Australian suppliers of quality portable massage tables since 1994
Copyright 2005 Wayne McDonald
Massage is both an art and a science.
Let me begin with some general terms and facts to give you more of an
idea about massage therapists that are certified and licensed. With
this information you will probably surprise your therapist with how
much you know and you’ll be able to ask the right questions when making
your next appointment.
Licensing maybe by the city where the therapist works or a State License.
California has NO state licensing, but has licensing by each city. Licensing
is through the police department and has nothing to do with massage
therapy. In other states massage therapists can get a license through
the state. Massage therapist may be required to publish their license
when advertising, similar to contractors and home remodelers.
Certification and Licensing
Certification or licensing may require 300 hours of training (basic)
to 500 hours to 1000 hours of training. Certification of hours is usually
with an accredited school. Some licensing may require a Certification
plus hours of working with clients.
There is a lot of inconsistency with licensing (or non-licensing) state
by state or city by city. For that reason, clients can find great massage
therapists through several Massage Therapy Associations. These associations
have their own standards and ethics that their members adhere to.
Science Of Massage
A massage therapist can complete 300 hours of training in about three
months. In general, a therapist will learn the SCIENCE of massage or
the basic massage strokes, an introduction to the muscle and skeletal
system and probably an introduction to deep tissue massage. A massage
therapist with 300 hours of training can do a good massage.
Massage bill of rights article
- part two
