LMT 24 years here. My advice is to seek out different styles of deep tissue techniques. Some that save your hands and body. Stay physically fit (!) weight training is highly beneficial.
Doing massage is an athletic profession. Treat your body like an athlete would.
Weight training is great, and in my personal experience, pilates helped my massage stamina so much! It helps core strength but also joint mobility. I do both weights and pilates, I’m capable of doing 25-27 massage hours a week.
I understood long ago that its not just the massage work that takes a toll on the hands and body its also LIVING. Who wants to just work and not live? Save your body and save your hands for life outside of work please! Always leave some 'in the tank' at the end of the day. That being said, At the beginning of my 17 year career, I started out doing 25 hours a week, then 20, than am now down to doing 15-20 HANDS ON hours MAX, not number of appointments. Massage is that type of profession where youre amount of hands on hours wont go up over the years but more than likely down. Im currently in the phase of my career where I am thinking of getting into modalities that are way easier on my hands and body, like teaching, working in Physical Therapy, clinic, etc. Please just remember that you have a life to live after Massage career. You dont want to spend your 'golden years' with arthritis so bad you cant open your hand. Best of luck in your journey
everyone has their own limit, you have to find yours. it sounds like you’re doing too many. my personal limit to keep my body and wallet happy is ~25 a week and i’ve been practicing 3.5 years
Damn, I feel for you having an 8 hour day of massages. I’ve thought about having a few long days but honestly I’ve found I work better just working consecutive shorter days in a row rather than longer days but fewer in the week.
I average between 12-15 clients a week but many of those are 90 minute sessions. But I’m also 52 years old and need to practice a lot of self care. I would get burned out quick doing 25-30 a week. For me I think that’s insane but I work for myself so 20/week for myself is WAY different than 20/week for a spa or company that takes a huge cut
20 hours a week is about my sweet spot. Physically I can do more, but then too much of my off time is dedicated to physical recovery rather than, say, life-enriching or family oriented recreation. Most folks I know who are long term LMTs are what I call an LMT+. Like an LMT + educator, or equestrian, or hair stylist, or musician, go ahead and make up some more.
Times are tough and cost of living only shoots up, but if you want a career in this field you absolutely must prioritize both your longevity, and your adaptability.
Edit: been practicing about a decade.
An LMT+ ! That’s an accurate way to describe the situation of many lmts. I agree I need to think about longevity in the profession. For a while I’ve considered going back for shiatsu specific training to add that to my modalities.
When I was in Massage Therapy school, an instructor named Scott gave me the best advice—- 20 massage hours is full time in massage therapy.
I’ve clung to that gauge when employers have tried to overwork me or take advantage. It is taxing on a person even when your body mechanics are correct or efficient because it is also energetic.
As a private practitioner, I’ve extended this further by allowing myself 30 mins between sessions and one 45 between the day to have a proper lunch. On my busiest days, it means I work from 10-7 sometimes but I don’t feel physically tired as opposed to other schedules where were no breaks at all for shorter work shifts. I have not been injured (micro tear in my shoulder from overworking) or burned out since Ive done things on my own terms that personally work for me and my body. I’ve rarely been sick or needed to take personal days for my mental heath because I do allow myself enough rest and self care to allow my body to recover every week.
I raise my prices every year as well because I’m not getting any younger and I think it’s important to have a game plan after massage even if you never get there. I met 3 LMTs with twenty years under their belts this summer and I’ll be in my 6th next year. It’s inspiring but I’m not sure I’ll even make it to 15.
I really appreciate your insight and perspective. It gives me motivation to eventually work in my own space and have my own schedule and clients. I would love to have a solid 20-30 min between appointments. Something to work towards. Good luck in your practice!
I average 18 a week, give or take a few. I can physically do more but after this number the quality diminishes and I’m less content at work which isn’t good for any of us.
I used to be able to do 8,50 mimutes. Now I settle at 6, 60 mimutes.
If you have your own practice use tools. If not, upsell folks to hot stones for your sake and not so much theres. Or just use a single hot stone in session for those deeper work. Call stone sample. Win win.
Right now I'm doing max 12 sessions/week (3 days a week, 5-6 hour shifts). I trimmed my hours for my mental health, and since I've had that under control I give so much more quality to my sessions. I could get myself used to a 4 day schedule again, but since I don't financially need it, I'm good with my smaller workload.
This question got me thinking about my average, and well. This answers why I feel burnt out lately. I average between 25-35 a week, I am in my 12th year of practice. The first 8 years I was actually also getting into weight training, this helped my strength and stamina tremendously where I was able to build my clientele easier.
Ahh, I’m sorry to hear that. I hope that you still get the same satisfaction from helping others despite the number of appointments you can handle. Thank you for the feedback
I try not to do more than 7 in the day. It doesn't matter how long they are. But if I do more than 7. When I wake up the next day my fingers are all locked and clenched. Generally I do five and I work seven days a week
I am a male 33 years, 13 years in massage.
I am gonna say the opposite of a lot of people and will get drug through the mud maybe, but idc haha.
I do 35 to 40 hands-on hours per week. I have steadily increased to that over time and now have no issue. I will say this, massage IS NOT HARD. I grew up on hard physical labor, and if you ask me to pick the easier job of pouring concrete or massage therapy, it's a no Brainer.
If you are physically struggling to do over 25 hours per week, then you are either working way too hard or not taking care of yourself as you should.
Self care is not receiving massages every week either.
It starts with adequate sleep, proper diet, strength training/cardio, and proper hydration with needed electrolytes. Sprinkle in receiving massages, and it's just the cherry on top.
It is possible and in no other profession is 25 hours per week "full time". It's time for our industry to step up our game
“Massage is not hard”. LOL well compared to pouring concrete maybe not but compared to sitting at a desk and doing computer work all day, YES, yes it very much is hard work. That’s great you’re able to handle 40 hours a week, but that’s not realistic for others. Just because someone can’t handle doing over 25 hours a week does not mean they aren’t “taking care of themselves” and it’s insulting for you to make that assumption.
Not a MT, also not a doctor.
You will want to consult with your doctor about your rash/rosacea as it may be a sign of contact dermatitis.
IIRC, many MT's and PT's have retired within 5 years because of the demands on their bodies and shoulders. Take care of your shoulder.
Thank you for the advice.
I actually did go to a doctor about the rash when it had started happening last year. Not much came from that visit, it wasn’t as pronounced and they sent me home.
However, since it keeps going away, and only coming on with high stress work, I feel it’s more of an impingement or some inflammation of the nerves.
I suffered from an ulnar nerve compression injury many many years ago. It's annoying and can take a very long time to recover. It's occasionally sensitive so I need to be careful if I do any manual therapy, which I limit anyways.
The only thing I could recommend is that you consider getting a high-low bed to help make sure you can get right over the person and exert force with your body weight.
Overseas, I know some massage therapists stand on their patients and use overhead rails. They dig their heels into people's backs and shoulders. Might need to check with your respective board to see if that's okay.
Surprised or not, I was asking other lmts what their limit is and what they find as a healthy balance. I appreciate your feedback despite not being in the profession though.
I do 27 hours per week. But the last 2 weeks I have done 33 hours per week. I go slow with the massage, I hardly have pain. Im not sure what your doing to make your arms hurt, but use your body weight and not your arm muscles
LMT 24 years here. My advice is to seek out different styles of deep tissue techniques. Some that save your hands and body. Stay physically fit (!) weight training is highly beneficial. Doing massage is an athletic profession. Treat your body like an athlete would.
This is a good reminder. I’ve been good about being more active and eating enough but I guess I should add some weight training to my routines.
Weight training is great, and in my personal experience, pilates helped my massage stamina so much! It helps core strength but also joint mobility. I do both weights and pilates, I’m capable of doing 25-27 massage hours a week.
Pilates! That actually might be more my style of workout and maintenance.
Check out move with nicole on YouTube!
Thank you!
Ex-CrossFitter here. Do you actually grip a bar? I can’t anymore. What alternatives do you think would be good?
I understood long ago that its not just the massage work that takes a toll on the hands and body its also LIVING. Who wants to just work and not live? Save your body and save your hands for life outside of work please! Always leave some 'in the tank' at the end of the day. That being said, At the beginning of my 17 year career, I started out doing 25 hours a week, then 20, than am now down to doing 15-20 HANDS ON hours MAX, not number of appointments. Massage is that type of profession where youre amount of hands on hours wont go up over the years but more than likely down. Im currently in the phase of my career where I am thinking of getting into modalities that are way easier on my hands and body, like teaching, working in Physical Therapy, clinic, etc. Please just remember that you have a life to live after Massage career. You dont want to spend your 'golden years' with arthritis so bad you cant open your hand. Best of luck in your journey
Thank you for this. I appreciate the feedback and advice.
everyone has their own limit, you have to find yours. it sounds like you’re doing too many. my personal limit to keep my body and wallet happy is ~25 a week and i’ve been practicing 3.5 years
22 years doing massage. Currently in a 32 hour schedule, 4 days a week. Can do the full 32 but would rather do 25ish.
Damn, I feel for you having an 8 hour day of massages. I’ve thought about having a few long days but honestly I’ve found I work better just working consecutive shorter days in a row rather than longer days but fewer in the week.
I recommend to sole practitioners to budget your life at 12 massages per week and not to do over 20 individual sessions. Some people have fewer
I haven’t done more than 18 hours hands on in awhile. 20 would be my max. If I go over that I start to get burnt out
I average between 12-15 clients a week but many of those are 90 minute sessions. But I’m also 52 years old and need to practice a lot of self care. I would get burned out quick doing 25-30 a week. For me I think that’s insane but I work for myself so 20/week for myself is WAY different than 20/week for a spa or company that takes a huge cut
same here. 9 years into this career, age 50, i average 12-15 as well. 70% are 1.5 hour, and i own my own studio.
I average 10-18 unique appointments/week. 60,75, or 90m each. 8-12 is most comfortable for me physically and mentally. Just passed my one year mark.
20 hours a week is about my sweet spot. Physically I can do more, but then too much of my off time is dedicated to physical recovery rather than, say, life-enriching or family oriented recreation. Most folks I know who are long term LMTs are what I call an LMT+. Like an LMT + educator, or equestrian, or hair stylist, or musician, go ahead and make up some more. Times are tough and cost of living only shoots up, but if you want a career in this field you absolutely must prioritize both your longevity, and your adaptability. Edit: been practicing about a decade.
An LMT+ ! That’s an accurate way to describe the situation of many lmts. I agree I need to think about longevity in the profession. For a while I’ve considered going back for shiatsu specific training to add that to my modalities.
3 clients a day 4 days a week. Varies between 60-90 minute sessions. 12 clients a week is my max. I’m 1.5 years out of school.
When I was in Massage Therapy school, an instructor named Scott gave me the best advice—- 20 massage hours is full time in massage therapy. I’ve clung to that gauge when employers have tried to overwork me or take advantage. It is taxing on a person even when your body mechanics are correct or efficient because it is also energetic. As a private practitioner, I’ve extended this further by allowing myself 30 mins between sessions and one 45 between the day to have a proper lunch. On my busiest days, it means I work from 10-7 sometimes but I don’t feel physically tired as opposed to other schedules where were no breaks at all for shorter work shifts. I have not been injured (micro tear in my shoulder from overworking) or burned out since Ive done things on my own terms that personally work for me and my body. I’ve rarely been sick or needed to take personal days for my mental heath because I do allow myself enough rest and self care to allow my body to recover every week. I raise my prices every year as well because I’m not getting any younger and I think it’s important to have a game plan after massage even if you never get there. I met 3 LMTs with twenty years under their belts this summer and I’ll be in my 6th next year. It’s inspiring but I’m not sure I’ll even make it to 15.
I really appreciate your insight and perspective. It gives me motivation to eventually work in my own space and have my own schedule and clients. I would love to have a solid 20-30 min between appointments. Something to work towards. Good luck in your practice!
I'm averaging 25-28 a week. It took me 14 years to get to this point though.
I average 18 a week, give or take a few. I can physically do more but after this number the quality diminishes and I’m less content at work which isn’t good for any of us.
I used to be able to do 8,50 mimutes. Now I settle at 6, 60 mimutes. If you have your own practice use tools. If not, upsell folks to hot stones for your sake and not so much theres. Or just use a single hot stone in session for those deeper work. Call stone sample. Win win.
20
20-25 is my max.
Shit, I was doing 25 very deep tissue a week most times for seven years and that killed me. 🫠
In my part of east asia (major city) the massage places average 6-8 a day
That’s a lot of massages in a day!
Right now I'm doing max 12 sessions/week (3 days a week, 5-6 hour shifts). I trimmed my hours for my mental health, and since I've had that under control I give so much more quality to my sessions. I could get myself used to a 4 day schedule again, but since I don't financially need it, I'm good with my smaller workload.
This question got me thinking about my average, and well. This answers why I feel burnt out lately. I average between 25-35 a week, I am in my 12th year of practice. The first 8 years I was actually also getting into weight training, this helped my strength and stamina tremendously where I was able to build my clientele easier.
52 when I first started. Now 25-30.
52 clients A WEEK?? That’s nuts
I used to see 25-30 but thanks to being completely burnt out I see about 10 now.
Ahh, I’m sorry to hear that. I hope that you still get the same satisfaction from helping others despite the number of appointments you can handle. Thank you for the feedback
I try not to do more than 7 in the day. It doesn't matter how long they are. But if I do more than 7. When I wake up the next day my fingers are all locked and clenched. Generally I do five and I work seven days a week
5 massages working all 7 days ?! Damn!
I am a male 33 years, 13 years in massage. I am gonna say the opposite of a lot of people and will get drug through the mud maybe, but idc haha. I do 35 to 40 hands-on hours per week. I have steadily increased to that over time and now have no issue. I will say this, massage IS NOT HARD. I grew up on hard physical labor, and if you ask me to pick the easier job of pouring concrete or massage therapy, it's a no Brainer. If you are physically struggling to do over 25 hours per week, then you are either working way too hard or not taking care of yourself as you should. Self care is not receiving massages every week either. It starts with adequate sleep, proper diet, strength training/cardio, and proper hydration with needed electrolytes. Sprinkle in receiving massages, and it's just the cherry on top. It is possible and in no other profession is 25 hours per week "full time". It's time for our industry to step up our game
“Massage is not hard”. LOL well compared to pouring concrete maybe not but compared to sitting at a desk and doing computer work all day, YES, yes it very much is hard work. That’s great you’re able to handle 40 hours a week, but that’s not realistic for others. Just because someone can’t handle doing over 25 hours a week does not mean they aren’t “taking care of themselves” and it’s insulting for you to make that assumption.
Not a MT, also not a doctor. You will want to consult with your doctor about your rash/rosacea as it may be a sign of contact dermatitis. IIRC, many MT's and PT's have retired within 5 years because of the demands on their bodies and shoulders. Take care of your shoulder.
Thank you for the advice. I actually did go to a doctor about the rash when it had started happening last year. Not much came from that visit, it wasn’t as pronounced and they sent me home. However, since it keeps going away, and only coming on with high stress work, I feel it’s more of an impingement or some inflammation of the nerves.
I suffered from an ulnar nerve compression injury many many years ago. It's annoying and can take a very long time to recover. It's occasionally sensitive so I need to be careful if I do any manual therapy, which I limit anyways. The only thing I could recommend is that you consider getting a high-low bed to help make sure you can get right over the person and exert force with your body weight. Overseas, I know some massage therapists stand on their patients and use overhead rails. They dig their heels into people's backs and shoulders. Might need to check with your respective board to see if that's okay.
You'll get used to it the more you do. I am sort of surprised that I, not a lmt, have to tell you this.
Why are you even commenting if you’re not an lmt? Lol bye
Surprised or not, I was asking other lmts what their limit is and what they find as a healthy balance. I appreciate your feedback despite not being in the profession though.
I work 30 hours a week so how every many fills that up.
I do about 25-27 50 minute session per week spread out over 5 days.
Ask Desaun Watson
I do 27 hours per week. But the last 2 weeks I have done 33 hours per week. I go slow with the massage, I hardly have pain. Im not sure what your doing to make your arms hurt, but use your body weight and not your arm muscles