What does that even mean? In my recent petition that I created, I mentioned a few times how I would like our professional organizations to work together to help move us forward…what does that even mean? It will of course mean different things to different people, but here are some of the things that are happening and have been happening.
Moving the massage profession forward involves several key initiatives and strategic efforts that collectively aim to enhance the profession’s credibility, standards, and public perception. Here are some important aspects to consider:
1. Standardizing Education and Licensing Requirements
- Unified Educational Standards: Establishing a consistent curriculum across massage therapy schools to ensure all therapists receive comprehensive and high-quality training.
- National Licensing: Advocating for uniform licensing requirements across all states to facilitate mobility and ensure a standardized level of competence.
- Professional Development CE – See the CE conundrum.
We have a Body of Knowledge (PDF) and the Entry Level Analyis Project as well as a Model Practice Act, (PDF) waiting to be updated and implemented.
2. Enhancing Professionalism
- Code of Ethics: Strengthening and widely promoting a code of ethics to ensure professionalism and trustworthiness in the field.
- Continuing Education: Encouraging ongoing professional development through workshops, courses, and certifications to keep therapists updated with the latest techniques and research. Create a research study on what is needed in CE to continue a massage therapists education beyond massage school with the main goal of protecting the public – like the ELAP did for massage school competencies. Create specific CE Classes to ensure that massage therapists are up to date on specific knowledge and skills.
3. Increasing Public Awareness and Advocacy
- Public Education: Running campaigns to educate the public about the benefits of massage therapy and its role in health and wellness. We need TV commercials at superbowls!
- Advocacy: Lobbying for recognition and support from healthcare institutions and policymakers to integrate massage therapy into mainstream healthcare. WA State has been able to bill health insurance since 1999 or so because of the Every Category Law created by the insurance commissioner at the time. The insurance companies fought it but the insurance commissioner won with a Supreme Court Decision, making it so massage therapists, acupunturists and Naturopaths were covered by health insurance. Read the history of this monumental movement. Why is massage therapy not covered by health insurance in every state and why is it not covered by Medicare/Medicaid?
4. Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Supporting Research: Funding and promoting scientific research to provide evidence of the benefits of massage therapy, which can help in gaining acceptance within the medical community.
- Disseminating Findings: Sharing research outcomes with practitioners and the public to build a strong case for the therapeutic benefits of massage.
5. Improving Professional Opportunities and Working Conditions
- Career Advancement: Creating clear pathways for career advancement within the field, including specializations and higher certifications.
- Fair Compensation: Advocating for fair wages and better working conditions for massage therapists.
- Support for MT in determining work status…Most are misclassified independent contractors.
6. Distinguishing Massage Therapy from Illicit Activities
- Enforcement: Supporting stronger regulations and enforcement to eliminate unethical practices that harm the profession’s image.
- Establishment Licensing: Research whether or not Establishment Licensing is working to deter illicit businesses.
- City/County Ordinances: Research city ordinances and create a model city ordinance if needed. (City ordinances worked in one city here in WA totally shutting down ALL illicit activity!)
7. Building a Strong Professional Community
- Networking and Support: Fostering a sense of community among massage therapists through professional organizations, conferences, and online platforms.
- Mentorship Programs: Implementing mentorship programs to support new therapists entering the profession.
8. Technology Integration
- Digital Tools: Leveraging technology to enhance practice management, client communication, and education through online booking systems, telehealth consultations, and e-learning platforms.
By focusing on these areas, the massage therapy profession can advance significantly, gaining greater recognition, respect, and integration into the broader healthcare landscape. This not only benefits practitioners but also enhances the quality of care for clients.
