Both clinical massage therapists and massage therapists who choose to work in spas or medical offices are highly trained, licensed and dedicated to their client. The types of massage are varied because of cultural unification. Most modalities require additional training and certification beyond what was taught in school.
Clinical massage therapy is designed specifically for therapists who learn more clinical and therapeutic applications for massage therapy. Detailed anatomical information is coupled with clinical treatment protocols that together address common muscle injuries and other soft tissue pain or neuromuscular dysfunction. Spa massage therapy has specific protocols it follows to maximize relaxation through the utilization of body wraps, body masks and body scrubs. Another major difference is that the therapist may be instructed to talk only when answering the client’s questions and addressing the client’s comfort needs.
For a clinical massage therapist, it is crucial for the client and therapist to have open dialogue. Feedback from the client is essential to assessing pain and discovering pain patterns, tingling or numbness and comfort level. With each response, the therapist can identify the tissue causing the pain and consequently select the best method to treat the affected area. I have found that some clinical massage therapists have a different atmosphere than that of a spa setting. Lighting may not be dimmed; some may not play music. It also may have a distinct surrounding similar to a physician’s office. Clinical massage therapists may also work in conjunction with chiropractors, physicians, physical therapists and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners.
A key distinguishing factor about spa and clinical massage is the level of continuing education the therapist has. Please do not hesitate to ask what level of advanced training your therapist has received. Ten states currently do not require any education to become a massage therapist. Thankfully, both North and South Carolina do require the therapist to complete a minimum 500 hour program although South Carolina does not require National Certification nor does the state require certification to perform most modalities, such as pregnancy massage.
Remember that massage is not self-indulgence but rather self-preservation.