What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all West Sacramento CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their syllabus. Following 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms typically have a derogatory connotation among West Sacramento CA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of West Sacramento CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few 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 be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on 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 studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount 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
After your graduation from an accredited West Sacramento CA massage therapy program, the next step is to obtain your license in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test conducted and controlled 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 do not pass 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 need 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 decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in 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 legally practice there.