What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people 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 massage therapy, and almost all Roseville CA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs have the option to 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
Practitioners that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms often carry a negative connotation among Roseville CA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Roseville CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 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 can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end 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 Roseville CA massage therapy school, 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 required by most States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier 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. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.