I had no clue!

Well, we've been sharing for years, lol!

Licenced? In Ohio Massage Therapy Boards are run by the Board of Medicine- not BON. I've see thier boards and they are TOUGH. Anyone can do "relaxation massage"-no licence required of any kind. The rate per session is about 1/2 that of "theraputic massage" at the same business.

I am an RN in the state of Maryland and am considering going to Massage Therapy School to become an Registered Nurse Massage Therapist. Are there massages that I can do without going to Massage School. I see you mentioned "relaxation massage" that interested me. Could you tell me more about this? I am a Clinical Nursing Instructor PT and I just got certified in performing Laser Treatments: Laser Hair Removal, Photo Therapy, Skin Rejuvenation, Skin Tightening, Spider Vein Removal, etc. and this place is a Cosmetic Center where cosmetic surgeries are performed, there is a salon and spa as well all on one floor. We provide it all. I would like to be able to do a variety of client care: Laser Treatments, Massage, Post Op Care. I look forward to your response.

Sorry according to your state board licensure in your state requires you to have 500 hours from an approved school plus the following testing. it depends on each individual state.Education Requirements500 Hrs and 60 College credit HrsTitleCertified Massage Therapist CMT Registered Massage Practitioner RMPType of CredentialCertification CMT Registration RMPState Law TestState Practical or Written ExamWritten ExamNational Exam RequirementNCETM, NCETMB or NCCAOMCEU's24/ 2 yearsInitial Cost of License$350Require City LicenseRenewal Fee$200/ 2 yearsLiability insCredentialed Practitioners3,003

There are requirements for the state of Ohio as well and all massage therapy whether therapeutic or relaxation is a manipulation of soft tissues, therefore requiring a license. Due to the personal nature of the work ethics and backround checks are usually required as well. In Ohio you need to graduate with 750 hours of massage eduacation and pass their state tests as well. I certainly would report to your state if these therapists are not licensed. Please refer to this site for Ohio requirements: http://www.med.ohio.gov/pdf/eligmt.pdf. The reason states are establishing these laws is because you need proper education for your safety as well as the client you are massaging. Just because you have your nursing license does not mean you can massage. Sure we know anatomy and muscles etc. but it is still out of our scope of practice as a nurse. I certainly would not want to be hurt by someone who thinks deep tissue is just "rubbing a little harder" or having a registered sex offender working on me during my massage. Please refer to your individual states because if they are requiring a license and you are massaging without one you could lose your nursing license or put on suspension for years or probation. Some of these states also fine you as well, and the fines are hefty. So as a massage therapist does this mean I can give out Motrin 600 mg for pain after your massage or antidepressant because that patient was prescribed them or heck why not hydrate the client with some IV fluids. No these massage therapists worked very hard for their education and license just as we did for our nursing license. Please have respect for each others professions because I thought the same before I went to massage school and boy was I in for a big surprise after I started. There was more to it than I realized!

What are the physical demands of massage therapy and the physical risks to joints, neck, back, etc?

I think the idea of massage therapy is great and would like to consider it as a p/t business.

Since my early days in med-surg (circa, late 70's), my favorite aspect of direct care was the PM back rub. It was so beneficial and greatly appreciated.