Medical Massage Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, the need for skilled medical massage therapists is at an all-time high.

As the wellness industry expands, the demand for professionals who can alleviate pain, enhance physical performance and promote overall wellness is growing.

But what exactly is expected of a medical massage therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager striving to find the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the dynamics of being a medical massage therapist,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive and customizable medical massage therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or health career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Medical Massage Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Massage Therapists use a targeted, therapeutic approach to address specific health issues, enhance wellness, and reduce physical discomfort.

Their work involves diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions and injuries through the use of massage and bodywork techniques.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating clients’ soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion
• Consulting with clients to understand their medical history and health goals
• Developing personalized treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used
• Performing medical massages of soft tissues and joints to treat medical conditions, injuries, or to maintain general health
• Adapting massage techniques based on clients’ health needs or responses
• Maintaining detailed and accurate treatment records of clients
• Providing clients with guidance and information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation, and rehabilitative exercises
• Working closely with other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for clients
• Adhering to all current regulations and best practice guidelines related to massage therapy
• Continuing education to improve technique and broaden skill set

 

Medical Massage Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled, experienced Medical Massage Therapist to provide professional, therapeutic services to our patients.

The Medical Massage Therapist will work closely with our healthcare professionals to treat patients suffering from various physical ailments and injuries.

The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of human anatomy and various massage therapy techniques, as well as excellent patient service skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Consult with patients to assess their physical condition and medical history
• Design and implement individualized massage treatment plans
• Provide therapeutic massages as per the developed treatment plans
• Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to patient care
• Maintain accurate patient records, including detailed notes on treatments and progress
• Monitor patient response to treatment and adjust techniques as necessary
• Comply with all necessary hygiene, health and safety regulations
• Keep up-to-date with latest industry techniques and practices

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Medical Massage Therapist
• Valid state license to practice massage therapy
• Proficiency in various therapeutic massage techniques
• Strong understanding of human anatomy and pathophysiology
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive patient information with confidentiality
• Diploma or degree from an accredited massage therapy school
• CPR and First Aid certification is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Flexible schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Medical Massage Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting, adhering to strict health and safety guidelines
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinic Manager or Medical Director
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Medical Massage Therapist Do?

Medical Massage Therapists are healthcare professionals who use their knowledge of physiology and anatomy to perform therapeutic massage techniques on patients.

They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, physical therapy offices, or as self-employed practitioners.

Their primary role is to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote overall wellness by manipulating the soft tissues of the body.

This manipulation can help to improve circulation, relieve tension, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients.

They may specialize in treating particular health conditions, like sports injuries or chronic pain, or work with specific groups, such as the elderly or pregnant women.

Medical Massage Therapists also advise patients on stretches, relaxation techniques, and other ways to improve their physical condition and mental well-being.

It is essential for therapists to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient, considering the patient’s medical history and specific needs.

They are also responsible for maintaining professional and accurate records of treatments.

In addition to their technical skills, they must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they work closely with patients, healthcare providers, and sometimes even family members.

 

Medical Massage Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Medical Massage Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the role, such as:

• Excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with clients regarding their medical conditions, pain areas, and to discuss the proposed massage therapy plan.
• Strong knowledge of human anatomy and various massage therapy techniques to provide efficient and effective massage therapy to clients.
• Highly developed manual dexterity and physical stamina to perform massages for long periods.
• Empathy and understanding to deal with clients who are experiencing pain and discomfort, and to adjust treatments as needed.
• Problem-solving skills to identify the most suitable therapeutic massage techniques for specific medical conditions.
• Attention to detail to closely follow a client’s medical history, treatment plans, and reactions to therapy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries with clients.
• Should possess a valid license to practice massage therapy and have completed an accredited massage therapy program.
• Should have first aid and CPR training for emergency situations.

 

Medical Massage Therapist Experience Requirements

Medical Massage Therapists are often required to have completed a program at a state-licensed massage therapy school, where they gain substantial theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in their field of study.

Many students get the opportunity to offer massage services under supervision, still being in their student status, allowing them to gain experience that will be valuable for their future job roles.

These experiences often make them competent enough to satisfy the requirements of many entry-level Medical Massage Therapist positions.

Before assuming the role of a Medical Massage Therapist, some professionals may have worked as massage therapists in spas or wellness centers, where they provided therapeutic massage aimed at enhancing relaxation and wellness.

This could be useful for gaining practical experience in patient handling and understanding the different massage techniques.

Professionals with 1 to 2 years of experience may have honed their skills in therapeutic massage, learned to use massage to alleviate medical conditions, and become proficient in various types of massage techniques.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a more nuanced understanding of the musculoskeletal system, and are skilled at using massage to assist in the treatment of medical conditions and injuries.

They may also have experience with patient consultation, where they assess the patient’s condition and decide the best massage technique to use.

Medical Massage Therapists with more than 5 years of experience may have some administrative or managerial experience.

They are often capable of supervising other therapists, training new hires, and managing a massage therapy department or an independent practice.

 

Medical Massage Therapist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Medical Massage Therapist, the individual typically must complete a program at a state-licensed massage therapy school.

These programs often include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, the theory and practice of massage therapy, and electives related to specific modalities of massage.

The curriculum also includes courses on business practices and ethics.

Programs often require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission and may last from several months to two years.

After completing the program, individuals must pass a state-administered examination to become licensed to practice massage therapy.

The exam typically includes both written and practical components, and tests knowledge on anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, and legal and ethical considerations.

Apart from these, many Medical Massage Therapists seek out further training in specific modalities, techniques, or populations, often requiring additional hours of continuing education and practice to master.

They may pursue advanced certifications in areas such as sports massage, orthopedic massage, or medical massage.

Furthermore, Medical Massage Therapists should also have strong communication skills, a compassionate and empathetic disposition, and the physical stamina to perform massages for multiple clients in a day.

The ongoing professional development and continuing education are important as the field of massage therapy progresses and techniques are refined.

 

Medical Massage Therapist Salary Expectations

A Medical Massage Therapist earns an average salary of $47,180 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience, additional certifications, and the location in which they practice.

 

Medical Massage Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Medical Massage Therapist need?

Medical Massage Therapists need strong interpersonal and communication skills to best understand their patients’ needs and explain treatments.

They must have a keen understanding of human anatomy and physiology, a good sense of empathy, and the ability to provide therapeutic massages.

They should also be physically fit and capable of standing for long periods.

 

Do Medical Massage Therapists need a degree?

Medical Massage Therapists do not necessarily need a degree, but they must complete a massage therapy program from an accredited institution and obtain a license to practice.

These programs usually require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission.

Therapists who wish to specialize in medical massage may also pursue additional training or certification in the field.

 

What should you look for in a Medical Massage Therapist resume?

First and foremost, a Medical Massage Therapist should be licensed in their state, so ensure this qualification is clearly stated.

Experience working in a healthcare setting or with patients requiring therapeutic massage for medical reasons is also valuable.

Look for resumes that indicate strong interpersonal skills, physical stamina, and a demonstrated knowledge of different massage techniques.

 

What qualities make a good Medical Massage Therapist?

A good Medical Massage Therapist is patient, empathetic, and has a genuine desire to help people.

They must be able to provide a calm, soothing environment for their patients and possess the physical strength and stamina to perform massages.

They should also be committed to continuous learning to stay updated with the latest techniques and research in massage therapy.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Medical Massage Therapist?

Hiring a Medical Massage Therapist can be challenging due to the specific skills and qualifications required for the job.

The demand for these professionals is high, especially in healthcare settings.

To attract qualified candidates, employers may need to offer competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and opportunities for ongoing training and development.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a medical massage therapist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about kneading muscles.

It’s about healing and enhancing lives, one massage at a time.

With our specialized medical massage therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a part of a larger journey to wellness.

Let’s embark on this path to healing. Together.

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