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What is Massage Therapy?

Sherwood Arkansas massage therapist treating woman patientAs previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Sherwood AR massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage.  However, there are many other types 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 therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms often carry a negative connotation among Sherwood AR professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

Sherwood Arkansas massage therapist rubbing female patient's backMost Sherwood AR schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing.  Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night.  In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance. 

Massage Therapy Licensing

Sherwood Arkansas massage therapist moving male patient's armAfter your graduation from an accredited Sherwood AR massage therapy program, 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 mandated by most States as a portion of the licensing process.  Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee.  Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As earlier stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal.  And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for 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. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to practice legally there. 

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