Puerto Morelos, Q. Roo, Mexico

From Mauro:

During my years of private practice, there has been an evolution in the field of body therapies. The purpose of this page is to help the general public understand the many levels of body therapy being offered.

The term “massage therapy” has become a broad term for all types of bodywork including therapeutic bodywork.

For example: a person who is a graduate of a nationally certified massage therapy school usually studies a minimum of 600 hours. These courses include anatomy, physiology, pathology and a number of other “touch healing” related courses. Upon graduation, the status of a licensed massage therapist is determined by passing the National Certification Board examination and, depending on the state they wish to practice in, they are generally required to take a state examination as well. These licenses require educational updating with “continuing education units” (CEU’s). The licenses stay active as long as the massage therapist accumulates the proper number of units required, otherwise they are not allowed to continue their massage practice.

A Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) is given a tool which makes many avenues of practice available to them. Some people maintain their careers as “trades” in the field of bodywork. Others build their credentials in order to have a greater impact in the “professional arena” of therapeutic bodywork. It is all good work but many levels exist, which is the reason for this help page.

An example of some techniques used in a professional practice such as Orthopedic and Medical Myotherapy might include Neuromuscular Techniques, Craniosacral, Myofascial/Soft Tissue Mobilization, Connective Tissue, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point therapy. A professionally trained therapist will take the time to assess and evaluate an individual’s situation and in some cases will perform tests to determine the type of bodywork therapy required prior to any application. Proper therapeutic assessment is vital to a proficient result and not to be confused with a medical diagnosis.