I had no clue!

LOL! I knew the training I had in massage would be an asset to nursing. I never knew there where any fields where the two could really be combined as a specialty.

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.

When I completed Massage School there were no state boards here in KY. That was in 1999. I took boards and became Nationally Certified. I did not keep up on my certification after returning to college. I have thought about going and reinstating. I just never knew there was a need for nursing and massage combined, very cool.

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

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.

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!

I was very happy when KY passed state licensing for massage therapists. Like I said earlier when I completed massage school there was no regulations by the state. The program I completed was recognized by the national boards and is now recognized by the state, since folks now have to be licensed . I rented space in a local spa, and another gentleman who had no professional training what so ever also rented a space. I couldn't understand how this uneducated individual was allowed to practice, not to mention charge the same amount! Massage school is surprisingly hard and there is a lot to learn.

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.

Depending on the type of massage depends on how physically taxing it is on your body. Swedish and certain types of deep tissue work or sports massage can be physically taxing. Therapies like cranial sacral, healing touch and LaStone have far less physical demands. Most massage schools (at least when I went) start with basic Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, trigger points and tons of musculoskeletal anatomy. Other therapies are introduced but not focused on. Im "double jointed", my hands still bother me sometimes from hyper-extending my fingers when I was working as a massage therapist.

I am a licensed massage therapist as well as a registered nurse. I have practice massage therapy since 1986. Have practiced nursing since 1996. I have a private massage therapy practice and work as a nurse in the hospital setting. I practice swedish massage but over the years have incorporated Shiatsu massage within the framework of Swedish. I know Nurses that practice Theraputic Touch. It is not massage but a form of energy medicine. Also know one who is a Reiki Master. I have attained the second level of Reiki. Felt no particular calling to pursue the master level. I also have studied and practice reflexology. I don't find Swedish Massage physically taxing. To the contrary. I find it quite relaxing.