What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Jupiter FL massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. However, these titles generally have a negative connotation among the general public and Jupiter FL professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Jupiter FL massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Jupiter 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 mandated by most States as part 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 must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. 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. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.