What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Loveland CO massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within their course of instruction. 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
Professionals that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these names often carry a negative connotation among the general public and Loveland CO professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Loveland CO massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of 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. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Loveland CO massage therapy school, 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam 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 as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.