Evolution of massage in the US

It all started back in 1879. A female therapist was called a masseuse, a French verb meaning "to massage." In those days there were minimal requirements for massage background knowledge and education. In WWI massage was used on soldiers who suffered nerve injury or shell shock. Massage was only introduced to the wealthy as a luxury treatment. Later, massage went through an unsavory period with the rising popularity of massage parlors. Unfortunately, some still exist. 

Today, massage is held to a much higher standard. We have the title of LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist). Massage therapists are now required obtain education and pass a state board exam. This gives you the title of LMT. Continued education classes are required every 2 years. Classes consists of 24 credits, 16 of those credits are hands on. Therapists also must be CPR certified and maintain a child abuse clearance certification. This allows us to safely and knowledgeably best treat our clients. This has been the evolution of the massage therapy in the United States.

By: Jenn Grubb LMT