Massage and Bodywork Credentials & Regulations
The State of Colorado does not license massage therapists nor do any of the cities or counties in Colorado. You should question anyone who claims to be licensed or uses the title LMT. Beginning in April of 2009 all massage therapists in the state of Colorado are required to be registered with the Department of Regulatory Agencies. A Colorado Registered Massage Therapist can use the title RMT or Registered Massage Therapist. It is also acceptable for Massage Therapists to use the title Certified Massage therapist (CMT). Keep in mind that just because a person is Certified by a school or other certifying body that does not exempt them from being registerd by the State of Colorado.
You can check to see if your therapist is properly registered with the State of Colorado by following this link:
Department of Regulatory Agencies
The basic requirements for registry are that the therapist has completed an accredited program of at least 500 hrs of trainning. That they pass one of the two nationally recognized exams. Registrants must have practice insurance submit to a criminal background check and adhere to a code of conduct and a scope of practice. More information is available at: DORA
There are many Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers doing great work with people. Most of these practitioners have had an excellent education through an accredited school and/or have obtained some form of certification. Unfortunately this is not always the case.
Often practitioners with less than 500 hrs. training can get around Colorado law simply by calling themselves something else like the catchall title ‘Bodyworker’. This is not to say that everyone using an alternative title is not qualified, only that they are not regulated. It is important to understand that only the title ‘Massage Therapist’ is regulated by state law and therefore protects the public from unsafe or unethical practice.
All Therapists are not alike and neither are all massage schools. State law protects the public from unsafe practice, which is great as far as it goes, but how do you know if the therapist is qualified to perform corrective techniques? Spa massage is great but what if you have some sort of chronic pain complaint or injury to rehabilitate? Massage Schools offer programs with everything from 100 hrs. to 1000 hrs. or more of training, with the average being 500hrs. Many Massage schools offer continuing education classes or advanced certification in specific techniques or modalities. Often Therapists will pursue training in a specialty area as a form of continuing education. Or they will obtain training from an alternative modality such as Trager®, Feldenkrais®, or Rolfing®. Many have other life experience, which may further qualify them for a particular type of work. These designations, governed and protected by their own organizations, do not necessarily require competence in Massage Therapy. Be sure to find out if the practitioner can help you with your particular condition and whether or not they are qualified to do the type of therapy you desire.
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (N.C.B.T.M.B.), an independent body that certifies massage therapists and bodyworkers, requires 1000 hrs. training. In addition to the educational requirements the N.C.B.T.M.B. also conducts an exhaustive exam. Once every 4 years therapists must re-certify by sitting for the exam again or showing proof of continuing education. Therapists with this certification will have N.C.T.M.B. (Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork), after their name or N.C.M.T. (Nationally Certified Massage Therapist), for brevity. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork exam is one of the exams being accepted by the state for it’s registry requirements.
Another thing to look for is whether or not your practitioner is insured. Beginning in April 2009 the State of Colorado requires that all Massage Therapists be insured. Many therapists belong to an association that provides them with practice insurance.The two main organisations are the American Massage Therapy Association (A.M.T.A.) and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (A.B.M.P.) . Lobbying for stricter and more uniform law, massage and bodywork association members strive for excellence in the profession. The A.M.T.A. and the A.B.M.P. both require members to be certified therapists, and adhere to a code of ethics. Every member is insured, not only for practice but also accident (say you slip on the stairs).
It is buyers beware market for Massage Therapy and Bodywork out there. Laws, certifications, education, associations, are all there to help you. Ultimately you are the judge of whether or not a therapist is able to help you. Some Therapists are great and some are just plain bad regardless of their certifications or education level. Some therapists may be well educated but not in the type of work that you need. Shop around and try different practitioners and modalities and then chose the one that is best for you.
