Massage Therapists — Tasks

Task statements

• Apply finger and hand pressure to specific points of the body.
• Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance.
• Confer with clients about their medical histories and problems with stress or pain to determine how massage will be most helpful.
• Maintain massage areas by restocking supplies or sanitizing equipment.
• Treat clients in professional settings or travel to clients' offices and homes.
• Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used.
• Provide clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises.
• Maintain treatment records.
• Assess clients' soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion.
• Refer clients to other types of therapists when necessary.
• Perform other adjunctive therapies or treatment techniques in addition to massage.
• Consult with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists, to develop treatment plans for clients.
• Prepare and blend oils and apply the blends to clients' skin.
• Use complementary aids, such as infrared lamps, wet compresses, ice, and whirlpool baths to promote clients' recovery, relaxation, and well-being.