What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and most Hialeah FL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within 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
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 female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically have a negative connotation among Hialeah FL professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Hialeah 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 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 based 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 may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Hialeah FL 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 an exam 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. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, 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 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 practice legally there.