MADISON (WPR) State lawmakers are considering better regulation of massage therapists, by licensure instead of certification.

Once just a luxury, massage is now frequently used to ease mental stress and physical trauma. Training and expertise vary, according to  Carol Ostendorf. She's a licensed physical therapist who runs Lakeside School of Massage Therapy in Milwaukee.  Ostendorf says someone can read a book on massage, open a business and provide a massage and consumers don’t know the difference.

Ostendorf supports a bill by Madison Democrat Terese Berceau that would require certain training standards for massage therapists and body workers, in addition there'd be a state examining board. Berceau says consumers sometimes find their condition is made worse--or even that injury occurs from massage. She says the bill establishes uniform care standards, including referrals from a doctor or physical therapist when needed.

Berceau says the bill will protect consumers. Massage therapists like Ostendorf see another benefit, burnishing their image and weeding out bad actors.

Full story