Here’s a comprehensive list of common abbreviations used in massage therapy, including techniques, certifications, body systems, and related terminology:
Contents
List of Massage Therapy Abbreviations
Massage Techniques and Modalities
- MT: Massage Therapist
- LMT: Licensed Massage Therapist
- CMT: Certified Massage Therapist
- RMT: Registered Massage Therapist
- SMT: Sports Massage Therapist
- NMT: Neuromuscular Therapy
- MFR: Myofascial Release
- PNF: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
- DTM: Deep Tissue Massage
- STM: Soft Tissue Manipulation
- TPT: Trigger Point Therapy
- MMT: Manual Muscle Testing
- Rolfing: Structural Integration (no abbreviation but often referred to by this name)
- CS: Craniosacral Therapy
- LOMI: Lomi Lomi Massage
- ART: Active Release Techniques
- AIS: Active Isolated Stretching
- HST: Hot Stone Therapy
- Tui Na: Traditional Chinese Manual Therapy
- AMMA: Asian Manipulative Massage Application
Certifications and Credentials
- NCBTMB: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- AMTA: American Massage Therapy Association
- ABMP: Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
- CPMT: Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist
- CES: Corrective Exercise Specialist
- CKTP: Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner
- CHT: Certified Hydrotherapist
- CLT: Certified Lymphatic Therapist
- CI: Clinical Instructor
- HHP: Holistic Health Practitioner
Body Systems and Anatomy
- CNS: Central Nervous System
- PNS: Peripheral Nervous System
- ROM: Range of Motion
- AROM: Active Range of Motion
- PROM: Passive Range of Motion
- TP: Trigger Point
- TFL: Tensor Fasciae Latae
- ITB: Iliotibial Band
- QOL: Quality of Life
- MS: Musculoskeletal
- CT: Connective Tissue
- LSD: Long Slow Deep
- HROM: High Range of Motion
- SLR: Straight Leg Raise
- ADL: Activities of Daily Living
- LMT: Latissimus Dorsi
- PSIS: Posterior Superior Iliac Spine
- ASIS: Anterior Superior Iliac Spine
- LBP: Lower Back Pain
- TOS: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Techniques and Related Tools
- FST: Fascial Stretch Therapy
- LDT: Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
- CMT: Clinical Massage Therapy
- Gua Sha: Scraping Therapy (used often as is)
- SMFR: Self-Myofascial Release
- KT: Kinesiology Taping
- FNM: Functional Neuromuscular Massage
- CBD: Cannabidiol (used in massage oils/creams)
- EPT: Essential Pressure Therapy
- HVT: High Velocity Thrust
Health and Wellness Abbreviations
- PT: Physical Therapy
- OT: Occupational Therapy
- DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
- DO: Doctor of Osteopathy
- ND: Naturopathic Doctor
- HBP: High Blood Pressure
- DM: Diabetes Mellitus
- RA: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- ROM: Range of Motion
- TKA: Total Knee Arthroplasty
Business and Administrative Terms
- SOAP: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (charting method)
- HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- CEU: Continuing Education Units
- POS: Point of Sale
- CPT: Current Procedural Terminology
- ICD: International Classification of Diseases
- HMO: Health Maintenance Organization
- PPO: Preferred Provider Organization
- EOB: Explanation of Benefits
- HSA: Health Savings Account
General and Miscellaneous Terms
- RC: Rotator Cuff
- DOMS: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
- LBM: Light Body Massage
- PIR: Post-Isometric Relaxation
- SCS: Strain-Counterstrain
- SDT: Structural Deep Tissue
- FIR: Far Infrared Radiation Therapy
- UV: Ultraviolet Light Therapy
- EMR: Electronic Medical Records
- HAP: Hand and Pressure (technique)
Specific Massage Associations
- ISATM: International Spa Association and Therapy Massage
- NPI: National Provider Identifier
- MBLEx: Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
- MTI: Massage Therapy Institute
- CCMT: Certified Chair Massage Therapist
- OM: Oriental Medicine
- IHA: Integrative Health Alliance
- CAM: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- IMT: Integrative Massage Therapy
- NCBT: National Certification in Bodywork and Therapeutics
Conclusion
These abbreviations cover a wide range of aspects in massage therapy, including techniques, credentials, anatomy, and business terms. Familiarity with these terms can help both professionals and clients navigate the massage therapy world more effectively.
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.