If you are to receive massage from a healthcare provider other than a Massage Therapist, then you may wish to ensure that the therapist meets or exceeds the current professional standards for massage therapy.

These are set forth by the following organization, currently recognized as a standards and certification body in 37 states (as of March 12, 2003):

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

Also, don't confuse membership in professional organizations, such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), with valid certification and licensing. Only state and local jurisdictions issue licenses and permits to legally conduct massage therapy.

Furthermore, some online services completely misrepresent the Massage Profession, due to ignorance and misinformation. For example, refer to what Yahoo! has to say:

health.yahoo.com/health/Alternative_Medicine/
Alternative_Therapies/Massage_Therapy/
(last checked: 1/26/04)

Under "How to Choose a Massage Therapist" it states that:

"It's important to make sure your therapist is properly qualified. The best evidence of this is membership in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). "

This is completely bogus. The AMTA is a professional lobbying organization that promotes massage. Members must PAY the AMTA to belong to the organization.

I know. I AM a member of the AMTA, as well as the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and the American Medical Massage Association (AMMA).

Be wary of credentials such as a "Master's Level Certificate in Medical Massage". Some continuing education providers offer this type of document for completing only a 44-hour training program.

A massage therapist might attend this type of program for any or all of the following reasons:

• To earn Continuing Education credits
• Because they know little or nothing about Medical Massage
• To get "the certificate"

Please check into the background, training, and experience of your therapist and do not rely on a piece of paper. Be discerning.

Certain healthcare organizations and associations provide a referral service to massage therapists that ARE NOT part of their PROVIDER network. This typically means the following:

• You may still have to pay out-of-pocket for the massage therapy sessions, albeit at a significant discount.
• These organizations generally do not offer subsidies; in fact, the therapist may actually pay to belong.

These organizations typically negotiate a significantly reduced rate with the therapists, which in turn tends to attract personnel with less experience, as well as those with little or no training and experience in medical massage techniques and medical terminology.

Most spas hire massage therapists qualified to only provide therapeutic, relaxation massage. If that's what you want, then by all means use the services of these organizations. They provide many modalities for relaxation, beauty, and stress relief.

After gaining experience in a spa, many therapists move on to more challenging and lucrative work. Spas generally charge the MOST for therapeutic massage and only offer a 30% to 40% commission to the massage therapist.

The same is true of many health, fitness, and sport clubs, as well as chiropractic offices. Check the background and credentials of your massage therapist if you have discomforts or sessions goals other than tension and stress relief.