a massage therapist because I like to give and get massages but
thought it would be exhausting full time, not only physically but I'd also get bored and
daydream. If it weren't for those problems I think it would be a great workout routine.

I think that could be a really rewarding job-- all the people you deal with will probably be relaxed and happy by the end of the session, which is more than you can say for most things. I don't know how much chat there will be, but I can only guess that it will probably be minimal. And in a job environment, I think stuff like that can take on a structure that might make it easier to handle.

It's doubtful an Aspie would do well as a massage therapist. Considering many Aspies have trouble with touch that is an issue. But also if you aren't intuitive and can't read other people most likely you will be too rough doing massages and make people uncomfortable. Not to many you must be extremely animated and chit-chatty in order to make clients like you otherwise people will go elsewhere.

Not to mention the job has no medical insurance or retirement benefits. Also in some states if you do massage you have to register with the state under the same kind of license that escort services are required to.

Where I live, many doctor's offices and Chiropractic offices have massage therapists. Also, many of the resorts and spas that I have vistited have massage therapists. Although my ex went for massages, I did not. I think that I would be unable to relax with a stranger giving me a massage. In fact, I can't think of a more stressful situation. However, I have been told that a professional massage is a fantastic thing to get.

As far as giving a massage to a stranger, what are you going to do when you have to put your bare hands on someone whose back and legs are gossing you out?? Think of skin as white as chicken meat, with moles and big hairs growing out of them. And what about all the crazy skin conditions and stuff like that? You can't have a client get on the table and then tell them that you can't go through with the massage.

Finally, when you go to school for this, you have to practice on your fellow classmates. I might prefer to be lit on fire. I am not a modest person, but have only felt comfortable with a small number of people (not all at the same time) touching me, or me touching them.

Any person who is a legitamate massage therapist, has to really want to help people. If you go through with it, good luck.

I was taught therapeutic massage by a registered nurse, so I can tell when an alleged professional masseuse really isn't one.

My wife loves it that I can manipulate her body just so...

I am trying to get into massage therapy as well. I've got strong, durable hands and do a good job at it from what i'm told. Touch isn't a big issue for me, it's a very mild one which only comes up from time to time.

Since you are a guy you might want to consider sports medicine and doing sports massages within the confines of licensed physical therapy. Guy massage therapists can get in a heap of trouble either dealing with gay male clients who want to get intimate with the therapist or women clients accusing them of rape. Male massage therapists have a high rate of being sued. As an Aspie male massage therapist I could see such a person getting in legal trouble being accused of something they didn't do or didn't mean.