What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, 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 reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of North Lauderdale FL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction. Following are some of the more popular 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 you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. However, these terms typically have a derogatory connotation among the general public and North Lauderdale FL professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most North Lauderdale 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 Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited North Lauderdale FL massage therapy school, 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously 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 also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, 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.