MASSAGE THERAPY WORK-ENVIRONMENT PRODUCTIVITY: AGE, SKILL, AND GENDER BASIS

CASE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to assess the productivity of Massage Therapists as pertain to data such as age, skill, and gender. A study by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics show that entry levels for a massage therapist only require a postsecondary non-degree award and require no related work experience and/or on-the-job trainings. Massage therapists work in a selection of environments, both private and public, such as private offices, wellness spas, hospitals, physical fitness centers, and/or shopping malls. All the while some massage therapists also travel to the homes or places of their clients to provide adequate requested service(s). Most therapists , especially those who are self-employed, provide their own resources such as chairs, tables, sheets, pillows, and body lotions or essential oils. A massage therapist's working conditions depend heavily on the location and what the client wants. For example, a massage meant to help rehabilitate an injury may be conducted in a welllit setting with several other clients receiving treatment in the same room. But when giving a massage to help clients relax, massage therapists generally work in dimly lit settings and use candles, incense, and calm, soothing music. Because massage is physically demanding, massage therapists can injure themselves if they do not use the proper techniques. Repetitive-motion problems and fatigue from standing for extended periods are the most common. Therapists can limit these risks by using good techniques, spacing sessions properly, exercising and, in many cases, receiving a massage themselves regularly.

Introduction
The report aims to deliver a study showing data, be it statistical or concrete, that will give a conclusive understanding on the case of productivity of massage therapists as pertaining to their age, skills, and gender. The first part of the report shall elaborate the portfolios which stand as criteria for the assessment and study of the productivity of massage therapists based on research and studies like the one conducted by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics in the book Occupational Outlook Handbook (2012).

The first part initially deals with the explanation and elaboration of the ages, skills, and genders of occupational massage therapists, in which further elaboration of the three data will be delivered. The second part deals with the link or correlation of the three data such as the age, skill, and gender as basis of productivity subjects.

PART I AGE
The minimum requirement for the age of a massage therapist applicant is not strictly specified. The minimum requirement is a secondary degree for the very least and it requires no working experience at all. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), based on their statistical research, it is evident that over half of their members are aged from thirty-five (35) to fifty-four (54), which makes the median age of forty-four (44).

SKILL
The basic skills that are crucial for a massage therapist applicant according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics are: Communication skills in which the massage therapists are ought to listen carefully to clients to understand what they want to achieve through massage appointments Decision-making skills to evaluate each client's needs and recommend the best treatment based on that persons needs. Empathy which give clients a positive experience, which requires building trust between therapist and client. Making clients feel comfortable is necessary for therapists to expand their client base. Physical stamina for they may be ought to give several treatments during a work day and have to stay on their feet throughout massage appointments. Physical strength and dexterity to be strong and able to exert pressure through a variety of movements of the arms and hands when manipulating a clients muscles.

GENDER
Karrie Osborn in the article about Gender in Profession, when it comes to the role of gender in the massage and bodywork profession, the spectrum of issues is great. Sexuality always come back to somehow factor into the equation. Whether it be the new therapist struggling to build a practice simply because he's a man, the seasoned veteran who receives illicit calls from men at all hours because she is listed under massage in the telephone directory, or the underlying cultural current that tries to define, categorize, and typify therapists based on their anatomy,

gender undoubtedly plays a role in a massage therapists daily business and, like it or not, is an important factor influencing this field. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), based on their statistical research, those whom chose the career as massage therapists consist of eighty-five percent (85%) as females while the fifteen percent (15%) comprise of males on the total population.

Discussion:
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics from the United States Department of Labor serves as the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor is the principal Federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. Its mission is to collect, analyze, and disseminate essential economic information to support public and private decision-making. As an independent statistical agency, BLS serves its diverse user communities by providing products and services that are objective, timely, accurate, and relevant. Since July 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has measured customer satisfaction for the full BLS website using the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Customers are encouraged to participate in our survey. BLS results are summarized for July 2009 to June 2011 and July 2011 to June 2012.

Conclusion:
The researches and studies from various institutions and associations such as the United States Bureau of Labor statistics and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) proved efficient in understanding certain connections to work environment productivity of massage therapists particularly having their age, skill, and gender as the prime basis.

Recommendation:
Further research on the statistical data about the employment of massage therapists should continue to develop new reports. The age range, skill requirements/analyses, and gender ratio may very well vary over time, in which affects the productivity of a massage therapist.