What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Enfield CT massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are numerous 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. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these terms often carry a derogatory connotation among Enfield CT professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Enfield CT schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may 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 may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Enfield CT 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 an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of 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 school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.