Why Does CMMOTA Require Continuing Education? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just to Keep You Busy)
Ever found yourself wondering, “Why does CMMOTA make us do continuing education for massage therapy and manual osteopathic therapy?” Great question. And the answer might actually help you figure out what kind of courses to take next (and maybe even get a little excited about it—we said maybe).
Here’s the deal: continuing education exists for two big reasons.
Reason #1: Because science won’t sit still.
Massage therapy and manual osteopathic therapy are part of the health services world—and in that world, change is the name of the game. New research, better understanding of the body, and evolving treatment approaches mean what you learned in school might be due for a tune-up.
Take this for example: not long ago, massage therapy for people undergoing cancer treatment was a hard no. Like, “don’t even think about it” levels of no. Fast forward to today, and we now know that, with the right training, massage therapy can actually be part of a cancer patient’s care plan. There’s even a whole area of study dedicated to oncology massage. That’s a pretty big shift in just a decade—and a solid reason to stay current.
Refresher courses aren’t just re-runs of your original training. They often include the latest research and best practices, helping you stay sharp and support your clients with evidence-based care. It’s like updating your phone—except it’s your brain, and instead of new emojis, you get better outcomes for your clients.
Reason #2: Because more tools = more awesome.
Beyond brushing up on what you already know, continuing education is a chance to expand your toolkit. Think: hot stones, cupping, advanced assessments, special tests, and even non-hands-on skills like business management, marketing, and bookkeeping. (Yes, bookkeeping. We know—it’s not as glamorous as cupping, but your future self will thank you.)
Some of these skills might not have been included in your original training, but they can make a big difference in how you practice—and how you run your practice.
So, What’s the Point of All This?
Whether you’re polishing up old skills or picking up new ones, continuing education helps you stay competent, confident, and current. It’s about being the kind of therapist who not only keeps up with the times—but maybe even gets a little ahead of them.
Let’s face it: staying awesome takes work. But we promise it’s worth it.