The Florida Department of Health issued the following news release:
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) joins more than 23,000 licensed massage therapists statewide to recognize October 21-27 as Massage Therapy Awareness Week, encouraging Floridians to ensure their massage therapist is licensed.
'Licensed massage therapy can reduce stress, increase relaxation and help treat pain,' State Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H. said. 'Floridians should use available resources to make sure that their massage therapist and other healthcare providers are licensed.'
In September 2006, the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, in conjunction with the Florida State Massage Therapy Association, conducted a survey of licensed Florida massage therapists. Survey results indicated that the most common reasons for visiting a massage therapist are pain relief, stress reduction and relaxation. Although massage therapists can work in various settings such as a massage clinic, spa/salon or medical facility, a significant percentage of massage therapy is actually performed in people's homes (out calls).
'With the popularity of massage home visits in Florida, Massage Therapy Awareness Week also provides consumers with safety tips for getting a massage at their residence,' Dave Quiring, LMT, Chair of the Board of Massage Therapy said.
For massage therapy home visits:
* Ask to see the massage therapist's current license, check online at www.FLHealthSource.com, or look for their license number (MA) in any advertisement for their services (required by law)
* Communicate treatment needs to therapists before they arrive. Massage therapists are trained in many different techniques (modalities) and may need to adjust the treatment process
* Licensed massage therapists should supply safe and sanitary equipment (i.e., clean linens, towels, etc)
* If feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, cancel the treatment session
DOH promotes and protects the health and safety of all people in Florida through the delivery of quality public health services and the promotion of health care standards. The DOH Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) protects the public through healthcare licensure, enforcement and information. Working in conjunction with 22 boards and six councils, MQA regulates seven types of facilities and more than 40 health care professions. MQA evaluates the credentials of all applicants for licensure, issues licenses, analyzes and investigates complaints, inspects facilities, assists in prosecuting practice act violations, combats unlicensed activity and provides credential and discipline history about licensees to the public. For more information about MQA, visit www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/.
If aware of anyone practicing massage therapy or any other health care service without a valid, active license, call the DOH toll-free unlicensed activity hotline at 1-877-HALT-ULA (1-877-425-8852) or send an email to HALTULA@doh.state.fl.us.
For more information about the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, please visit www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/massage.Contact: Kevin Cate, 850/245-4111.
Kevin Cate, 850/245-4111.
