Key Point

• Don’t complain about your obligations. Instead, own your career and show it through your professionalism.

As licensed massage therapists, we are obligated to adhere to all laws in our jurisdiction, as well as abide by a code of ethics. Part of that code is a commitment to professionalism, including the commitment to continually improve our professional skills and knowledge. And yet, some massage therapists resent the idea of following the laws in their state. A quick perusal of the comments in massage groups on social media makes that abundantly clear:

• “Why do I have to take continuing education? I already know everything I need to know.”
• “The massage board doesn’t do anything. It’s just a money racket.” 
• “I have nothing to do with human trafficking. Why do I have to hang up a sign?”

These are just a fraction of the complaints that are posted daily. 

Education is never wasted. Instead of being resentful, look at education as something that will do exactly what it’s supposed to do: enhance your skills and knowledge. Attending a live class is an opportunity to gather with colleagues for a day or a weekend, get some good bodywork, or learn something that will enhance your business and bottom line. Online education, such as the hundreds of free courses available to ABMP members, is also valuable. When Pablo Casals, the famous Catalonian cellist, was asked why he continued practicing the cello five or six hours a day well into his 90s, his response was, “Because I think I am making progress.” That’s the way to look at it. 

State massage boards exist for the protection of the public. They license those who are deemed qualified, approve massage schools, conduct disciplinary hearings and investigations, and much more. Boards have the same expenses as any organization, including rent, staff, utilities, internet access, office supplies, printing costs for licenses, and payments for investigators. They can’t operate on a street corner. Incidentally, the board members are often volunteers who work without pay. They may receive per diem for travel and meals for the days of the meetings but they are not paid for their time. The initial licensing fee in many states is $100–$200, with a few states being more expensive. 

It’s true that the majority of us have nothing to do with human trafficking. However, according to the Polaris Project, which exists to fight human trafficking, more than 9,000 illegal massage businesses in the United States use forced labor provided by trafficked victims. It’s an unfortunate association, but it exists, and we should not be resentful of having a sign in our offices. Many public businesses—including all hospitals, restaurants, and department stores—have them. Massage therapists are not being singled out.  

All licensed professionals pay licensing fees, are held accountable by a licensing board, are obligated to take continuing education, and abide by a code of ethics. It’s what you signed up for. Wasting time and energy being resentful of it won’t serve you or make it go away. Instead, take pride in your professionalism.