Not All Massage Is Created Equal
Why Training, Licensing, and Standards Matter More Than Ever
By Forrest Richardson, Senior Touch Massage Professionals
Let me be blunt.
Just because someone says they “do massage”… doesn’t mean they should be anywhere near your body.
That might sound harsh… but this is exactly the problem we’re seeing more and more.
The 800-Hour Difference
In the Northeast, high-quality massage schools require 800 hours of accredited, hands-on, in-person training.
Think about that.
800 hours learning:
Anatomy
Physiology
Proper technique
Contraindications
Safety protocols
This isn’t a weekend certification.
This isn’t an online course.
This is serious, structured education.
So Let Me Ask the Question Nobody Wants to Ask…
Nobody is out there pretending to be:
A physical therapist
A nurse
A chiropractor
A doctor
Because they can’t.
There are standards. Licensing. Accountability.
So why is it…
People feel comfortable claiming they “practice massage” without that same level of training?
This Isn’t Relaxation… This Is Health
Massage isn’t just about “feeling good.”
It involves:
Neuropathy
Scar tissue
Circulation
Recovery
Stability
You’re dealing with muscles, nerves, and tissue that directly impact someone’s quality of life.
Done correctly, it helps.
Done incorrectly?
It can make things worse.
What the Law Actually Says
In Massachusetts, massage is clearly defined as:
The systematic treatment of soft tissue
Using pressure, friction, kneading, and movement
With the intent to enhance or restore health and well-being
And just as important…
A massage therapist or practitioner must be licensed to provide massage for compensation.
No guesswork.
No gray area.
The Real Risk
When someone untrained offers massage services, you’re not just risking a bad experience.
You’re risking:
Injury
Aggravating existing conditions
Poor technique that creates long-term issues
Lack of understanding of medical history
And perhaps most concerning…
No accountability.
Why Senior Touch Takes This Seriously
At Senior Touch Massage Professionals, this isn’t a side hustle.
This isn’t “something we added to the menu.”
This is what we do… and we do it the right way.
That means:
Licensed professionals
Properly trained practitioners
People who understand the needs of seniors
A system built around safety, consistency, and trust
Because when you’re working with seniors…
There is no room for shortcuts.
The Bottom Line
If you’re choosing a massage professional based on convenience or price alone…
You’re asking the wrong question.
The real question is:
Are they qualified to touch you or your loved one?
If the answer isn’t a clear, confident yes…
Keep looking.
Or Make It Simple
Choose the team that already meets the highest standards.
Senior Touch Massage Professionals
Because this isn’t just massage.
It’s care.
Call Senior Touch Massage Professionals to schedule.
(508) 319-9568
