Massage & Bodywork

May/June 2011

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Myofascial Release and Fibromyalgia Researchers at the University of Almeria in Spain published the results of a study examining the efficacy of myofascial release techniques to improve the quality of life of fibromyalgia sufferers. The study examined 74 fibromyalgia patients by splitting them into groups that received either myofascial release treatments or a placebo over a 20-week period. The patients were surveyed at both one-month and six- month intervals following their last treatment. Those who received myofascial release treatments reported significantly improved quality of life, improved sleep patterns, and reduced anxiety over the placebo group. The results were published in the journal Evidence- Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Spotlight on California: Voluntary Certification that Works Most states that regulate massage therapy have compulsory licensing. New Jersey and Wisconsin started with voluntary certification, but, after attracting fewer than 3,000 therapists each, transitioned to licensure. During voluntary certification, neither state got to sufficient therapist adoption to clearly tip consumer preference. By contrast, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) has certified more than 20,000 massage therapists in just 18 months and anticipates growing to about 30,000 certified individuals by the end of 2012. Even adjusting for differences in state populations, these are large numbers for voluntary certification. There are a couple reasons certification is proving to be more popular in California, despite CAMTC's complex, thorough application process. First, prior to consistent statewide certification, more than 400 cities and counties licensed massage therapists. Most charged hefty fees—a number in the $500–$700 range. In a state where one city almost blends into the next, few extended reciprocity. Most handled regulation through their police departments; some requirements (e.g., sexually transmitted disease testing) and some personnel in those departments made the process demeaning. Under CAMTC, successful applicants may practice anywhere in the state with the same certificate. The fee is $150 for two years; medical tests have been eliminated. CAMTC certification is rapidly becoming the norm for California practitioners. As the number of certified individuals continues to grow, consumers may begin to expect having their massage therapists be certified. Contributing to this growing consumer preference is the fact that CAMTC is screening out a significant fraction of applicants with academic or background issues, a majority of whom had been able to secure city permits. As the CAMTC evolves, it's working hard to ensure the state is populated with quality therapists. Of course, the more consumers seek out CAMTC-certified therapists, the more therapists will seek the credential. In California, this is a virtuous circle. For more information, visit www.camtc.org. earn CE hours at your convenience: abmp's online education center, www.abmp.com 15

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