What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Port Hueneme CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Below 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 massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Port Hueneme CA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Port Hueneme CA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. 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 earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The amount and type 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 Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Port Hueneme 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 a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional exam 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 previously mentioned, 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. Every 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 meet the requirements to legally practice there.