Dear Penelope,

It varies from country to country and from state to state and change
from time to time.
There is not such things as an internationally recognized
certificates.
In other word legislation for therapists (physiotherapists) is
deferent in different places and that very legislation evolve,
become more liberal or more restrictive.
The main issue in general is the illegal practice of medicine by
unqualified practitioners which did harm on many occasion.
Giving preventive (and relaxing) massage with no intention to be a
medical practitioner is generally now widely accepted but not
everywhere.

Kind regards,

Deva

The Healing Hands Center
The Ancient Massage Foundation
www.ancientmassage.com