10/29/2009

Toe-mato, Tomah-to

Did you ever wonder why I always refer to myself as a "Massage Therapist" then you may hear people occasionally say "Masseuse"? Is there a difference?? YES!

In the past 2 decades there has been a lot of advancement in the filed of massage therapy. Research on its efficacy as well as application have been performed and massage as been proven to be an asset in the medical community. 'Massage Therapist' is a title given to a medical professional that has the proper education and has obtained the legal licensing required by the state to legally and safely perform massage. Along with having the right education to obtain the license, one has to go adhere to strict continuing education requirements to uphold the license. This process is regulated on a state, not federal level. There are a few states where there is no licensing and anyone can say they are a massage therapist and I suppose can legally do so. These people may or may not have any education on anatomy to know where parts or, nor pathology to know not to hurt someone. This is very dangerous for a client to receive as well as damaging to the rest of us that have the medical training and background to work with injuries etc. These people are referred to as a "Masseuse". Also, when some states began their licensing they grandfathered in masseuses that have been practicing a certain length of time without requiring the appropriate education.

So as you can see, there is clearly a difference between a 'Massage Therapist' and a 'Masseuse'. In the states of Maryland, DC and VA there are licensing laws, so make sure anyone that works on you is a licensed Massage Therapist. And don't forget, try not to call your MT a masseuse, it's will make them cringe.

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