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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy

Click here to see all our massage therapists in Puerto Rico [more info]

Looking for a massage therapist in Puerto Rico? Whether you engage in strenuous activities such as skiing, jogging, or regular lifting of heavy items, or you simply want to take a break and relax a massage will give you the healing you’re looking for, both physically and mentally! We are committed to helping you find the right massage therapist in your area. Massage is becoming more popular in Puerto Rico as stress levels go up and people are finding new ways to deal with it. Stress-related disorders make up between 80-and-90 percent of the ailments that bring people to family practice physicians in Puerto Rico. What they require is someone to listen, someone to touch them, someone to care. That does not exist in modern medicine. People in Puerto Rico are seeking massage to deal with stress as well as a way to increase their range of motion, enhance athletic performance and treat injuries caused during sport or work. Our comprehensive listing of massage therapists in Puerto Rico will get you on your way to feeling and looking better than ever before!

If you are a massage therapist from Puerto Rico would like to contribute to any additional information on massage therapy in Puerto Rico, please email us at admin@massage-classifieds.com

Puerto Rico Massage Therapy Information

Click here to see all our massage therapists in Puerto Rico [more info]

Click here to see all Puerto Rico massage therapy schools [more info]

Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Spas

“People no longer see spas as pampering, but instead as a requisite to stay healthy.”

Over the past two decades massage therapy has grown in popularity throughout Puerto Rico, not only as a luxury but also as a total health tool. Massage is used in intensive care units, for children, elderly people, babies in incubators, and patients with cancer, AIDS, heart attacks, or strokes. Most American hospices have some kind of bodywork therapy available, and it is frequently offered in health centers, drug treatment clinics, and pain clinics. Anyone and everyone can benefit from the physical, mental and emotional healing of massage therapy. From athletes to physical laborers, from actors to housewives, and electricians to artists, everyone benefits from a healing massage.

Following are some of the most popular Puerto Rico spas. Puerto Rico spas incorporate the region's way-of-life, culture and traditions with traditional spa treatments to realize their own unique vision of what a spa should be. Puerto Rico medical spas are for those who are interested in healthcare in a spa setting, either at a day spa or at a spa with overnight accommodations. Puerto Rico medical spas offer traditional and complementary medical services supervised or administered by medical professionals. Of course, most popular are Puerto Rico day spas.

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Spa Locations

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Types of Massages Defined

Craniosacral Therapy - Via a gentle, noninvasive manipulative technique, this encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your brain and spinal cord to dissipate the negative effects of stress, promote good health, and enhance resistance to disease.

Deep Tissue Massage - is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. This invigorating experience is a process of detection of stiff or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature, and slowly working into the deep layers of muscle tissue. Specific hand positions and strokes are then used to respond to various tissue qualities. Techniques employing breath and movement are also used for releasing muscular congestion.

Esalen Massage - is Swedish massage combined with the influence of early Esalen leaders, Charlotte Selver and Bernie Gunther who taught sensory reawakening. What sets Esalen Massage apart from other types of massage is the philosophical approach. For the massage therapist, the work is a meditation, a time to quiet the mind, and attend to his or her intuition, and to be fully present in the moment with the client.

Erotic massage - is really a sexual foreplay technique, rather than a form of massage. Massage focuses on muscles, whereas erotic massage focuses primarily on skin. It's been said that 95% of erotic (or sensual) massage is the same as other massage. This is not an accepted form of bodywork and therefore not something that you should expect from a Registered MT.

Shiatsu - Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives.

Swedish massage - (which is a proper name, not a reference to Sweden) refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Many believe it is safe to apply light pressure in the opposite direction. Friction is reduced by oil, or lacking that baby powder. Some practitioners claim benefits from vegetable rather than mineral oil while others disagree. Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to speed venous return from the extremities. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy.

Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy - was developed by Therese Pfrimmer. Once partially paralyzed, she overcame her disability through deep muscle manipulation and spent the next 30 years developing this technique. Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy works across the muscles manipulating deep tissues, stimulating circulation and regenerating lymphatic flow, thus promoting detoxification and oxygenation of stagnant tissues.

Neuromuscular therapy - uses advanced concepts in pressure therapy to break the stress-tension-pain cycle. It aims to relax muscle so that circulation can increase and the body will return to normal neuromuscular integrity and balance. The St. John Method is a type of NMT.

Jin Shin Do - (transl. The way of the compassionate spirit) is derived from acupressure. The technique involves applying gentle fingertip pressure to thirty specific points along the body to release, smooth and balance vital `chi' energy. Practitioners meditate and try to transfer chi to clients by using knowledge of where energy flows and patterns meet. According to its practitioners, Jin Shin Do pervades all aspects of our being by affecting general muscle tension, improving circulation, balancing emotions and raising the spiritual state of being.

Hakomi - is a body-based psychotherapy using special states of consciousness to help clients probe nonverbal levels where core beliefs direct and influence their experiences. Body-mind awareness and touch are used to explore the body as a deep source of information, empowering the client to change their attitudes.

Trager Psychophysical Integration - (usually just called Trager) uses light, gentle, non-intrusive movements to facilitate the release of deep-seated physical and mental patterns. Each part of the client's body is moved rhythmically so that the recipient experiences the possibility of moving lightly, effortlessly, and freely on their own. A Trager session should help reduce stress from chronic tension, teach more effective ways to recover from stressful situations, enhance conscious awareness and flexibility, improve self-image, expand energy, restore free flowing movement and full self-expression by reducing constriction and rigidity. A Trager session can bring about the experience of peace and serenity -- a high-energy state of well-being beyond relaxation.

Myofascial - release is used to evaluate and treat restrictions in the body's contractile connective tissues (muscles) and non-contractile supportive connective tissues (fascia) by the application of gentle traction, pressures and positioning. Fascia is a complex supportive web throughout the body affecting all components of the musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral (organ) systems. It surrounds groups of muscle fibres, and entire muscle groups and organs. While it is not contractile, it can be passively elastically deformed. That is how it retains tensions from physical and emotional traumas. It is also involved when a person suffers chronic pain or physical dysfunction. Chronically tense muscles restrict blood flow and fatigue the body. Both fascia and muscle tissues can become shortened if they are improperly used. As well, layers of fascia can stick together. Myofascial release techniques are used to coax muscles in spasm to relax, and break adhesions in the fascia. Bodies respond to these therapies by releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia, thus allowing more functional flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures.

Trigger point and Myotherapy - are pain-relief techniques to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points', which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occuring spasm or `kink' that worsens painfully when aggravated. The major goals are to reduce spasm inducing new blood flow into the affected area. The spasms are partly maintained by nervous system feedback (pain-spasm-pain) cycle. Spasms also physically reduce blood flow to the trigger point area (ischemia), reducing oxygen supplied to the tissues and increasing the spasm. Pressure is applied to trigger points, for a short time (between about 7 to 10 seconds per point), which can be momentarily painful but is greatly relieving. It is common to hit the same trigger points several times during a session, but you won't be leaning into a sore spot for several minutes. Often ice or another cooling agent is used to reduce nervous system response, making the area easier and more comfortable to work. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process, hence the name `spray and stretch'. Myotherapy aims to erase pain and soothe tightened muscles. People with acute or chronic muscle tension and the associated pain are likely to benefit greatly from this type of treatment.

Polarity therapy - is a holistic approach to natural health care. It asserts that energy fields exist everywhere in nature, and that the flow and balance of this energy in the human body is the underlying foundation of health. Stress, tension, pain, inflexible thinking, and environmental stimuli are among many factors that can contribute to the restriction of this energy flow in the human body. According to Polarity therapists, such energy blocks can be released by the use of four therapeutic methods: bodywork, diet, exercise and self-awareness. The founder of Polarity Therapy, Dr. Randolph Stone DO, DC, ND, emphasized the interdependence of body, emotions, mind and spirit. Polarity therapy includes gentle body manipulation and holding pressure points (poles) as well as counseling on developing positive thoughts and attitudes, understanding the principles of food combining and easy exercises to increase energy flow. Polarity is often used by care givers in conjunction with many other therapies.

On-site or chair massage- is one name for a short (15-20 minute) massage of a client sitting in a special, portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged. On-Site is popular at some offices as an employee benefit and for some conferences, workshops and certain social events.

Sports Massage - is used primarily for the serious athlete who trains continuously. It focuses on the muscles relevant to the particular athletic activity. It also an include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time.

Watsu - Water Shiatsu is where a therapist floats you in a warm pool, the crook of an elbow under your neck, a hand under your sacrum, a gentle rock, a gradual swaying stretching you from side to side, a rolling of your spine looser and looser...And while one leg is lifted and rotated your other stretches out as you are swirled through the water...moments of activity flow into moments of quiet. The therapist applies the stretches and movements of Zen Shiatsu while your body is floating in water. The water allows for movement that is not possible on a conventional massage table.

Thai - massage or Nuad Bo-Rarn, the traditional massage of Thailand, has been practiced for at least 2,500 years. It came to Thailand along with Buddhism and was originally practiced by Buddhist monks in their temples. The work consists primarily of pressure on energy lines and points, and a large variety of stretching movements. The stretching movements of Thai massage often resemble passive yoga asanas. One receives all the benefits of Yoga without having to perform any of the work! These stretches affect the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, and helping the body's natural energy to flow more freely.

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Spa FAQs

What are the designations for Puerto Rico massage therapists?

Licensed Massage Therapist - Official or legal permission to charge money to perform massage therapy within a given county or within particular city limits.

Registered Massage Therapist - In order to become a registered massage therapist most states require you to pass specific government board examinations, which consist of a written and practical portion.

Certified Massage Therapist - Certification varies from state to state. Typically you will be required to take an examination that includes written and practical components to become certified.

Massage Practitioner - A massage practitioner is typically anyone who massages clients and/or administers other body conditioning treatments to promote, maintain, or restore health and well-being. Massage body using hands or vibrating equipment. Related job titles include: massage therapist, bodywork practitioner, bodyworker, muscle therapist, massotherapist, or somatic therapist practitioner.

Massage Apprentice - A brief apprenticeship with a successful massage professional is an excellent way to see if you really want to practice massage. Ask a massage professional you respect to apprentice you. Expect to pay their regular hourly rate for a few hours of training. You will know very quickly if a massage career is for you.

What does a Puerto Rico massage therapist's license or certification mean?
A license means that a massage therapist has met the requirements and paid the fee to legally practice massage in that area. In some places the massage is regulated by the state, others are regulated by the town or municipality. Many places have no licensing requirements. To get a license, a massage therapist will usually have to have a minimum of hours of training at an accredited or accepted school or training center. This varies widely, from 100 hours in some places to over 1000 hours in others.

Certification means that the therapist has successfully passed a specific course or test and been granted a certificate to bear out that fact. This may range from courses in pregnancy and neo-natal massage, to different modalities like Hellerwork. There is also a written national certification test for massage therapists.

Does the gender of the Puerto Rico massage therapist make a difference?
The short answer is no. There is a perception that male therapists can give a deeper massage, and in many cases this is true. In general, however, nothing about a therapist's gender will give you a clue about the style or quality of the massage they give.

In reality, many people are nervous about receiving a massage from one gender or the other. Most women prefer a massage from a woman, and most men prefer a massage from a woman. Some people are more comfortable receiving a massage from a person of the same gender, some from a person of the opposite gender. While no professional wants their services refused based upon their gender, they also realize that if you're too nervous about who is giving you the massage, then you won't be able to relax and enjoy it.

What does a massage therapist do?
Therapeutic massage involves the use of manual soft tissue mobilization to promote health and wellness. Recent scientific studies have documented the many positive physical, mental, and emotional effects of massage.

What are the health benefits to visiting a spa?
In today's world we are all over-worked and stressed out. By coming to our spa you will leave feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. A great experience for the mind, body and soul.

There are so many services, how do I know which one to choose?
It is all about personal preference. Some people really enjoy massage, while others would rather have a manicure. Most spas do have a package available so you can try a little bit of everything!

When should I arrive?
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment so you'll have enough time to check in and enjoy the amenities offered in the locker room as well as time to relax with a cup of tea before your treatment begins.

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Organizations

The American Massage Therapy Association defines massage therapy as "a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques and may apply adjunctive therapies with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client."

Therapeutic massage is often used for aid in recovery from injury, stress relief and relaxation, and as treatment for illness or pain. Techniques can be varied and specialized, but most commonly fall into several basic categories, such as Swedish, trigger point, neuromuscular, deep tissue and sports massage. Massage therapists work in hospitals, chiropractic offices, health clubs, nursing homes, cruise ships, on site (in airports, at public events, etc.) and spas, among other places.

Massage therapists have dedicated themselves to making other people’s lives fuller, happier and healthier. Massage therapists give so much of themselves to their client, this is why there are many Puerto Rico message therapy organizations to assist the massage therapist in making each moment with the client quality time by protecting and preserving the art of message therapy. On this site you will find information on Puerto Rico Massage Therapy organizations, programs/schools, skills and accreditation.

Puerto Rico massage therapy organizations are committed to:

• Improving educational programs through development of teaching materials, programs, and education of instructors and administrators.
• Protecting and preserving the diversity of massage and bodywork styles and the individuality of member schools.
• Developing a means of actively interacting with legislators to guide the enactment of laws that will protect and further the art of massage/bodywork as a vocation.
• Developing group marketing plans to draw more students to choose massage/bodywork as a career.

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Statistics

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Accreditation and Certification Organizations

National Certification Exam (NCBTMB)
COMTA
The mission of the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, a non-profit independent body, is to maintain and improve quality assurance in massage therapy and bodywork education in Puerto Rico by recognizing post secondary schools and programs through an accreditation process. Schools and programs achieve this recognition by continually demonstrating their compliance with and commitment to standards developed and monitored by the Commission. This process assures that students receive quality education and training, and therefore, that the industry receives competently trained practitioners and the public receives quality services.

American Massage Therapy Association
The mission of the American Massage Therapy Association is to develop and advance the art, science and practice of massage therapy in a caring, professional and ethical manner in Puerto Rico, in order to promote the health and welfare of humanity.

American CranioSacral Therapy Association
The American CranioSacral Therapy Association (ACSTA) represents and promotes the interests and concerns of the CranioSacral Therapy profession. Membership in Puerto Rico is open to all CranioSacral Therapy practitioners and proponents of this modality originated and developed by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM.

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
In addition to insurance, business support and educational resources, your ABMP membership in Puerto Rico ensures you will receive a personalized and professional staff at your service advocating for your needs. We know the field and we've been helping professionals like you since 1987. It's what we do, and that's why our credo is "Expect More." Please call our toll-free number if you have any questions or comments: 800/458-2267.

Massage and Body Work Resource Center

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Organization FAQs

Does the gender of the Puerto Rico massage therapist make a difference?
The short answer is no. There is a perception that male therapists can give a deeper massage, and in many cases this is true. In general, however, nothing about a therapist's gender will give you a clue about the style or quality of the massage they give.

In reality, many people are nervous about receiving a massage from one gender or the other. Most women prefer a massage from a woman, and most men prefer a massage from a woman. Some people are more comfortable receiving a massage from a person of the same gender, some from a person of the opposite gender. While no professional wants their services refused based upon their gender, they also realize that if you're too nervous about who is giving you the massage, then you won't be able to relax and enjoy it.

What are the designations for Puerto Rico massage therapists?

Licensed Massage Therapist - Official or legal permission to charge money to perform massage therapy within a given county or within particular city limits.

Registered Massage Therapist - In order to become a registered massage therapist most states require you to pass specific government board examinations, which consist of a written and practical portion.

Certified Massage Therapist - Certification varies from state to state. Typically you will be required to take an examination that includes written and practical components to become certified.

Massage Practitioner - A massage practitioner is typically anyone who massages clients and/or administers other body conditioning treatments to promote, maintain, or restore health and well-being. Massage body using hands or vibrating equipment. Related job titles include: massage therapist, bodywork practitioner, bodyworker, muscle therapist, massotherapist, or somatic therapist practitioner.

Massage Apprentice - A brief apprenticeship with a successful massage professional is an excellent way to see if you really want to practice massage. Ask a massage professional you respect to apprentice you. Expect to pay their regular hourly rate for a few hours of training. You will know very quickly if a massage career is for you.

What does a Puerto Rico massage therapist's license or certification mean?
A license means that a massage therapist has met the requirements and paid the fee to legally practice massage in that area. In some places the massage is regulated by the state, others are regulated by the town or municipality. Many places have no licensing requirements. To get a license, a massage therapist will usually have to have a minimum of hours of training at an accredited or accepted school or training center. This varies widely, from 100 hours in some places to over 1000 hours in others.

Certification means that the therapist has successfully passed a specific course or test and been granted a certificate to bear out that fact. This may range from courses in pregnancy and neo-natal massage, to different modalities like Hellerwork. There is also a written national certification test for massage therapists.

What kind of licensing do I need for Puerto Rico massage therapy?

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Certification and Accreditation

The American Massage Therapy Association defines massage therapy as "a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques and may apply adjunctive therapies with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client."

Therapeutic massage is often used for aid in recovery from injury, stress relief and relaxation, and as treatment for illness or pain. Techniques can be varied and specialized, but most commonly fall into several basic categories, such as Swedish, trigger point, neuromuscular, deep tissue and sports massage. Massage therapists work in hospitals, chiropractic offices, health clubs, nursing homes, cruise ships, on site (in airports, at public events, etc.) and spas, among other places.

Massage therapists have dedicated themselves to making other people’s lives fuller, happier and healthier. Massage therapists give so much of themselves to their client. A solid foundation is necessary to provide the care and attention your client deserves. Knowing which certifications and accreditations are necessary in your area will be a good starting point for a successful massage therapists practice.

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Puerto Rico State Massage - Certification and Licensing

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Certification and Licensing Organizations

The following national organizations can familiarize you with proper massage therapy procedures and give you support. By keeping in contact with the massage therapy community you will be able to stay up-to-date on practice development tips, the latest research and new techniques for working with clients. You’ll also find information on managing the business of your practice by finding intelligent answers fast. Some of the organizations have chapters in your state near you to give you a closer massage therapy community.

Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
COMTA
The mission of the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, a non-profit independent body, is to maintain and improve quality assurance in massage therapy and bodywork education by recognizing post secondary schools and programs through an accreditation process. Schools and programs achieve this recognition by continually demonstrating their compliance with and commitment to standards developed and monitored by the Commission. This process assures that students receive quality education and training, and therefore, that the industry receives competently trained practitioners and the public receives quality services.

Earth Spirit Massage
This is the latest information we have for those states which have enacted state-wide licensing or registration laws for massage therapy and/or bodywork. Several other states have considered, are considering or have passed, but not enabled legislation. In the states not listed, massage therapy is either totally unregulated or regulated by a local government, i.e. city or county.

American Massage Therapy Association
The mission of the American Massage Therapy Association is to develop and advance the art, science and practice of massage therapy in a caring, professional and ethical manner in order to promote the health and welfare of humanity.

American CranioSacral Therapy Association
The American CranioSacral Therapy Association (ACSTA) represents and promotes the interests and concerns of the CranioSacral Therapy profession. Membership is open to all CranioSacral Therapy practitioners and proponents of this modality originated and developed by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM.

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Certification FAQs

What does a Puerto Rico massage therapist's license or certification mean?
A license means that a massage therapist has met the requirements and paid the fee to legally practice massage in that area. In some places the massage is regulated by the state, others are regulated by the town or municipality. Many places have no licensing requirements. To get a license, a massage therapist will usually have to have a minimum of hours of training at an accredited or accepted school or training center. This varies widely, from 100 hours in some places to over 1000 hours in others.

Certification means that the therapist has successfully passed a specific course or test and been granted a certificate to bear out that fact. This may range from courses in pregnancy and neo-natal massage, to different modalities like Hellerwork. There is also a written national certification test for massage therapists.

Does the gender of the Puerto Rico massage therapist make a difference?
The short answer is no. There is a perception that male therapists can give a deeper massage, and in many cases this is true. In general, however, nothing about a therapist's gender will give you a clue about the style or quality of the massage they give.

In reality, many people are nervous about receiving a massage from one gender or the other. Most women prefer a massage from a woman, and most men prefer a massage from a woman. Some people are more comfortable receiving a massage from a person of the same gender, some from a person of the opposite gender. While no professional wants their services refused based upon their gender, they also realize that if you're too nervous about who is giving you the massage, then you won't be able to relax and enjoy it.

What are the designations for Puerto Rico massage therapists?

Licensed Massage Therapist - Official or legal permission to charge money to perform massage therapy within a given county or within particular city limits.

Registered Massage Therapist - In order to become a registered massage therapist most states require you to pass specific government board examinations, which consist of a written and practical portion.

Certified Massage Therapist - Certification varies from state to state. Typically you will be required to take an examination that includes written and practical components to become certified.

Massage Practitioner - A massage practitioner is typically anyone who massages clients and/or administers other body conditioning treatments to promote, maintain, or restore health and well-being. Massage body using hands or vibrating equipment. Related job titles include: massage therapist, bodywork practitioner, bodyworker, muscle therapist, massotherapist, or somatic therapist practitioner.

Massage Apprentice - A brief apprenticeship with a successful massage professional is an excellent way to see if you really want to practice massage. Ask a massage professional you respect to apprentice you. Expect to pay their regular hourly rate for a few hours of training. You will know very quickly if a massage career is for you.

Is there a code of ethics all massage therapists should practice?
Yes, there are some standards of behavior that are followed by all health care professionals. As the goal of massage therapy is health related, whether its physical, emotional or mental well-being, adhering to a code of conduct will ensure that the massage experience is a good one for both the practitioner and the client.

Following are some general guidelines of conduct:

• Have a sincere commitment to provide the highest quality of care to those that seek their professional services.
• Represent your qualifications honestly, including their educational achievements and professional affiliations, and will provide only those services which they are qualified to perform.
• Accurately inform clients, other health care practitioners, and the public of the scope and limitations of their discipline.
• Acknowledge the limitations of and contraindications for massage and bodywork and refer clients to appropriate health professionals.
• Provide treatment only where there is reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the client.
• Consistently maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence, striving for professional excellence through regular assessment of personal and professional strengths and weaknesses and through continued education training.
• Conduct business and professional activities with honesty and integrity, and respect the inherent worth of all persons.
• Refuse to unjustly discriminate against clients or other health professionals.
• Safeguard the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is required by law, court order, or is absolutely necessary for the protection of the public.
• Respect the client’s right to treatment with informed and voluntary consent. The massage therapist should obtain and record the informed consent of the client, or client’s advocate, before providing treatment. This consent may be written or verbal.
• Respect the client’s right to refuse, modify, or terminate treatment regardless of prior consent given
• Provide draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the client.
• Exercise the right to refuse to treat any person or part of the body for just and reasonable cause.
• Refrain, under all circumstances, from initiating or engaging in any sexual conduct, sexual activities, or sexualizing behavior involving a client, even if the client attempts to sexualize the relationship.
• Avoid any interest, activity or influence which might be in conflict with the practitioner’s obligation to act in the best interests of the client or the profession.
• Respect the client’s boundaries with regard to privacy, disclosure, exposure, emotional expression, beliefs, and the client’s reasonable expectations of professional behavior. Practitioners will respect the client’s autonomy.
• Refuse any gifts or benefits which are intended to influence a referral, decision or treatment that are purely for personal gain and not for the good of the client.

What's the likelihood of injuries from under trained practitioners?
Two recent peer-reviewed papers (Grant, KE, 2003; Ernst E, 2003) have reviewed over forty years of indexed medical literature for injuries caused by massage. Both papers concluded that such injury is a true rarity. Professional liability insurance offered by major organizations adds only about $65 to annual dues, indicative of very low rates of injury occurrence and extent. A paper by Studdert et al. (1998) reports insurance data from 1993 through 1996 indicating only 0.79 paid claims per 1000 insured for the practice of massage. The average indemnity for paid claims was approximately $6000. The likelihood of injury for basic entry-level massage is, on mechanistic grounds, substantially lower than that for more invasive techniques. As noted in One Scope of Massage Practice (pdf file), commonly used levels of licensing do not address specific training for more technical levels of practice.

Why Regulate Massage?
Professional, educated, therapeutic massage therapists prefer that laws be enacted that will regulate massage therapy. They want these laws for a couple of reasons:

• To remove the stigma massage has of being merely a sensual / sexual activity.
• Massage laws will ensure that people who use massage for health and wellness will get the most competent, professional, ethical, and effective treatment possible.

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Programs

Over the past two decades message therapy has grown in popularity throughout Puerto Rico, not only as a luxury but as a total health tool. Massage is used in intensive care units, for children, elderly people, babies in incubators, and patients with cancer, AIDS, heart attacks, or strokes. Most American hospices have some kind of bodywork therapy available, and it is frequently offered in health centers, drug treatment clinics, and pain clinics. Anyone and everyone can benefit from the physical, mental and emotional healing of massage therapy. From athletes to physical laborers, from actors to housewives, and electricians to artists, everyone benefits from relaxing massage therapy.

Now is a great time to be thinking about going into massage therapy as a career. Puerto Rico massage therapy is an exploding industry. Some of the benefits of being a massage therapist include: helping others, becoming more in tune with your own body and its rhythms, large choice of where you want to work, flexible work schedule, the option of self-employment.

What does a Puerto Rico massage therapist do?
Therapeutic massage involves the use of manual soft tissue mobilization to promote health and wellness. Recent scientific studies have documented the many positive physical, mental, and emotional effects of massage.

Individuals who are licensed massage therapists may work in a variety of settings including their home, hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, sports facilities, spas, or home health agencies. Massage Therapists work in the day and evening hours. They may also work weekends or weekdays depending on how they choose to practice.

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Schools

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Resources

Massage Therapy 101
Internet based site to provide information on massage therapy to students and others.

Massage Practice Builder
Helpful tips on building a successful massage therapy practice.

Massage Therapy Books
The Massage Therapy Career Focus Workbook
Massage Marketing Strategies

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Program FAQs

What are the designations for Puerto Rico massage therapists?

Licensed Massage Therapist - Official or legal permission to charge money to perform massage therapy within a given county or within particular city limits.

Registered Massage Therapist - In order to become a registered massage therapist most states require you to pass specific government board examinations, which consist of a written and practical portion.

Certified Massage Therapist - Certification varies from state to state. Typically you will be required to take an examination that includes written and practical components to become certified.

Massage Practitioner - A massage practitioner is typically anyone who massages clients and/or administers other body conditioning treatments to promote, maintain, or restore health and well-being. Massage body using hands or vibrating equipment. Related job titles include: massage therapist, bodywork practitioner, bodyworker, muscle therapist, massotherapist, or somatic therapist practitioner.

Massage Apprentice - A brief apprenticeship with a successful massage professional is an excellent way to see if you really want to practice massage. Ask a massage professional you respect to apprentice you. Expect to pay their regular hourly rate for a few hours of training. You will know very quickly if a massage career is for you.

Does the gender of the Puerto Rico massage therapist make a difference?
The short answer is no. There is a perception that male therapists can give a deeper massage, and in many cases this is true. In general, however, nothing about a therapist's gender will give you a clue about the style or quality of the massage they give.

In reality, many people are nervous about receiving a massage from one gender or the other. Most women prefer a massage from a woman, and most men prefer a massage from a woman. Some people are more comfortable receiving a massage from a person of the same gender, some from a person of the opposite gender. While no professional wants their services refused based upon their gender, they also realize that if you're too nervous about who is giving you the massage, then you won't be able to relax and enjoy it.

What does a Puerto Rico massage therapist's license or certification mean?
A license means that a massage therapist has met the requirements and paid the fee to legally practice massage in that area. In some places the massage is regulated by the state, others are regulated by the town or municipality. Many places have no licensing requirements. To get a license, a massage therapist will usually have to have a minimum of hours of training at an accredited or accepted school or training center. This varies widely, from 100 hours in some places to over 1000 hours in others.

Certification means that the therapist has successfully passed a specific course or test and been granted a certificate to bear out that fact. This may range from courses in pregnancy and neo-natal massage, to different modalities like Hellerwork. There is also a written national certification test for massage therapists.

What is the average salary for Puerto Rico Massage Therapists?


What is the average cost for Puerto Rico massage therapy schools?

What kind of licensing do I need for Puerto Rico massage therapy?

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Puerto Rico Massage Therapy - Cities

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