What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when researching massage therapy, and almost all El Mirage AZ massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs have the option to include as part of their course of instruction. Following are just a few examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Practitioners that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms generally carry a derogatory connotation among El Mirage AZ professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of El Mirage AZ massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed. Some states require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited El Mirage AZ massage therapy program, the next step is to obtain your license in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.