What is the professional term for a massage therapist?
The technical names for a massage therapist are a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) or a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). These titles denote a massage therapist who has had additional training and holds an official license. Most states, countries, and provinces require massage therapists to be licensed to practice legally. In some areas, only RMTs and LMTs are referred to as massage therapists. So it is important to understand the difference if you want to visit a qualified and certified massage therapist.
Types of Massage Therapy
People employed by spas are massage therapists, aestheticians, nail technicians, and assistants. The four main types of massage therapy are Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and trigger point.
Professional Debate in the Field
There is debate within the massage field about using terms like masseuse and masseur, which some professionals find insulting. Masseuse is a female French term and masseur is male. These terms are commonly used in Europe without negative associations, but their gender implications cause issues in the US.
Trusting Licensed Massage Therapists for Pain Relief
You should only trust licensed massage therapists trained in medical massage therapy for pain relief. Make sure your therapist is certified in medical massage therapy with real clinical experience. Massage can effectively treat underlying conditions when done correctly, sometimes with chiropractic adjustments.
Board Certification for Massage Therapists
Board certification for massage therapists is available from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). This indicates a therapist has surpassed basic licensure. Board certification is the highest voluntary credential for massage therapists.
Benefits of Being a Certified Massage Therapist
Certified massage therapists generally get more clients than non-certified ones, and they may also receive referrals from doctors and other customers. To be certified, a therapist needs to prove they meet or exceed the necessary standards of service in the field.
Becoming a Massage Therapist
Becoming a massage therapist requires completing a 3-year program costing nearly $10,000 in tuition and passing a certification exam.