Massage Therapy & Bodywork

What is the difference between Licensed Massage Therapist and a Bodyworker?

For the purposes of wellpdx, we have created these two different categories because so many different forms of manual manipulation aren't well defined by "massage therapy".

For example, shiatsu, tui na, and other forms of Asian bodywork are based more in the field of energetic systems (like acupuncture) than they are in the field of muscle manipulation. This category distinction also allows us to include other non-LMT practitioners who have a license to touch, but who do not fit into the LMT or other listed categories.

Important: In both categories, "Licensed Massage Therapist" and "Bodyworker", practitioners in the State of Oregon are required to be licensed and wellpdx only lists those who are.

More about Massage & Bodywork:

Massage therapy has been used as a part of healthcare for over 5,000 years worldwide. Currently, massage is most often used for stress-reduction and relaxation, but its uses and benefits can go far beyond these basic aims.

Many of us experience daily or periodic bodily discomfort and will consider medication or surgery as our first or primary options. Advanced practitioners of massage and bodywork can help you understand your body, it’s reactions to pain and restriction, and how you can move forward to a more comfortable relationship with your body.

There are many specialties of massage therapy and each practitioner brings her or his own touch to the practice. Yet despite their differences, almost all forms of massage therapy are intended to address each individual holistically in order to help the client achieve their best possible health.

The best way to find out if you can benefit from bodywork is to talk to several therapists, experience a few sessions, and see for yourself how transformative this approach can be.

All wellpdx massage therapists are overseen by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists.