No, they are not. Michigan is one of only 14 states that does not license massage therapists. Each city can create their own ordinances to
regulate massage therapy and massage establishments. Sterling Heights and Livonia have very strict regulations, requiring annual review and
renewal. All Allied Massage therapists are licensed in their city, and are also Nationally Certified by the NCBTMB (National Certification Board
for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork), which is a voluntary certification requiring graduation from a licensed school, and a written exam by>
the NCBTMB. Always ask your massage therapist if they are licensed or certified.
Ask your therapist if they belong to a professional association. Most massage therapists will belong to at least one professional association,
such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the American Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), or the International
Massage Association (IMA). Members of these groups uphold the highest standards for professionalism and ethics in the industry. Involvement
in the community and local business groups, like the Chamber of Commerce, is also a good indicator that your massage therapist has high
business standards, and is held accountable to those organizations
Good questions to ask a new therapist are:
• Are you Nationally Certified?
• Are you licensed ?
•How many hours of training did you receive? (A good massage program is at least 500 hours)
•Do you belong to any professional organizations?
•Are you certified in a special modality? (for example, Allied Massage therapists are Certified in Orthopedic Massage)
•How long have you been in practice?
•Where do you work? (Many therapists work in spas, doctor's offices or their own offices. Some work out of their homes. You must decide
whether you are willing to take the risk of visiting a therapist in their home. In many cities, it is not legal to practice massage in a home.
Check your City Clerk's office for your city's rules.
With professional massage therapy, some of the benefits you may experience are: relief from muscular tension and pain, a decrease in muscle
spasms, an increase in the circulation of blood throughout the body, an increase in range of motion in joints restricted by soft tissue dysfunction,
an increase in lymph flow, and relief from stress. Individual results vary from person to person.
Your body will tell you when you need a massage. Some people require only a few sessions over several days, in order to treat a specific
problem. Others may need monthly massages due to a physically taxing job or high stress levels.
Personal Injury Protection (P.I.P.) under your automobile insurance may cover massage therapy following an auto accident. A prescription for
massage therapy from your doctor is required for this type of Medical Massage Check with your adjuster for details. With a prescription
from your primary health care provider, worker's compensation plans may also cover massage therapy. At present, few health insurance
companies cover massage therapy, but this may change. Check your policy for current coverage, and monitor it for changes.
If you have never had a massage before, here is what you can expect at Allied Massage.
• Upon arrival you will be warmly greeted, then asked to complete a brief health history. Following completion of the form, your massage
therapist will reveiw your information to ensure there are no medical conditions that would be aggravated by massage (contratindications
to massage). NOTE: Always inform your therapist if you have a medical condition. Some conditions require close communication between your doctor and your massage therapist. Allied Massage therapists will gladly provide regular progress reports to your health care providers.
• You may want to use the restroom now, before your session begins.
• In the massage room, the therapist will instruct you as to where to hang your clothes, will adjust the lights, the music level and the heated
pad on the massage table. Make sure to place your jewelry and eyeglasses in the convenient container provided for you.
• Your therapist will instruct you to disrobe to your comfort level ,once they leave the room. If you prefer to leave on some or all of your under
garments, please do so. If you prefer to to remove them, please do so. Once you get onto the table, cover yourself with the sheets and
blankets and relax. Your therapist will be with you shortly. Your therapist will tell you to lay face down, or face up.
• Your therapist will knock on the door, and ask if you are ready for them to enter. Once given permission the therapist will enter the treatment
room, closing the door behind themselves
• Pillows and bolsters will be placed under your legs, feet or stomach, to ensure your comfort.
• Now you can relax! If the therapist needs to you move, they will ask you
• You must let your therapist know how the pressure is during the massage. Let them know if the pressure is too deep, or too light. They will
appreciate your feedback. Massage does not have to hurt in order to address a problem. In fact, pressure that is too deep may cause the
body to tighten against the therapist's hands, resulting in an ineffective massage session.
• As the massage comes to a close, your therapist will ask you how you are feeling. They will quietly leave the room, allowing you time to get
dressed and collect all your personal effects.
• Once you are back in the reception area, you will meet your therapist, perhaps have a drink of water, set your next appointment if you wish
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