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A licensed massage therapist (LMT) is a professional
whose role in the field of health is treatment of soft tissues and
body joints primarily by performing therapeutic massage. An LMT
may also assist in the assessment for range of motion and muscle
strength, and by proposing treatment plans. The goals of therapeutic
massage are general wellness, injury recovery, stress management,
palliative care, and preventive maintenance.
The basic training covers learning and performing
general massage techniques, and assisting patients to learn stretching
and other self-help techniques. The student learns to evaluate a
client by a verbal interview, utilizing a health history form and
a body reading. The massage therapist may also refer the client
to other health care professionals as needed.
An LMT demonstrates an understanding
of anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, indications/contraindications
for massage regarding specific conditions, medical terminology,
and the importance of developing trust and rapport with the clients.
Massage
Therapist
Areas of Specialization
There are over 150 massage ‘modalities’ advertised nationally,
as compiled by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Popular areas
of specialization include deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy,
energy therapies, reflexology, sports massage, Thai massage, and
spa therapies.
Work Environment
Massage therapists may work in health clubs, resorts, beauty salons,
spas, rehabilitation centers, stress reduction centers, hospitals,
and corporate settings. They may also work with other health care
providers, such as physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, dentists,
physical therapists, and psychologists. Many are self-employed and
open their own office or contract their massage services to other
businesses.
Job Outlook
As health care begins to incorporate alternative therapies, such
as massage, into conventional health care treatments, the job outlook
for massage therapists is very good. The number of massage therapists
employed in Florida in 2006 was 10,981. It is projected that in
2014 there will be 13,334. This represents an annual average growth
rate of 2.7 percent.
Length of Training/Requirements
The minimum length of massage training in Florida is 500 hours.
Students may complete educational requirements at either a private
or public vocational massage school, as long as the school is approved
by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
Licensure/Certification
To practice as an LMT in the state of Florida, one must successfully
pass the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and
Bodywork and then also be approved for licensure through an application
process with the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Continuing education
hours, including a two-hour course in the Prevention of Medical
Errors and an HIV/AIDS update, and a renewal fee are required every
two years for license renewal.
Salary
The average hourly
wage for massage therapists was $18.99 in 2009.
Updated: 2009 |
