What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, 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 eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Poway CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their syllabus. Below 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names often carry a derogatory connotation among Poway CA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Poway CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range 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 be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has 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 will need 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 Poway 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 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 your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier mentioned, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Every 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.