What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Oxnard CA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type 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 some of the more popular 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. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms typically carry a negative connotation among Oxnard CA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Oxnard CA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop 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
After your graduation from an accredited Oxnard CA massage therapy school, the next step is to obtain your license 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 required by most States as part 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 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously 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 as well. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.