Massage Therapy School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee massage therapists follow diverse career paths. Many Milwaukee massage therapists have specialized skills. This is a metropolitan area where a bodywork professional can get solid training, with regard to both initial education and continuing education. Self-employment is common. A mid-2019 scan turned up positions at franchises, spas, chiropractic and other healthcare offices; there was also some market in the hotel and casino industry.

Best Massage Schools in Milwaukee

The Blue Sky School of Professional Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork in Grafton caters to professionals with differing career goals. The fundamental program is 734 1/2 hours. The medical intensive program is 850 hours. It develops expertise in client assessment and prepares massage therapists to work in cooperation with healthcare professionals like chiropractors, medical doctors, and physical and occupational therapists. Students can opt for a slightly longer program to get the medical intensive with the addition of kinesio taping. The Blue Sky School takes a holistic approach which emphasizes, among other things, mindfulness and self-care.

The East West Healing Arts Institute in Milwaukee is, as the name implies, a blend of Eastern and Western bodywork training. The school touts the number of modalities students are introduced to — more than 20. Students have more than 90 hours of Tui Na. Acupressure is also covered in multiple courses. Zen Shiatsu, Chai Qiao, and Thai massage are among the other Eastern modalities. The program is 800 hours. The East West Healing Arts Institute is ABHES-accredited.

The Institute of Beauty and Wellness in Milwaukee boasts a 750-hour initial program that introduces multiple massage and adjunctive modalities, including some with “Aveda branding”. Students can participate in specialty clinics. The school periodically hosts visiting experts for continuing education. The American Massage Therapy Association states that continuing education is free to graduates of the institute.

The Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy in Germantown boasts a “concise” 630-hour program that includes 324 hours of theory and practice, 50 hours of professional studies, and 50 hours of student clinic. Most of the remaining hours are in the human sciences.

Massage Therapy in Milwaukee’s Healthcare Sector

Therapeutic massage is enjoying increased recognition as healthcare, in part because it is among the less risky options for pain management.

Aurora Wiselives Center, operating under the banner of Aurora Health Care includes massage therapy among its featured services (https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/locations/clinic/aurora-wiselives-center). Massage is not limited to one Aurora facility. The Aurora Health Care website lists 20 LMTs at locations around the state. Oncology massage is one focus, but scarcely the only one. Some Aurora LMTs practice at multiple locations, including a cancer center.

Chiropractic offices are among the more common healthcare settings. There are also small wellness centers offering diverse services. InVivo, for example, offers a range of services, from chiropractic to massage therapy, yoga, and personal training. The nonprofit CORE El Centro seeks to eliminate healthcare disparities through a variety of programs including gardening and nutrition; massage therapy and adaptive yoga are among the therapies offered. CORE El Centro was selected as a finalist in the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation competition (https://milwaukeenns.org/2019/01/24/core-el-centro-focuses-on-healing-from-the-inside-out).

Mobile and On-Site Massage Opportunities

Mobile and on-site massage services have become popular in metro areas throughout the nation. Spa Massage on the Go is noteworthy because of its focus on bringing massage to homebound patients and others who have limited ability to travel for health services. The organization notes that they serve people with a variety of health conditions, including arthritis, Down Syndrome, Cushing Disease, and post-stroke and post-surgery limitations. They further state that they learn about people’s needs and match them with the most appropriate massage therapist. Spa Massage on the Go also provides massage for wellness fairs and other events. Like a number of massage practices, they issue gift certificates!

One will also find well-known companies like Zeel.

The Milwaukee Spa Scene

Some massage practices combine therapeutic services and beauty services. Well Spa and Salon is among the larger businesses.

Knick Salon and Spa is a destination spa. It made the VegNews nationwide list of vegan salons and spas to visit. Guests can select from a number of common massage styles and may opt for add-ons, for example, time in the aromatherapy sauna or an eye treatment that involves massage, cactus gel, and special serum. One massage and body treatment package includes a massage with coconut milk- and cherry-scented organic sunflower oil.

Self-Employed Massage Therapists in Milwaukee

Massage therapists are frequently entrepreneurs. The Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy has provided links to some of their graduates’ websites (http://www.wsmt.org/Student-Information.html).

LMTs may have well-developed skills in niche areas. Some combine massage with other bodywork and movement modalities. One Milwaukee LMT, for example, utilizes Pilates and advanced bodywork techniques to help people manage their pain and develop their strength and flexibility.

Self-employed massage therapists draw from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. While it is not necessary to have a degree, many do. One licensed massage therapist who specializes in a particular bodywork modality called Rolfing boasts far more than the usual amount of education, holding a bachelor’s in music and graduate degrees in social work and creative writing (http://rolfworks.net/about/). She has indeed practiced psychotherapy and written professionally. Her rich background helps her relate to her clients and their professional needs on a deep level, and help them utilize their bodies in service of their goals.

Some massage therapists bring others onboard at their studios. The owner of Nelipot’s has two other professionals on his team. One is a massage therapist. The other practices Reiki, an energy modality; she is also licensed as an occupational therapist.

Some organizations draw in professionals from multiple disciplines. Delaware House has massage therapists, personal trainers, and yoga and dance instructors, among others (https://delaware-house.com). Clients schedule individually with their preferred massage therapist. A link on the website invites Milwaukee professionals to find out how they can “run their business” at Delaware House.

Massage Therapist Salary in Milwaukee

Massage therapists in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan area earned a median wage of $18.56 in 2018. The mid-range ranged from $15.64 to $23.57.

Additional Resources

Wisconsin Massage License Requirements

Massage Therapy Schools in Wisconsin