What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Manhattan Beach CA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools have the option to include within 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
Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these terms generally carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Manhattan Beach CA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Manhattan Beach CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent 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 be State specific based 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 day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related 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 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
After your graduation from an accredited Manhattan Beach 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional testing 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 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 practice legally there.