You dreamed of a career of massage. You researched how to earn a massage certification or license in your state. You attended school, spending hours studying and even more hours in the clinic applying newly-learned massage techniques. As you graduate, what feels like an ending is really a new beginning–the dawn of your new life as a massage therapist. One big question looms: Should you take that gig as an independent contractor, or aim to be hired as an employee? Or would you rather run your own massage clinic or spa? In any case, understanding the difference between employees […]

You researched and applied to massage therapy schools. You scoured the web on how to become a massage therapist in your state. Now you’re ready to launch into one of history’s most successful massage therapy careers! But wait… should you start as an employee or an independent contractor? Let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks of each option, so you can make the best choice for your LMT career path. Those establishing a spa or massage therapy clinic will also appreciate this review of options from an employer’s standpoint.

After providing context, this blog lists the […]

Anyone who has ever been pregnant knows prenatal massage can be a lifesaver. But what about after labor? In the six weeks following giving birth, the body is adjusting to parenthood while also returning to its pre-pregnancy size. Many new parents experience pain in the hips, low back, shoulders, neck, and wrists, among other challenges. To inform both LMTs and patients, we’re listing the benefits and contraindications of postpartum massage.

Benefits of Postnatal Massage

Relaxation and Stress Reduction. New caregivers will appreciate the relief that massage delivers to all clients. By reducing muscle tension, massage can decrease stress hormone […]

After many months of study and clinical work, massage therapy students may see graduation from their school of massage as the finish line. Yet several more boxes must be ticked to earn massage certification. For those attending massage schools in Oregon, passing a national therapy exam, such as the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination), is a key step in licensure. (You’ll find our guide to getting licensed in massage therapy in Oregon here.) Most LMTs (in 46 out of 49 regulated jurisdictions) need to pass the MBLEx.

Considering that the current fee […]

Selecting from therapeutic massage schools is no easy task, particularly when one is a newcomer to the massage therapy world. What distinguishes the best massage therapy schools? And how can one decide which schools to apply to? The Choosing a Massage School Podcast is a great resource for answering these questions and more. It features interviews with some of the most established figures in massage therapy. Because the interviews are rich with resources for the massage school aspirant, we’re examining each one in a separate post. Today’s featured speaker is Whitney Lowe.

With […]

From plumbing to engineering, established careers have special delegations to indicate experience and expertise. Professional organizations authenticate quality via specialized certifications. Massage therapy is no exception. For accredited massage schools, one designation stands head and shoulders above all others: COMTA accreditation.

Of course, if we’re looking at the individual level, massage therapist certification, or licensure, is the first thing to consider. LMT requirements vary from state to state. Here in Oregon, for instance, a therapist must pass a national exam (such as the MBLEX) as well as the Oregon jurisprudence (massage law) exam, pass a background check, pay a feel of […]