health
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Which
Therapist?
Performing massage requires
detailed understanding of
physiology and mastery of
techniques. The therapist
should have the proper
licenses and proof of training.
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LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Most states require therapists
to pass a national certifica-
tion exam. Many therapists
earn additional certifications in
specialized forms of massage,
including reflexology, Swedish
massage and Trager massage.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
An OT will occasionally integrate
massage into an overall plan
for patients they’re treating for
hand injury or lymphedema.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
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SOOTHE
A BACKACHE
Along with other forms of
manual manipulation and
exercise, PT’s may use Swedish
and deep-tissue techniques
to help reduce pain and let
patients regain full movement
after injury or surgery.
NURSE MASSAGE THERAPIST
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This RN has an additional
license in massage therapy
and may be connected to a
clinic or other medical facility.
—Emily Chau
For a therapist, see amtamassage.org
/findamassage/ locator.aspx.
