What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of San Gabriel CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within their course of instruction. Below 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 should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles typically have a negative connotation among the general public and San Gabriel CA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all San Gabriel CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need 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 Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited San Gabriel 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 a test 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. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before 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 will be charged another exam 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, 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.