Modalities

• Modalities are the different types of massage employed by a massage therapist. These include Swedish, Shiatsu and deep-tissue massage. This also includes techniques such as acupressure and reflexology. Massage therapists don't necessarily know all of these modalities. Rather, massage therapists will specialize in a few different modalities, with some passing knowledge of less commonly-used modalities. Massage therapists generally learn modalities while in school.
  
  

Equipment

• Different modalities may require you to use peripherals. Such equipment includes oils, creams and lotions. You'll need to know how to employ these in your trade. Further -- particularly if you're self employed -- you'll have to know how to purchase equipment such as chairs and sheets. Special sheets are necessary, because clients are often undressed, but covered by a sheet that exposes only the part of the body to be massaged.
  
  

Business

• Over half of all massage therapists are self-employed, according to the BLS. This means that you must have a variety of business skills to make money at your trade. This includes networking and marketing to attract clients to your business. Knowledge of taxes is essential, as you'll be paying your own as a self-employed person. You'll be setting appointments in advance, and keeping track of them is essential for the proper running of your business.
  
  

Communication

• Massage therapists must communicate effectively with clients. This ensures that clients receive appropriate treatment. For example, clients who are seeking treatment for an injury should be asked questions about the injury before being treated. Clients merely seeking relaxation should, likewise, not be treated for injuries they don't have. Even these clients should be asked what parts of the body are bothering them. This allows the therapist to spend adequate time on affected areas.
  
  

Education and Licensure

• Massage therapists require specialized training to get the skills they need to ply their trade. Many states also require licensure. Certification is provided by state boards, or by one of two national professional organizations. There are a number of schools throughout the United States that provide specialized training for those aspiring to careers in massage therapy. These schools include classes in modalities, business, the history and theory of massage therapy, nutrition, hygiene and anatomy and physiology. Some programs may require you to take general education classes in areas such as composition, public speaking and critical thinking.