What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine 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 patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when researching massage therapy, and almost all Hamden CT massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their syllabus. 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Hamden CT professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Hamden CT massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length 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 education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need to complete will vary based 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 Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Hamden CT 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier stated, 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 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.