What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare 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 patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Cupertino CA 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 as part of 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
Professionals 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. Unfortunately, these terms often have a derogatory connotation among Cupertino CA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Cupertino CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end there. The type and amount 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 Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Cupertino CA 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.