The United States is one of the few industrialized countries that does not fully recognize massage therapy as a medical practice. In much of Canada massage therapists receive over 2,000 of training and are consider medical professionals similar to a physical therapist in the U.S. As debate over health care reform continues and the final version of the bill is crafted by Congress those who have been helped by massage therapy, often at their own expense (see stories from individuals here), are wondering if a United States public option will include payment for medically necessary massage therapy.
Regardless of whether you support health care reform and a public option take this new poll and voice your opinion as to whether a pubic option, if it is passed, should include massage therapy when medically necessary. Results of the poll will be passed on to politicians in Washington.
All information and advice published by Steve is general in nature only and should not be used as specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor for medical advice. All articles are copyrighted to Steve Ibach and may not be reproduced without his written consent.
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Comments
"In much of Canada massage therapists receive over 2,000 of training and are consider medical professionals "as well as other countries....
the numbers of hours in US i believe range from 350 to 1500
Is there any psychological comfort to rely(medically speaking) on someone who's background is 350 hours?
Massage is not very highly regarded in all states . personally I prefer someone who is capable of answering a Q!
Contrary to popular belief, massage IS indeed gaining the much needed respect and regard. For proof, visit online, the United States Department of Labor Statistics. They've projected a high demand of employment with an increase rating of 19% up to 2018
Clinical school hours as well as practical hours vary from state to state in the US, but in Ohio, to be a massage therapist, you MUST have completed at least 750+ hours of schooling, be tested and licensed from the State Medical Board which is why our profession is considered a limited branch of medicine.
Of course it stands to reason that those who possess more hours have a little more knowledge than the basic curriculum, (anatomy, physiology, psychology and massage theory) They also have more knowledge and training in the areas of therapeutic massage.
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