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and where they are located: http://www.ncbtmb.com/database /query.html. Many states also make a list of certificate holders available to the public.

Another way to find a therapist is through a national association such as the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA) or the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). Both have educational and ethical requirements for members, and an online listing of therapists.

Once you have a list of therapists to select from, it's a good idea to think about what you are looking for from a massage; if you are a reasonably healthy person just looking to relax, you have different needs then an older person with osteoporosis, an athlete worried about injury, or a pregnant woman. There are several common grouping for massage therapists:
Spa therapists will often offer a variety of massage modalities, including hot stone and lomi-lomi. They may or may not be trained in prenatal massage (if you are pregnant, make sure you ask). They will not have regular experience dealing with medical injuries or disorders. However much training they may have had in medical massage, if they haven't used it in 10 years, they are not the best person to go to for injury recovery, or any serious medical condition.
Medically focused therapists frequently work with chiropractors or out of physical therapy and rehabilitation centers. Some of them work primary treating injuries with 10-30 minute massage on a specific part of the body. Other's are used to giving whole body massage and just giving particular emphasis to an area of the body that needs extra work. They will generally not have much experience in pre-natal massage, though they may be trained in it.
Self employed therapists tend to do a wide range of work. They generally can't offer the wide range of modalities available at a spa, but they will usually offer a very good massage (or they couldn't stay in business) and have regular experience with injuries and medical problems.

There are some forms of massage therapy and bodywork that are trademarked, such as Rolfing and Esalen. Only therapists who have gone to a school licensed by the holder of the trademark can offer these modalities.

If you have a significant or unusual medical problem, it is probably a good idea to talk with your doctor before looking for a therapist. He or she can probably recommend someone that they have worked with before, and knows has the experience to help you.

Once you know what kind of therapist you're

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