How to Set up a Massage Business

By Shianne R. Kahleel

eHow Contributing Writer

Few professions offer the flexibility of choosing from multiple modalities and environments from which to start a business as does massage therapy. As a licensed massage practitioner, if you have your basic training with proper licensure and credentials, you now have the foundation to expand and use your knowledge and creativity when starting your own business. Depending on what your needs and desires are, there are a few essential requirements to starting your own massage business which are necessary for success

Step 1
Decide the location in which your massage business will be located, taking into consideration the type of massage services you are performing. Clinical and medical settings require less amenities relating to the relaxation and pampering aspects of massage; however, the use of these items do help the client to feel comfortable and welcome in your massage environment. There are basically three avenues for massage therapist to start their own business: brick-and-mortar establishment; out-call to homes, offices and hotels; and portable massage which uses a specialized massage chair for events, conventions and other public settings. This article will focus primarily on the brick-and-mortar establishment.

As with any business endeavor, proper licensure and documentation for operating a Massage Therapy business in your specific location is required. These requirements are taught as part of Massage Therapy basic curriculum, and the massage school from which you graduated will assist you with the guidance for obtaining proper licensing for your municipality. Each municipality carries their own guideline requirements, application process and fee requirements, so if there is any doubt about obtaining proper licensing for your establishment, contact the business licensing department in the city or county in which you live. Be prepared to present your state license at the time of application. Upon receipt of your business license, you may approach your bank and open a business account. The amount of start-up capital deposited initially will be used to acquire equipment and other necessary items for operating your business. It will also be used for advertising purposes for launching your massage business.

Once a location has been selected and your licenses are in order, it is time to begin the physical work by putting into place in the required equipment for the business. It matters not whether you choose brand-new furnishings and equipment, or used, but keep in mind that first impressions are the longest lasting. Shoddy equipment and worn furniture will not sit well with clients in a massage therapy environment. Select furnishings that are clean and in good repair, as well as a computer, phone, and printer that operate properly. Position them to have easy access as you need them. The decor of the office should be simple, yet pleasant. Be sure to display all of your business licenses in an area that is easily viewable upon entrance to your business. Add pictures, vases of flowers, rock gardens and other decorative items to enhance the atmosphere in which you wish to create. Once the front end of your business is set up and ready to receive clients, it is now time to turn to the most integral part of the massage business -- your massage room and workspace.

Step 2
Select your table and accessories. Your choice for a quality massage table from a reputable company is crucial. Cheaper is not always better. Remember your massage table is an integral part of your business and must be able to endure all body types, as well as be easy to adjust for your specific needs. Remember, a client entering the massage table sits first, and upon leaving sits again on the center of the table. This happens repeatedly over many sessions over many years. Body support in the form of knee rolls, pillows, and other body cushions help a client to remain aligned and relieves stress off of lower back and legs while lying on your table.There are a number of cushioning devices for helping your client to relax into the massage session that can be purchased from medical device catalogs, massage equipment suppliers, or on-line sources.

Obtain linens to dress your table and drape your client adequately and professionally. Linens must be able to withstand hundreds of wash-and-dry sessions and be large and heavy enough to cover a client so they do not feel venerable. Muslin or heavy cotton (300 TC and higher) is preferable.

Choosing a lotion or oil is a personal preference, but keep in mind the viscosity of cheaper brands where certain elements within them may break down with warming causing thinning and a watery texture. Although warming is not necessary, it is enjoyed by the client. Warming the oil or lotion is easily done in a small crock pot with water about an inch deep. Heat-resistant bottles are available that can withstand the process and can be found in most massage supply warehouses.

Step 3
Create ambiance. Much of what contributes to a relaxed and successful massage session comes from the surrounding environment--or ambiance. Ambiance sets the tone or the mood for the massage therapy session and is enhanced by the use of scent, light and sound. Of course the best part is touch by the therapist hands, but by adding the other sensory elements, your client a sure to receive all desired stress relieving benefits he or she possibly can from the massage session.

Scent can be added in the form of essential oils to enhance relaxation and therapeutic process. Some of the most popular essential oils used in massage therapy are lavender, rose, peppermint, eucalyptus, sandalwood, patchouli, and citrus scents. There are many others that are available which can be used in diffusers, or put into the massage lotion or oil itself. Be very careful in adding essential oils to your massage medium--some clients may have an allergic reaction or simply not appreciate the scent.

Add lighting to create a specific mood or ambiance. Blues, purples, lavenders, deep reds and greens are shades that are conducive to a relaxed atmosphere. To provide various shades of color through lighting in your massage area, you may choose colored light bulbs, or if you are creative, the use of stained-glass paints to paint your own bulbs works nicely. Use these bulbs in small tabletop lamps, and use two or three lamps to offer various shades and hues of color. Of course, you may purchase decorative lamps for this purpose as well. Place lamps out of direct view of client so that they are not distracted during their massage session.

Soothing music provides a gentle audio backdrop that eliminates or reduces any outside sound that may interrupt a massage session. Most massage therapists enjoy the gentle flowing rhythm of Native American music, as well as Celtic and new age. By gathering a collection of CDs for your massage sessions you provide a soothing and uplifting experience for both yourself and the client as you work together. Choose a CD playing system with quality sound which accentuates the music. Bose creates a small CD player well known for its quality sound.

Step 4
Consider the following options to further enhance the massage business atmosphere:

• Add natural elements to your setting to create peaceful, relaxing and uplifting atmosphere. Natural elements such as beautiful rocks, stones, fountains or waterfalls, and living plants all add to the quality of the environment which massage is best performed in.
• Offer shower facilities: Many clients who receive massage appreciate access to a shower after the massage.
• Have a water cooler available: The importance of offering your client water after a massage is stressed as part of the basic massage training process.
• Add other modalities: Energy therapies such as Reiki, Polarity, and Therapeutic Touch are among a few additional items that can be added to your massage menu. Additional training in specialized areas such as neuromuscular therapy, facial kinetics, sports massage, prenatal and TMJ make your business considerably more valuable than simply relaxation.
• Body wraps and scrubs can be added as a means to vary the menu offerings and increasing interest in your business.

Step
5Consider offering out-call and chair or seated Massage.

Outcall Massage allows you to travel to your clients' home, office or hotel. Often this is a more profitable way to earn money as overhead costs usually associated with business expenses are minimal.

Chair massage is a highly profitable and easy way to serve clients who may be attending conventions, workshops or other events. Oftentimes, Chair Massage is offered in the shopping mall setting and can be seen at airports along the concourse hallways. Health fairs, music festivals and craft shows also serve as a platform to offer massage services with a portable massage chair.