Quality Massage Or Basic Training
The question is "Are today"s consumers getting what they think they are getting."
Education Levels in the past were much greater than today"s requirements for Massage Therapists. The result is consumers are being put at risk of injury and not getting the service they deserve.
Often consumers think or even say "It is just a massage how hard can it be." Well my response would be "Not that hard if varicose veins, proper hygiene, low skill level and ethics are not a concern of the consumer."
National Board Certification, Certified, State Licensed, Local License, Drivers License what is the difference?
Often people are confused when they read the term certified since any training program gives a certification when the program is completed. National Board Certification was the gold standard for Massage Therapy. Do not confuse "certified" with National Board Certified, "certified" does NOT mean the same skill level by default.
In addition, a State license does not guarantee a high level of education. Very minimal education and NO testing is required to obtain a State license. This results in providers/massage techs with minimal to no training in technique, contraindications and anatomy. 250 hours will get a provider licensed but NOT educated in the practice of massage therapy.
In the past, to become a reputable licensed
massage therapist in the Huntington Beach, CA area was not an easy task. A Massage Therapist needed over 500 hours of training in addition to passing a challenging National Board Certification Test.
Many therapists choose not to take the extremely grueling test but to work under a Chiropractors license, not as an employee but as an independent contractor (not legal by the way) or illegally as an unlicensed therapist.
Today some chiropractic facilities and some well known franchise facilities actually use students that are still in school as massage technicians. Consumers are asked to pay the price for a skilled, experienced, trained professional but are receiving work done by an unlicensed, uninsured student and the clients are never informed.
Consumers deserve services provided by well trained, experienced massage therapists. It is your right to ask the level of education your therapist has acquired and whether they are insured, licensed and above all a true professional.
It is also your choice to go where your needs are met to get your massage therapy services. Asking questions about your service provider is the key to consumer awareness and protection. Once you find a skilled professional therapist rebook with them for next time. Or better yet get a gift certificate and refer a friend.
Anne Mason-Arnold
Licensed, Insured & National Certified Massage Therapist
Former VP AMTA, Orange County, CA
Former Myotherapy Instructor
Current President of CloudMover, Inc.
by: Kim Green
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