On my 19th birthday I got my first, and most likely only, tattoo. I got a little ivy vine on my foot where I figured it would rarely get seen and could be easily covered. My mom told me “Watch, someday you’ll have a job where your feet will be showing all day”. A few years later I started practicing ashiatsu and now spend my days massaging people with my feet. Now, that little ivy vine looks up at me all day as a reminder that moms are always right.
This month Massage and Bodywork magazine had an article that discussed tattoos and massage. It highlighted one therapist’s thoughts about the negative physical effects of the scar tissue caused by the normal tattoo process and how massage can release and break down these adhesions. Before this article I never thought about the effects of tattooing below the skin. Even though I rarely see tattoos in my practice, especially large ones, I will now check for adhesions and excess scar tissue around these personal forms of art.
What is your experience with tattoos and massage therapy? Have you ever noticed problems caused by tattoos? Do you think tattoos affect muscle tissue? If you have a tattoo and are a massage therapist, how has it affected your job or career?
Our newly painted nails.
I have been an M.T. for 7 years, and the effects of tattoos has also been a question of mine. What I noticed through getting a larger piece on my upper arm was that any area where the needle was more painful was also an area where thicker fascia was present, and especially where muscle fibers of different muscles meet or area close to bone. It seemed to me that contact in those areas created far more intense local and referred pain. I distinctly remember one area where the fibers of anterior deltoid and biceps meet referring pain deep into my armpit any time the needle went over it. There was also much more rapid and visible inflammation in that same area. Other areas, like the very middle fibers of deltoid felt like almost nothing. I think the effects vary widely depending on the area, general musculoskeletal condition of the client, and overall genetics (some people are more fibrous and some more flexible/gummy as I’m sure you’ve noticed). My very limited experience leads me to believe that the thicker/more fibrous the fascia, and/or the closer it is to bone, the more painful it will probably be. I’m sure fat distribution would also affect the way it feels (acting as a cushion between needle and deeper tissue). Another thing to consider is the quality of the tattoo when it was done. Scarring can absolutely happen, in some cases on a severe level if someone did not use their machines properly and presses in way too hard on the skin. It is, on a technical level, injuring your soft tissue, just with a great result when it is done right.
I have several tattoos, but they are all concealed by my shirt. So it’s Very entertaining when my co-workers find out!
I practice in Utah, so I’m waiting to get any sleeve work done.
Since we can work on our own, tattoos are less of an issue.
I am planning to work as an independent contractor out of a tattoo shop, actually. So having visible tattoos most certainly wouldn’t be an issue.
Since I do energy work, my tattoos actually provide an incredible boost, enabling me to channel energy that would otherwise be beyond my ability, and they ensure I keep growing and evolving spiritually.
Since energy work can be mixed into every massage, this gives my massage something extra that is really starting to bring in more clients and build more loyal clientel.
The tattoos I have especially support this- they allow me to channel energy without needing to actively focus on doing so, enabling me to instead focus wholeheartedly on my client, which also enhances the effect of the energy work.
I have been a massage therapist for many years. I have lots of visible tattoos and lots of loyal clients with and without tattoos. If someone did not want to come to me because of my love for skin art, then I suppose I would not want them as a client, and I certainly would not want to work for any establishment that would judge me based on my “skin color”. haha 🙂 However, I do have a butterfly tattooed on my right forearm and I wish I had not placed it there because I use my forearms a lot and the tattoo sometimes gets irritated by all the friction.
I am a Massage Therapist and I have several tattoos (sleeve, chestpiece, legs). I work for a chiropractor and she thinks they are beautiful. No one ever judges me where I work or anywhere I have worked in the past. when I first got out of school I interviewed at this spa and was told I would need to cover them. I ended up not working there and the owner ended up getting shut down for having unlicensed therapists lol. I also have not noticed any negative affects on my muscle tissue from my tattoos.
Cover your tattoos, but we don’t care if you have a license…. Perfect. Thanks for your story and sharing your experience.
I’m going to enroll in school for massage therapy, but I have tattoo sleeves, tattoos on the top of my hands and one on my neck. I’m really hesitating if I should enroll because of the fear of discrimination or judgment from the other professionals.
If massage is something you want to do, do it. Do not let other professionals keep you from a career you think you would enjoy. The massage field is pretty open-minded, and I would not worry about the opinion of others. You certainly would not be the first or last person with ink to be a massage professional. Best wishes!
You are absolutely right! Thank you for the comment. I’m going to commit to this career choice and be the best MT ever!
Hey there! I have full sleeves, my legs, back, and hands done, I’m only a few months from completing my course. My own therapist/personal trainer/nutritionist is heavily tattooed and very successful, and I know a few other body workers who are as well. Only one person in my class does not have a tattoo! So far I have not had any problems working with people, people love to talk ask about my work, and it can be a great way to get to know people. My goals are a little different than my classmates, as I am focusing on sports medicine and sports massage, especially for MMA fighters, triathletes, and power lifters. You’ll be fine and, as long as you have professional demeanor and appearance (clean cut, don’t smoke, well dressed, well spoken — I make sure I always look really good, am fashionable, etc., because I feel the need to “make up” for my work, but that’s me), you won’t have a problem. Chain spas, cruise ships, and very high end day spas will probably not be interested in bringing you on staff. Your own location in the world will make a big difference, so think about moving (or, failing that, maybe covering up your work with high quality stuff if it’s poorly done).
I feel like people have more of a problem with body piercings than tattoos. Don’t let them hold you back!
Love it. Thanks for the encouragement and input.
@BWFB – Thanks for the comment :). I had no idea that you can enter into sports medicine and sports massage therapy after getting certified! This information definitely has made me determined to succeed and excel further in my quest to be a massage therapist!
hello, I am also a massage therapist..I am a independent contractor, however I just got a forearm piece for my birthday..My question is How long should I be out of work while its healing? (opinions welcome) Right now I just have the outline..and will be seeing some clients in a week..however when I go back for my color and shading..Im thinking I might need more than a week..unless I just avoid using my left forearm at all..my artist suggested long sleeves..and of course good hygiene..
I would also like to add that I myself have not noticed any issues from tattoos on my clients..
but I also havent seen any terrible work ether..(which would lead to excess scar tissue)
Funny, I just saw a tattoo on Pinterest that I liked today. It was on a person’s foot, and I was thinking about how long I would have to give up massaging with my feet if I got it.
My opinion – I would think you should avoid using your forearm until there are no signs of any broken/open/compromised skin. If you can work without using that forearm, then go for it.
Thank you for sharing your experience too!
I am seriously considering becoming a massage therapist, and I am also seriously considering getting a very small tattoo on my wrist soon. And what I am wondering is, if having a tattoo will affect my career, or my chances of getting a job in this industry.
If anyone has some insight or advice about this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. : )
I seriously think about the placement of a tattoo if you think you may be entering the massage profession soon. I am not saying this is fair, but I do think visible tattoos could limit your job opportunities. It really just depends where you want to work. I have a friend who works as a massage therapist in a tattoo shop. Obviously her having tattoos is not a big deal at all.
I have been a massage therapist for 4 years now, and I have several tattoos…the visible ones are on my wrists. I have not had any negative experiences, and I work independently and for a chain. I will be getting more tattoos.
Thats AWESOME. When I told my clients I was getting this piece they where all really supportive. Always happy to hear of other tattooed therapists. 🙂
I’m a massage therapist and most of my clients have at least 1 tattoo. I haven’t noticed any problems with adhesions or scarring…not really sure it’s an issue? But maybe if the tattoo artist was inexperienced or had a very heavy hand and went too deep…
I am a massage therapist with tattoos and most of my clients have tattoos. I haven’t noticed anything. The issues I see are where the client has “branding” done, especially if they did it to themselves. Branding is where they are cut and/or burned designs in the skin. I have seen large scars and adhesions and keloid scars from these, especially on African American clients.