What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when researching massage therapy, and most Rosemead CA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs have the option to include within their syllabus. Following are just a few 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 one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these names generally have a negative connotation among the general public and Rosemead CA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Rosemead 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. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may 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 related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop 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 Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Rosemead 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 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 program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing 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, 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 also. 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 meet the requirements to legally practice there.