Letter: Not all massage therapists are the same - Amarillo.com

[massage]

The news in Amarillo over the past few days has sparked a bit of conversation.

Law enforcement actions at several “massage parlors” have drawn negative attention to an industry that impacts my business, as well as that of several friends.

I would like to express my thanks to the agencies that cracked down on businesses that are using the massage industry as a front for illegal activity.

For the past several years, I have been concerned about some of these places popping up around Amarillo.

I think I can speak for most licensed massage therapists when I say it has been a long awaited action by the city and state. Thank you.

Massage therapy is a valuable part of the health and wellness of society. Massage, if done correctly by a trained therapist, has many health benefits.

We spend a lot of time learning and developing our skills to help people who suffer from stress-related disabilities, injuries and physical as well as mental fatigue.

Massage therapy goes back to the beginning of time, and historically has been a part of every society’s wellness programs. Unfortunately, it has also been exploited to promote unsavory and illegal business practices.

I have been a therapist in Amarillo since 1996. My colleagues and I have always had to deal with negative comments.

But over the years I have been blessed with a great clientele of people that understand how helpful and important massage is to their lives. I thank them for helping me be successful as a massage therapist.

For the people concerned about getting a massage or think that massage is a bad thing, let me put their mind at ease. There are approximately 150 licensed massage therapists in the Amarillo area. We are regulated by Texas State Department of Health, and are required to complete 500 hours of classroom education, over 50 hours of hands-on application and must pass a licensing exam. We are required to do continuing education. We love what we do, and are proud to serve our clients.

Look for a therapist that has a current massage license displayed at their business. If there are two or more therapists practicing at the same business location, they should have a massage establishment license displayed. These are required by the state, so don’t be afraid to ask to see them.

Remember that each therapist has a slightly different technique. If you don’t like a therapist’s technique, try a different therapist. The right therapist is out there, so keep searching.

As a therapist that is proud of our industry, I have always been eager to promote the success of other therapists. If you want to know who I recommend or want to know more about how massage can benefit you, please call me and I will be glad to help.

Robert T. Mitchell, LMT

Back to Basics Massage Studio

Amarillo

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