What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Surprise AZ massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools have the option to include within their syllabus. 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these names generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Surprise AZ professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Surprise AZ massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, 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 education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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 Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Surprise 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as a portion 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 school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.