Why Having a Trade Matters: How I Became a Professional Massage Therapist... and What It Actually Means

I've always enjoyed hands-on activities. Kneading modeling clay figures used to be my favorite pastime. After studying economics, I worked in finance and accounting for over 15 years, and in February 2021, I returned to kneading figures by starting a massage therapy course at a post-secondary school.

I started my studies in the winter semester (recruitment is held every six months). Students typically choose September, and February is a time for those who have decided to make a change in their lives with the new year. It was still a pandemic, so we started with online theoretical classes. The first practical classes had the feel of secret meetings, before school finally reopened and resumed its normal routine.

I studied on weekends, so I devoted almost all my free days during my four semesters to learning about the human body and massage techniques. During the week, I worked in the accounting team of the Nowy Styl Group's foreign companies. Most of my vacation time was spent on mandatory internships at health resorts (Ustka and Ustroń) and at the Neurology Department of Dietl Hospital in Krakow.

Massage internship at the Przylesie Resort in Ustka

I passed the state professional exam before the examination board in January 2023. The exam consists of a theoretical and practical section. The first is a multiple-choice test consisting of random questions drawn from a database updated annually. Sample question:

When using deep rubbing during a massage, avoid A. MacKenzie zones. B. existing areas of edema. C. myogelosis. D. adhesions. (Answer B is correct).

The second part of the exam consists of written and practical tasks. The questions are open-ended and related to the topic of the practical task, for example, name the muscles you will be massaging. I had to demonstrate my knowledge of the names of the muscles on the front of the forearm. I prepared for this at home using an anatomy coloring book. Incidentally, it's hard to find a set of colored pencils with a gray crayon ;)

Muscles Acting on the Wrist and Hand Joints – Anatomy Coloring Book

In the practical part of the exam, you perform a therapeutic massage according to the instructions on the exam card. My exam task involved performing a tensegrity massage. This is a Polish concept of fascial massage, not very popular, but has been taught in the "massage technician" program since 2012 (to avoid the impression that the curriculum is stuck in a bygone era). It's impossible to get a tensegrity massage at a rehabilitation clinic, and it was the first time in the history of the exams that it happened. Classical massage reigns supreme, but lymphatic drainage, isometric massage, and centrifugal massage are also available. Fortunately, I was prepared for this situation thanks to my teacher for the "Massage in Medicine" course, masseuse and physiotherapist Marta Krupa , who for two years imparted the knowledge and skills and prepared my group for this challenging moment.

Photo with my Vocational Diploma certifying my professional qualifications as a Massage Technician

In March 2023, I received my Professional Diploma. What does a Professional Diploma in Massage Therapy entail?

1. You can frame it (okay, it's not important, but your first instinct is to frame it).

2. You can register in the Central Register of Persons Authorized to Practice the Medical Profession, thus instilling greater confidence among those seeking a qualified and licensed massage therapist. Anyone entered in the register who practices one of the 15 medical professions listed in the Act of August 17, 2023, on Certain Medical Professions can be found in the online register: https://rizm.ezdrowie.gov.pl/

3. Registration with the RIZM is a requirement for employment in the medical profession at a healthcare facility, and such experience is invaluable for any massage therapist. In my case, it was two years and nine months of part-time work at the Day Rehabilitation Ward, treating nine patients daily for 15 minutes of massage.

4. You can (and should) purchase voluntary professional liability insurance, which covers personal injury and property damage (touch wood, but sometimes it happens). It is unavailable to unlicensed massage therapists because insurers do not want to take on the risk of insuring the activities of people without formal qualifications.

There are also some responsibilities that rest with massage technicians:

1. The rights of the patient must be respected, such as the right to privacy and dignity, the right to keep information related to him confidential, etc.

2. A health interview should be conducted, any contraindications to massage should be checked, and the course of the visit should be documented.

3. You must participate in advanced training courses and training and earn 200 educational points over 5 years of education.

And now, finally, the question: can you be a professional massage therapist without the title of Massage Technician?

YES. First, many physiotherapists practice massage. Massage techniques are taught in the basic physiotherapy curriculum for one semester, but there are many opportunities to supplement these techniques through courses. Massage technicians also take advantage of these opportunities. Massage is also practiced by members of other medical professions, such as caregivers, etc.

Another group of massage practitioners are those with non-medical education who have acquired their massage knowledge through courses or training in massage, such as oriental massage. This education isn't always accompanied by anatomy studies or a thorough understanding of the medical aspects of massage. Clients' health issues are sometimes so complex that even a qualified therapist will refer the patient for a medical consultation before a massage and request a medical certificate authorizing the massage. This makes it even more important for the therapist to be aware of potential risks. A list of contraindications and a health interview script can be found on my website at the link: BEFORE YOUR VISIT

I recently noticed a video filmed by the son of a woman whose massage therapist caused a spinal fracture. This can happen as a result of pressure exerted on the spine, for example, in cases of advanced osteoporosis. The visit was undocumented and took place in a private home, so there was no way to hold the therapist accountable. These days, we're reluctant to provide our personal information, but remember that entering data into electronic medical records (e.g., those maintained in the MedFile system) guarantees us access to the therapist's insurance if an accident occurs during a session.

If you have any doubts about whether a massage session is appropriate for your health, please contact me before booking your treatment. I will do my best to advise you and address your concerns. While this doesn't replace medical advice, I'm happy to share my experience at a rehabilitation clinic. You can schedule a consultation using the form below, or simply send a message by phone, online, or using the contact form. I INVITE YOU.