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.
Consumers should ask the following questions of a massage therapist before getting a massage:
- Are you licensed to practice massage?
- Are you a member of the American Massage Therapy Association?
- Where did you receive your massage therapy training?
- Are you Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?
Trained massage therapists are happy to share their credentials with clients. 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. Although, we suggest a massage therapist that is a member of AMTA, there are many excellent massage therapists that are not members. Just be sure to view their credentials.
People today look to massage therapy for more than pampering. In fact, preliminary results from AMTA’s annual consumer survey suggest consumers seek massage for medical conditions more than just because it feels good. And, 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.
Finding a qualified massage therapist is easy by using AMTA’s free Find A Massage Therapist® national locator service. Simply click on Find a Massage Therapist, or call toll-free at 888-THE-AMTA (888-843-2682). A series of prompts will steer you through the process and will provide a list of member massage therapists you can contact in your area.