What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people think of when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Ridgefield CT massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include within their syllabus. Following are just a few examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage 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 professional. However, these terms typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Ridgefield CT professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Ridgefield CT massage therapy programs require enrolling students have 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 two years for 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 influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Ridgefield 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 a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing 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 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 as well. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.