What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Redlands CA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools 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
Practitioners that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Redlands CA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Redlands CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will vary based on the State where you are licensed. Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Redlands 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 a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required 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, licensing will be required for that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.