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As more consumers turn to massage therapy for medical conditions and to relieve stress, the American
Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) wants to share some tips with the public to help them find a massage therapist who is
trained and qualified to practice.
Consumers should ask the following questions of a massage therapist
before getting a massage:
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Are you licensed to practice massage?
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Are you a member of the American Massage Therapy Association?
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Where did you receive your massage therapy training and how many hours of initial training did you have?
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Are you Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?
Trained massage therapists are happy to share their credentials with clients. Thirty-seven
[37] states and Washington, D.C. regulate the profession as do many municipalities when there is no statewide regulation.
AMTA professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and are
required to meet continuing education standards to retain membership. Consumers can rest assured that their massage therapist has met
minimum education and training standards if he or she is a member of AMTA.
People today look to massage therapy for more than pampering. In fact, ten years of
consumer surveys by AMTA
indicate adult Americans seek massage for health and medical conditions more than just because it feels good. And, more than ever, other healthcare providers often refer their patients to massage therapists.
Recent research shows that massage provides relief for chronic low back pain, eases pain and muscle spasms following bypass surgery,
and is effective in treating lymphedema, a condition common among mastectomy survivors.
By using AMTA’s free Find A
Massage Therapist® national locator service, there are two ways to finding a qualified massage therapist:
- Online
- Call toll-free at 888-THE-AMTA (888-843-2682)
Last updated:
03/23/2007
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American Massage Therapy Association®
