Why So Many Massage Therapists Burn Out (And How to Break the Cycle)

Studies show that 50-88% of massage therapists burn out within their first 3-5 years, and the average career lifespan is only 5-7 years.[1]

Not because we aren't skilled.

Not because we don't love the work.

But because our bodies give out, our spirits get depleted, or our bank accounts can't sustain us.

I've been a licensed massage therapist for over 24 years.

I've broken bones, healed trauma, rebuilt my practice multiple times, and learned the hard way that your career longevity depends on three things working together.

The Sustainability Triangle

Think of it like a three-legged stool—if one leg is weak, the whole thing topples.

Physical Self-Care
Your body is your business. When your hands hurt, your back aches, or your shoulders are frozen, you can't work. Period. Most of us learned how to give a massage, but not how to protect our bodies while doing it year after year.

I learned this the hardest way possible—after my horse accident in 2001, I had to completely rebuild how I worked or quit altogether.

Emotional & Mental Wellness
Compassion fatigue is real. You absorb client energy, hold space for pain and trauma, and give endlessly. If you don't have practices to clear that energy and protect your own nervous system, burnout isn't a matter of if—it's when.

For years, I didn't understand why I felt so drained after certain clients. Now I know—and I have tools to prevent it.

Business Sustainability
If you're undercharging, overworking, and never saying no, self-care becomes a luxury you can't afford. Literally. A sustainable business model isn't greedy—it's what allows you to keep doing this work you love.

I used to think charging more meant I was being selfish. Then I realized that undercharging was destroying my body AND my ability to serve clients long-term.

What's Coming This Month

Over the next 31 days, I'm sharing practical strategies that address all three parts of the triangle. No fluff. No guilt. Just real talk from someone who's been in the treatment room for over two decades and is still learning.

We'll cover things like:

• Body mechanics that actually prevent injury

• Quick recovery routines you can do between clients

• Boundary scripts that are not awkward

• Energy clearing practices so you stop taking on client pain

• Pricing strategies that honor your body's limits

• How to build a practice that lets you breathe

Why I'm Doing This

Because the massage therapists I work with tell me the same things over and over: "My body hurts." "I'm so busy with clients I have no time for myself." "I don't make enough money to take a day off."

I get it. I've lived it. And I want you to still be doing this work you love in year 10, year 20, year 30.

That's why I'm hosting Selfish Saturday - Preventing Burnout: Self-Care & Body Mechanics for Massage Therapists- on November 22nd at On The Path Yoga in Spring Lake, Michigan—a 4-hour continuing education class (4 CE credits) dedicated entirely to YOUR self-care and longevity.

Because here's what I know for sure: Self-care isn't selfish. It's how you survive.

Your Invitation

Follow along this month.

Try one thing from each post.

Share what resonates in the comments.

And if you're serious about making self-care a non-negotiable part of your career, I hope you'll join me in November.

Early Registration Founding Member Pricing: Just $75 for 4 CE credits when you register before the end of October (Regular price $180). The foundational pricing starting November 1 will be a 50% off the regular price at $90. Thank you for helping me build my continuing education business, and you'll be part of something special from the ground up.

Text Goddess Wendy 616-566-1437 to register today!

See you tomorrow for Day 2: If Your Work Feels Hard, You're Doing It Wrong

Choose one self-care practice this week and notice how it changes your day.

References:

[1] Massage therapy career longevity and burnout statistics from industry research, including studies cited in "Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Massage Therapists" and massage therapy professional development literature. Sources consistently report 50-88% burnout rates within 3-5 years, with average career spans of 5-7 years.