Massage therapy: a unique profession with both healthcare and service-industry characteristics

Massage Careers
(Note: One of my clients was surprised to learn what I'm required to do to maintain my professional license every two years. Renewing my license this week prompted me to republish this 2011 post.)

Article: "Is Massage Therapy a "real" career?"

• Education/program requirements
• License requirements
• Massage as healthcare
• Massage as a service
• Illinois massage license requirements vs. other professionals

Is massage therapy a "real" career?
Massage therapy: a unique profession with both healthcare and service-industry characteristicsby Cynthia Given, LMT, NCTM

January 5, 2011

A few years ago, I laughed when I saw signs for other massage therapists that read, "we fix amateur massages." Now, I tell first-time clients to expect the difference between an amateur and a professional massage to be as pronounced as the difference between an amateur and a professional dental appointment, auto repair, etc. (I also tell them I'm not a "fixer." Why not?)

In all but a handful of states, massage is a regulated profession. The state of Illinois maintains a regulatory board specifically for massage therapy. Current state law requires therapists to complete training, testing, licensure, and continuing education.

Accredited massage programs (500+ hours)
Massage therapists must successfully complete an accredited program that addresses body mechanics, business practices, client/practitioner boundaries, contraindications, draping, ethics, general massage techniques and record keeping. Additional subjects may include acupressure, Eastern bodywork (Thai, shiatsu, etc), deep tissue massage, geriatric massage, lymphatic drainage, myofascial therapy, neuromuscular therapy, prenatal massage, relaxation massage, spa modalities, and sports massage. Students must pass both written and practical exams.The next steps: certification, licensure, and fees

After graduation, therapists in Illinois must apply for licensure. Steps include: fingerprinting, national certification, and continuing education. For the national certification exam, therapists must demonstrate knowledge of biology, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, and first aid/CPR. Although optional, it's a good idea for massage therapists to purchase insurance for the office space, business, and individual health insurance.License renewal and requirements

Therapists must renew their professional license every two years. In addition to paying a license fee, therapists must complete 24 units of continuing education in the form of seminars/workshops. Classes must be offered by nationally- or state-certified instructors.

Well, it's certainly heavily regulated. But is it a career?
Massage is mostly a healthcare occupation

Massage therapists are part of wellness teams in hospitals, chiropractic offices, and fitness centers. It's not unusual for a therapist to be employed by a medical clinic or a professional athletic team. Massage therapists are recognized as healthcare professionals and are required to demonstrate proficiency prior to licensure in nearly every state. In fact, 38 states use/recognize the National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork in their statutes. According to the NCBTMB, there are over 90,000 nationally certified massage therapists throughout the U.S. and its territories. (You may find the letters "NCTM" or "NCTMB" on a therapists' card or website after "LMT" or "RMT" in states that regulate massage. Example: Cynthia Given, LMT, NCTM)

Massage is not entirely medicalMassage therapists often work in spas alongside stylists and estheticians. These massage therapists typically receive tips and offer discounts, unlike most healthcare professionals. Massage therapists even offer gift certificates and donate their services to charity. None of these things can be said for other healthcare individuals. Even so, it remains a therapeutic treatment based on empirical science and regulated at the state level.

Four Illinois professional license fees to compare:

• $50/2yr cosmetology, 14 CEUs
• $50/2yr registered nurse, 20 CEUs
• $100/2yr physical therapy, 40 CEUs
• $175/2yr massage therapy, 24 CEUs
• $300/3yr physician, 150 CEUs 

To many individuals (and to the state of Illinois), massage is a "real" career. It is a profession that builds on a basic knowledge of the human body and challenges the practitioner continue to learn about his or her chosen profession.

Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the BookNow button below:
Cynthia Given, LMT :: 604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
http://olneymassage.com :: schedule + send giftsGet special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9