Have you heard the negativity associated with massage parlours? Many times often enough, massage parlours have a negative connotation. Sometimes they are referred to as the practice of massage therapy by women whom typically do not possess a state license to practice massage therapy and they engage in erotic behaviors. This is very unfortunate for the massage therapy community not only to the therapists who practice legally, but it gives the art of this Chinese medicine a negative connotation that all massage clinics are erotic in nature. Massage therapists must attend a school licensed by a state or national licensing agency to become a certified massage therapist in order to practice in the United States. These programs are typically about one year in length and are anywhere from 500-1000 hours in duration. They study classes such as human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hydrotherapy, orthopedic testing, range of motion evaluation, and clinical application of applied skills and techniques. There are also alternative techniques to learn such as Thai massage, Shiatsu, Cranial-Sacral technique, Rain-drop technique, hot stone massage, and many more.
Safety of the Public
Massage clinics may be located anywhere and it’s important to notice where they are located, how long they’ve been in business, are the therapists licensed in the state, are they nationally certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (N.C.B.T.M.B.), and how many clients attend the clinic. Taking all these factors into consideration will help determine whether or not it’s a safe and ethical place to receive a massage therapy session. Most massage clinics can be found in spas, hospitals, physical therapy and wellness centers, chiropractic offices, and acupuncture offices. The public always has the option of looking up a therapist or any other professional license for that matter on government agency sites such as the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or www.idfpr.com.
