Stronger Body, Stronger Career: Achieving Longevity

At our recent lunch and learn, we were joined by Brandon—a massage therapist, personal trainer, and fascial stretch therapist. With 10 years of experience, Brandon understands the physical toll massage therapy takes and how common it is for therapists to face burnout or injury early in their careers.

Common Pain Points:

• Many massage therapists limit how many clients they can treat each week due to physical limitations.
• Most massage careers don’t last beyond 10 years, primarily due to injury or burnout.

‍But there’s a solution.

Strength training can change all of this. In this recap, you’ll learn:

• Why building strength is essential for career longevity.
• How you can prevent injuries and increase your stamina.
• Simple, effective exercises you can fit into a busy schedule.

By training smart and taking control of your physical health, you can extend your career and keep doing what you love. Keep reading to find out how strength training can be a game-changer for your massage therapy practice.

Or, watch the replay of the full lunch & learn here:

Why Is Strength Training Crucial For Massage Therapists?

Massage therapy is physically demanding, similar to the work of an athlete. Your strength, stamina, and stability are the foundation of your career. Taking care of your body isn't just about staying healthy—it's about ensuring career longevity and preventing injuries.

The stronger and more resilient you are, the more clients you can see without burning out, which directly impacts your income and day-to-day job satisfaction. In the long run, maintaining your strength can make the difference between a long, fulfilling career or an early retirement due to physical strain.

5 Reasons To Train Your Body As A Massage Therapist

1. Extend Your Career:
   Building strength helps you maintain a long, successful career without burning out.
2. Increase Client Load:
   ‍Stay strong and energized so you can comfortably treat more clients each week.
3. Feel Great After Work:
   End each day feeling refreshed, not drained.
4. Prevent Injuries:
   ‍Strength training helps protect your body from the wear and tear of daily massage work.
5. Boost Your Energy:
   ‍More strength means more energy for both your clients and your personal life.

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5 Signs It’s Time To Start Strength Training

1. Work Feels Draining:
   The physical toll is affecting your job satisfaction.
2. Constant Exhaustion:
   ‍You’re worn out by the end of each workday or workweek.
3. Persistent Fatigue:
   ‍You feel tired even outside of work.
4. Limited Client Capacity:
   ‍You can’t take on as many appointments as you’d like due to physical strain.
5. Concern for Longevity:
   You’re worried your body won’t keep up for the long haul in this career

Techniques For Building And Maintaining Physical Strength

The beauty of strength training is that you can start right where you are. There are plenty of tools and techniques, but the key is to start and stay consistent in your progress.

What Counts As Strength Training?

Strength training is all about effort. You build strength by pushing yourself close to your maximum capacity with low reps (usually 3 reps max). If it feels easy, it’s time to add weight or reps.

What Exercises Should I Do?

According to Brandon, effective strength training doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on the big movements that strengthen your entire body. You can skip the smaller muscles like biceps—these basic exercises get the job done:

These are the exercises Brandon recommends:

• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Row
• Overhead Press
• Bench Press

How Much Time Should I Devote To Strength Training

The good news? Strength training doesn’t take much time. A full workout can be completed in 30 minutes, and just two sessions a week is enough. Consistency is key—stick with it, and you’ll see results.

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How To Prevent Injury

Strength training can be a game-changer in preventing injuries as a massage therapist. If you're worried about getting injured during your workouts, follow Brandon’s advice for staying safe:

• Gradually increase the weight.
• Prioritize proper form.
• Work with a coach if you’re uncomfortable lifting on your own.
• Treat busy massage days as workouts—don’t overdo it.
• Listen to your body and take rest days.
• Build in recovery time.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance, Brandon offers coaching specifically for massage therapists, helping you train safely for the demands of your work. You can learn more and sign up on his website: Massage Strength Coach.

Remember, strength training doesn’t just build muscle. It also strengthens the connective tissues around your joints, making you less prone to injury both in and out of the gym. By progressing slowly and safely, your body will adapt to the new demands and make you more resilient overall.

What Do I Need For Proper Recovery?

Recovery comes down to two essentials: protein and sleep. You can only train as hard as you can recover. Whether you’re recovering from a workout or a busy day of massage sessions, rest and proper nutrients are key.

Strength training is as much about training your brain as your body. Your brain’s neurotransmitters need sleep to help you get stronger, while your muscles need protein to rebuild and grow.

The goal is to be ready for the next day. If you’re already exhausted from a tough day or didn’t sleep well, scale back your workout and focus on the basics. Forget the numbers—listen to your body and give it what it needs.

How To Fit Strength Training Into A Busy Schedule

You only need 30 minutes, twice a week. Most people can carve out that time. It doesn’t have to be a perfect routine—consistent effort over time is what counts. Even a little strength training is better than none.

Many massage therapists focus on cardio like biking or hiking but neglect strength training. If that sounds like you, try swapping just one cardio session for a strength day. That’s enough to make a difference.

Big Takeaway

By taking charge of your strength training, you control how long you can stay in this career. Training for the work you do gives you the power to decide how long your massage therapy career lasts—it’s truly in your hands.

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Looking for more info like this to help you build and maintain a successful massage therapy practice? Join the ClinicSense Community Hub to connect with wellness professionals like you and get access to loads of free resources!