What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Adelanto CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction. Following are some of the more popular 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. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. However, these names typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Adelanto CA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Adelanto CA 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. Also, 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 Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end there. The amount and type 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Adelanto CA 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 part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need 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, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 legally practice there.