A survey of training and practice patterns of massage therapists in two US states.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the growing popularity of therapeutic massage in the US, little is known about the training or practice characteristics of massage therapists. The objective of this study was to describe these characteristics.

Methods

As part of a study of random samples of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners, we interviewed 226 massage therapists licensed in Connecticut and Washington state by telephone in 1998 and 1999 (85% of those contacted) and then asked a sample of them to record information on 20 consecutive visits to their practices (total of 2005 consecutive visits).

Results

Most massage therapists were women (85%), white (95%), and had completed some continuing education training (79% in Connecticut and 52% in Washington). They trea

SUBMITTER: Sherman KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1182347 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature