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Massage therapy is an emerging profession in the United States. Standards of education and practice have been developed by the American Massage Therapy Association, the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Regulation of massage therapists varies from state to state. Members of the profession are actively engaged in continued development of the existing standards and working toward appropriate recognition and regulation of the profession. This is an exciting process, with many opportunities for individual practitioners to participate in shaping the future of the profession.

REGULATION OF THE PROFESSION
Montana is one of 14 U.S. states without massage therapy regulation in place. The Montana Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association is actively engaged in a legislative effort, which may include submitting a bill to the Montana legislature when it next meets in 2005. If the bill becomes law, it is likely that requirements for licensure will include 500 to 600 hours of education and a passing score on the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The majority of states that regulate massage therapy require 500 clock hours of education, and many states require a passing score on the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

In any state that does not regulate massage therapy, it is possible that individual cities or counties may choose to regulate the profession. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local governments to determine if the area where they intend to practice has any regulation in place, and to find out what qualifications a massage therapist must meet in order to comply with the regulation.

Detailed information regarding licensure requirements in other states is available from the American Massage Therapy Association on their web site at www.amtamassage.org. In the Business course at Health Works Institute, the topic of professional regulation is discussed in detail, and students learn how to contact governmental agencies and comply with regulations.

SETTINGS IN WHICH MASSAGE THERAPISTS PRACTICE
Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, including health care facilities such as chiropractors’ offices, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, as well as resorts, spas, athletic clubs and fitness facilities, hotels, salons, cruise ships, and private offices located either in commercial buildings or the therapist’s home. Many massage therapists prefer to work independently, building and maintaining a private practice consisting of clients with a wide range of reasons for seeking care from a massage therapist. As job opportunities expand, a variety of employment agreements are being made between employers and massage therapists.

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MASSAGE THERAPY PROFESSION
Health Works Institute’s programs are based on our belief that massage therapy holds great potential for enhancing the lives and health of both practitioners and clients. Massage therapy is a very rewarding profession. Being a massage therapist gives one the privilege of caring for others by using skilled touch, which is a powerful way of facilitating many kinds of healing. Massage therapists provide intensive, highly individualized, relatively lengthy treatments in which clients receive a quality of attention that is rarely possible in other health care or personal care environments. This way of working enables the practitioner to partner with the client in achieving results that meet a wide variety of clients’ needs. Clients may seek: relief from muscle soreness or other soft tissue- related pain; stress reduction through deep relaxation; effective preparation for and recovery from athletic performance; release of emotions as a method of dealing with anxiety or depression; enhanced circulation for quicker and more complete healing from surgery; and numerous other positive effects on the client’s conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Sometimes, the simple experience of receiving a massage from a caring, competent practitioner is all that a client wants, and no other objective needs to be achieved. In this instance, it is enough that the massage therapist honors and respects the client’s current state of being and gives the gift of healthy, nurturing touch.
INFORMATIONAL LINKS:

American Massage Therapy Association

Massage Therapy Journal

Massage Magazine

Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
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