Am I too small to be a massage therapist?

[Lyanna]

I was thinking I'd like to learn how to give massages, and maybe become a CMT. I'm currently a waitress and a receptionist, it seems like it'd be more rewarding than those jobs.

I'm worried that I can't do it though. I'm pretty tiny. I'm only 5'1" and maybe about 100lbs. I'm pretty strong for my size, but so are ants. I'm fit, I work out, and I like people. Could I do this or would I just be too small to really work on someone's muscles?

Also, I have a little side worry. I'm Asian, and every time I hear guys talking about Asian girls and massage they seem to think something else. I already have that problem because I'm a dancer, and at least half the time I say that people think that means I'm a stripper. Am I over thinking that?

 

[Underground lightning]

Nope. I have a friend who's Asian and she's great!

 

[Niner]

I had a female chiropractor in Takoma Park, Maryland who was about your size. She really had to work to get the job done - climb on the table, etc., to give some adjustments. But she did a fine job, no discernable advantage or disadvantage over taller / stronger male chiropractors.

As a masseuse, you are going to have the whole "vice" thing come up as a part of your daily routine. It just goes with the territory.

 

[onlycrazyboy777]

Of course not, I think you would make an excellent massage therapist! Don't let perverted people stop you from doing something you want to do.

 

[customizedsongwriter]

Most guys will think massage are sexual.

When a girl says she is a dancer, the first thing that comes to my mind is a stripper.

Maybe you should clarify it.

It depends on how you want people to look at you. As for me, I would not like a gf to be a massage therapist. I would think she is in it for the sex.

No you are right on what you are saying.

Wow, I get negatives for saying the truth. Why are most of you liars.

 

[sandybars]

If that's what you want to be then you can be a massage therapist! You're little but so? haha....so are ants. I believe that you could be a massage therapist with your size I dont think that there is a size requirement...and if there is, then that needs to be addressed because they're being stereotypical, unfair and stupid I mean..they might as well judge you for the color of your hair or skin...and that's not right.

And let those dirty minded people think that..if it's not true, then you're all good. People are just gross. Stereotypes and misjudges suck but hey...it's no big deal really.

 

[c-dra]

First of all, of course your not too small. If thats what you want to do, then go for it. Live you life the way you want it. Also, dont listen to what people say, they are just jealous, who cares. And yeah dont over think it, everything will work out in the end. Good luck with everything. Best Wishes

 

[Lian]

Asian? You're overthinking it. I mean hey, I'm Asian, and I'm pretty confident about my "size". But that's a guy thing. Its only because of all the Asian girls in the newspaper personal ads that they talk about that something else.

No, you're not too small. Size has nothing to do about becoming a massage therapist.

 

[Slightly Offkilter]

I think you'd make a fine CMT. I just hope you love me long time. No sucky sucky tho, you sound kinda sluttish and I'm real careful these days, good luck!

 

[littleash]

First of all no...my friend is about the same description and she is a CMT and she does a great job at a nice spa. BTW her and I graduated from the same collage with Bachelors degrees. She decided she wanted to do something more enjoyable and chose that path, I chose photography. Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life...what other people think doesn't matter.

 

[Bernard H]

To start of with, I'm asian, and I just took a course in Swedish massage and remedial massage. So maybe my point of view would be helpful to you.

Also, I am a guy, so I guess no-one thinks there's any funny business going on with me when I give massage.

Size: I don't think that matters at all. Practicing massage professionally, I find that it is more important to have rapport with the client, rather than always giving the heaviest massage you can. Remember, some people like a strong massage, some likes a soft massage.

As I got more and more into the study of massage therapy, the more I realise it's about channeling energy through touch. If you (as a massage therapist) don't mentally concentrate on the healing aspect of the massage, the client can feel it and not enjoy the massage as much. I know it sounds like some sci-fi/spiritual thing (Use the force, Luke), but it's true.

Good thing about being big and strong, it's you will last longer. If you are smaller, and are always using muscle strength to compensate for weight strength, you'll get tired sooner than bigger therapists. One time I had back-to-back clients for 4 hours, I needed a massage after that.

About people thinking funny stuff: Always introduce yourself as a 'massage therapist'. not a 'masseuse' or any other thing that has a funny connotation. Dress yourself and conduct yourself professionally, and you should be fine. Although I have heard other female massage therapist telling stories of how clients making moves on them. Not nice.

 

[Meesy]

When you train to become a massage therapist you will get stronger hands and arms and learn to use your bodyweight appropriately for extra strength, which is all you need physically to do your job well.

Re your worry - Don't let the opinions of immature guys guide your career choices. Your career is too important and their ignorance shouldn't factor into your decision making.

 

[Rex]

of course u could do it. even if u r a little small what matters is the muscles in your hands and they will get stronger as u go along. plus some lucky guy will be happy if u become this and dont worry about losers think about your job.