TALLAHASSEE -- The following information was released by the Florida Department of Health (DOH):
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in conjunction with the Florida Board of Massage Therapy recognizes the 32,000 licensed massage therapists (LMT) throughout Florida, during the National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, October 25-31. During this time, massage therapists and supporters gather in their communities to demonstrate their skills, explain the health benefits of massage, and the importance of well-trained massage professionals.
State Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H., praised licensed massage therapists for their skill and knowledge of the massage practice. 'Florida residents and visitors must know that it is a special skill massage therapists have, and one must not put their health at risk by receiving services from an unlicensed health care practitioner. 'It is very dangerous to put your life into the wrong hands, so the only way to ensure your massage professional is operating with proper skill and technique is to check their license status,' Viamonte Ros said.
'Consumers should make sure that their massage therapist is licensed and they should remember to do three things before getting a massage,' Lynda Solien-Wolfe, L.M.T. chair of the Florida Board of Massage Therapy said. 'First, they should ask to see their current massage license, secondly they should check online at www.FLHealthSource.com to see if their LMT has any disciplines on their license and thirdly they should look for the practitioner's license (MA) and their establishment number (MM) in any advertisement for their service- as this is required by law.'
Massage therapy is a proven, effective means of relaxation and stress relief. Benefits of a massage include but are not limited to: reducing stress and tension, improving flexibility, strengthening the immune system and improving circulation problems. Governor Charlie Crist signed a proclamation that echoed these sentiments saying, 'Increased awareness of the benefits of massage therapy contributes to the health and vitality of the residents of the state of Florida.'
Every year, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) conducts a consumer survey and for the second year, the results indicated that massage therapy use is fairly steady, despite the lagging economy. 'Even with the ongoing economic crisis, people are not willing to compromise their health,' AMTA president, Judy Stahl said. 'We are pleased to see that consumers are prioritizing massage to help them through difficult times.' The survey also showed that the elderly population is most likely to seek massage for its medical and health benefits rather than for relaxation and stress relief, as some younger citizens opt to do.
For more information about activities throughout the state and to view the survey in its entirety, visit the American Massage Therapy Association website at www.AMTAmassage.org Massage therapists and consumers are encouraged to visit AMTA's website and the Board of Massage
Charlie Crist
Governor
Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H.
State Surgeon General
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A09 * Tallahassee, FL 32399
Therapy's website at www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/massage to learn more about massage therapy and about Florida's healthcare regulation system.
The Florida Board of Massage Therapy protects the health and safety of Florida's residents and visitors by establishing requirements for licensure and through diligent discipline of practitioners who violate practice acts defined by Chapters 112, 119, 120, 408, 456 and 480 of the Florida Statutes and rule 64B-7 of the Florida Administrative Code. The legislative intent of the practice act is to ensure that all massage therapists practicing in the state of Florida meet minimum requirements for safe practice. The Board's responsibility is to ensure that massage therapists who fall below minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public are disciplined or prohibited from practicing in the state. The Board also establishes and monitors continuing education of massage therapists to ensure their knowledge and skills remain current.
For additional information about the Florida Department of Health, visit www.doh.state.fl.us.
