Before legislation passed last month, anyone -- even a barber -- could have claimed to be a massage therapist in Pennsylvania, Aaron Pavlechko, director of education at the Central Pennsylvania School of Massage, said.
The new law prevents unqualified persons from making these claims, Bob Caton, spokesperson for Rep. Keith McCall, D-Carbon, said. McCall was the legislation's primary sponsor.
Pennsylvania now requires all massage therapists to hold certification before performing therapy, Caton said.
Acquiring certification includes 600 hours of in-class education, a final examination and 24 hours of continued education every two years. Education must be administered by the Department of Education and testing must be completed by a professional testing organization, according to a press release from McCall's office.
Currently practicing therapists could be allowed into the program if they meet certain criteria, the press released stated.
"We want people to be treated like professionals and be accepted by the medical community," Caton said. "Legitimate massage therapists are often victimized by unqualified people who just hang signs claiming they are professionals."
Before the law was enacted, the medical community did not consider massage as a form of therapy or rehabilitation, Pavlechko, director of the School of Massage, 336 S. Fraser St., said.
"I'm very excited it passed because it will hopefully give those who are qualified more legitimacy and also hopefully increase the number of referrals from the medical community to start using massage as another form of treatment," Pavlechko said.
Scott Cicero (freshman-architectural engineering) said it is shocking to think Pennsylvania did not require any sort of legitimacy or certification before this legislation.
"I wasn't aware of this before, but now if I ever go to get a massage I will definitely check to see if the person is qualified and whether or not they hold certification," Cicero said.
Now that Pennsylvania requires certification, students like Ashley Bogdash are more encouraged to get a massage.
"I'm surprised it didn't exist before because anyone could be touching you, but now that the state requires certification I would definitely be more encouraged to go get a massage," Bogdash (freshman-engineering) said.
Legitimacy provides a level of comfort for those receiving treatment, Pavlechko said.
"I hope people will now be motivated to use massage therapy as treatment for any sort of illness or injury because the law will give people more comfort knowing they are well taken care of by legitimate therapists," he added.
The issue has generated a great deal of positive feedback from those who were concerned about the lack of certification, Caton said.
"We have received numerous e-mails from pleased consumers who once expressed concerns," Caton said. "This is because the law gives municipalities the ability to crack down on people who are not qualified."
People who hold certification will most likely profit from the legislation because those who are less qualified will lose business, Bogdash said.
"Illegitimate people will lose business or be forced to acquire certification which will generate a healthier environment," Pavlechko said.
