Mobile Massage Therapy Industry
Continues Strong 2022 Growth

Over the last 3 years, life has changed for many Americans - really the whole world. We’ve learned a lot from COVID-19. Many of us were surprised how fragile the body is, but we’ve also learned to love on a deeper level, to work together as one. In the workforce, we’re learned that many of us can work from home. Thanks to remote working, distance learning, telehealth and e-commerce, we’ve seen big leaps forward in health.

One industry that has been affected by this growth is massage. Mobile massage companies like Soothe prospered over the last few years as the U.S. market size surpasses $16B. Many people didn’t know you could get a professional massage at home until the pandemic. This has also benefited mobile massage therapists as the current scenario has fueled growth across the massage industry. Still, there's a lot of room for growth. As you'll learn later in this article, mobile massage only makes up a small percentage of the whole market.

The road to recovery hasn’t been easy though. 2020 was a difficult year for the massage industry globally. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) released its Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet for 2021, detailing the state of the massage therapy industry over the last year. The data indicates that the industry is rebounding from challenges in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AMTA research indicates that 92% of consumers think massage therapy can be effective in reducing pain and 91% think it is beneficial for health and wellness. According to the study, 83% of consumers think massage should be considered a form of healthcare. With sentiment at all-time highs, mobile massage therapists will be the ones that benefit.

One of the most important changes that has occurred over the last year is that men are now more likely than women to get a massage. Imagine that, if you go back only one year, 25% of male consumers and 21% of female consumers got a massage. 

Where Are Consumers Getting Massage? 

When we look at AMTA’s report, only 7% of consumers got a massage at their home or at the home of someone they know. This is why mobile home massage is in position to see big growth in the years to come. 

Here’s the numbers that AMTA shared.

• In 2021 46% of female consumers and 23% of male consumers got a massage in a spa
• 34% of consumers got a massage at a massage therapist’s office
• 24% of consumers visited a massage franchise or chain in 2021 – and 13% of consumers got their last massage at a name-brand chain in 2021.
• 7% of consumers got a massage at their home or the home of someone they know in 2021

As you can see, the majority of consumers are getting massages at spas. Last year, 46% of female consumers visited a spa for a massage, and 23% of make consumers went to a spa for a massage. Nearly half of all female consumers are getting massages at a spa, that’s an incredible insight.

This leads to the question, how do mobile massage companies gain on spas?

How Can Mobile Massage Therapists Compete With Spas?

Research has shown that consumers that want a massage visit the spa for the experience. The “spa” element is important to both female and male consumers. If on demand mobile massage therapists can help create a spa-like experience at home, it can make a big impact on penetrating the spa massage market.

It’ll be important to market that way, make sure you’re using “spa” terminology in your marketing materials. The spa can be relaxing, so you need to create an inviting atmosphere and that’s not always easy at a consumer’s home. 

There’s a few things you can do;

• Scented Candles: Scented candles are a great way to create a good experience. Candles are already considered to be relaxing, scented candles can help clients relax and unwind. Be sure to ask them if they would like to use candles, then ask them what their favorite fragrances are. Lavender is primarily known for its calming scent. 
• Massage Oils: There’s a wide range of different massage oils you can use, they come in a wide range of different scents and compositions. Shea butter is one popular choice you may want to consider carrying. 
• Hot Towels: Spas love to use hot towels and for good reason, clients love them. If you’re not carrying them with you, consider adding them to your mobile massage kit.
• Set Up Your Space: Think about relaxing products - that may include essential oils, fresh flower fragrance pillows, or a vase filled with fresh roses. Any type of item that is spa-like can work here.
• Music: Most massage therapists have access to a phone, so playing music is simple. Yet, it can play a key role in a spa-like atmosphere. Be sure to ask your client what music they like.
• Lighting: You always want to be respectable when asking a client to adjust lighting. However, lighting plays a big role in creating a good relaxing environment. Be sure to ask the client what their lighting preferences are so you can get it just right.

Remember, if you can create a spa-like experience and a great experience overall, that person is going to remember that. Repeat business is what fuels growth. You always want to create a memorable experience with your clients.

Knowing your client is extremely important, so make sure you’re always giving them the stage to tell you what they need, what they like, what they don’t, etc. By doing so, you’ll be able to deliver the best experience possible. 

Since the major majority of people don’t know what a mobile massage therapist is or does, we want to inform you and share what you need to know.

What Is a Mobile Massage Therapist?

A mobile massage therapist is the job title used for someone that provides massages at the client’s home, hotel, or business. As a mobile massage therapist, you'll transport equipment during each session, assist clients in selecting the best sort of massage technique for their requirements, and drive to the client's location.

With professional massage companies, massage therapists are a part of a larger network, they often work on behalf of the company. Two of the largest mobile massage companies are Soothe and ZEEL. Some practitioners of massage therapy may run their own clinic, this may be like a health center, this is where they would offer mobile services to customers. If you’re self-employed, you may also run your business, you’d be responsible for marketing, finances, and all the other day-to-day operations. 

How to Become a Mobile Massage Therapist

If you want to start a career as a mobile massage therapist, you will need to complete an education program. Course requirements can vary, but you may anticipate spending hundreds of hours studying massage techniques that are necessary for different types of massage.

Massage therapists must obtain a state license or certification in each state where they will practice massage. Depending on your employer, you may be required to complete additional requirements, such as having a valid driver's license and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

Joining a professional massage company’s network can be a great way to make a name for yourself and grow your business. If you already have your license, you can go ahead and apply to join a professional massage company. 

How To Get A Mobile Massage Therapist Job

One of the largest mobile massage therapists networks is Soothe. Soothe’s application process is pretty straightforward, you can fill out an application here. 

Step 1: Submit your application

Step 2: Upload your verified documents

Step 3: Prepare your mobile supply kit

Depending on the service, you may need a mobile massage table, fresh linens, professional products (massage oil, skincare supplies, blow dryer, etc.), and/or cleaning supplies for each appointment.

Soothe also has a lot of different resources you can use that will help you build your career as a representative of the company.