What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage 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 eliminate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Southington CT massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Below are just a few 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 female or a male massage professional. However, these titles often have a derogatory connotation among Southington CT professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of Southington CT massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. In addition, 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 Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited Southington 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 a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as a portion 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 the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier 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 has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.