A Touch Of History: What's In A Name

Did you know there is an interesting history of how Arkansas massage practitioners have chosen to identify themselves throughout the decades?

1950s

At the time of the Massage Registration Act of 1951, the words "masseur" and "masseuse" were common place terms (albeit french and gendered, and nowadays used to refer to those engaging in illicit or sex work). These outdated terms were even featured in the law itself!

1960s

In the early 60s, the Arkansas Massage Operators Association was formed, obviously calling themselves "Massage Operators" or simply "Operators". I assume this must have lead to confusing a massage operator with a telephone operator.

1970s

In the 1970s, the genderless term "Massage Therapist" was gaining popularity across the United States. There is much historical research yet to do and be uncovered for Arkansas during this decade.

1980s

However, in 1981, Arkansas introduced a new law and adopted the identity of "Massage Technologists". The Arkansas State Board (overseeing the regulation of the profession) was even renamed to be the Arkansas State Board Of Therapy Technology. So Eighties!

1990s

In the 1990s, those who practiced massage and bodywork began officially calling themselves "Massage Therapists" and the Board was once again rename to the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy (ASBMT). And in carrying over a tradition from the 80s, kept the tiered licensing model of Licensed Massage Therapist (LMTs), Master Massage Therapist (MMTs), and Massage Therapists Instructor (MTIs).

2010s

Although not a distinct shift in identifying language for the individual, it is always worth acknowledging that 2015 saw the abolishment of the ASBMT and all duties and responsibilities of the Board were transferred to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and a Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee (MTTAC) was formed to help regulate the practice of massage and bodywork in Arkansas.

2020s

And finally, the 2021 Earn & Learn Act, which established Apprenticeship programs as an alternative path of education for massage therapy, would lead to massage student and massage apprentice permits to be issued by the Department of Health in 2024.

This evolution of language and how massage practitioners have identify our profession is fascinating. Particularly in Arkansas as one of the oldest states in the country to regulate massage.

Accompanying Vlog: https://youtube.com/shorts/2wqyMXrJM7I?si=JwYXQHrJDAvLM0O4

Peace and Healing,

Kirby Clark Ellis, MTI, BCTMB