What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Queen Creek AZ massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include within their syllabus. Below are some of the more popular examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms often have a derogatory connotation among Queen Creek AZ professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Queen Creek AZ massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Queen Creek AZ massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.