What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Estero FL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that programs have the option to include as part of their course of instruction. Following 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 therapeutic massage are properly 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. Unfortunately, these terms often carry a derogatory connotation among Estero FL professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Estero 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 a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need to complete will depend 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Estero 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 a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that 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 30 days but must pay an additional testing 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 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, licensing will be required for that new State as well. 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 legally practice there.