What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Apopka FL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include within 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
Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these names often carry a derogatory connotation among Apopka FL professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Apopka FL 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 for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can 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 often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education 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
After your graduation from an accredited Apopka FL massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Each 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 practice legally there.