WHO ARE MASSAGE THERAPISTS?
Massage therapists are licensed health professionals who apply a variety of scientifically developed massage techniques to the soft tissues of the body to improve muscle tone and circulation.
DO YOU NEED A PRESCRIPTION TO SEE A MASSAGE THERAPIST?
No. while your physician may refer you to a massage therapist , you can seek the services of a massage therapist directly.
Massage therapist may provide services that lead to improved health and muscle function, but they do not diagnose medical diseases or disorders. They evaluate patients/clients in terms of health and disease in order to know what massage techniques should be used and when to make referrals to other health care practitioners.
WHERE DO MASSAGE THERAPIST WORK?
You will find massage therapists in private practice, group practice, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, sports events like the Olympics, health spas, resorts, and in corporate offices.
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY A MASSAGE THERAPIST ---- IS EVERYONE WHO PRACTICES MASSAGE THERAPY CALLED A MASSAGE THERAPIST?
Massage therapists may identify their practice by name of the technique, such as Shiatsu or Swedish Medical Massage. They may use general titles as well, such as massage therapy or bodywork (a term used by oriental massage techniques).
Practitioners using these titles should be licensed massage therapists.
DO MASSAGE THERAPIST MAINTAIN PATIENT RECORDS?
YES. Massage therapist must keep a record of clients evaluations and treatments for six years or until the client turns 22, whichever is longer. If you receive a massage therapy at a health spa, resort, or similar setting, the massage therapist must keep a record of your name and date of your treatment.
You have the right to your records and to have a copy of your records, the massage therapist who maintains your records can tell you how to obtain them.
Massage therapists must get your consent, or the consent of an authorized person, before releasing you records to anyone, except in circumstances provided by the law.