What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of East Palo Alto CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs have the option to include as part of their course of instruction. 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these titles generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and East Palo Alto CA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most East Palo Alto CA schools offering massage therapy 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 two 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 have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based 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 Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited East Palo Alto 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 an exam 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. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, 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. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.