Working as a massage therapist is extremely physically demanding. Massage therapists are typically on their feet for most of their working days and regularly carry out motions that can lead to repetitive strain injuries and fatigue. Standing for long periods of time can damage joints, make muscles ache and cause foot problems, according to “Hazards Magazine.” Repetitive strain injuries can make it painful to move muscles and joints, which could cost a massage therapist his livelihood if a problem were to become persistent or chronic. The fact that massage therapists work at such close quarters to their clients also means they could be at an increased risk of contracting contagious infections.