What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy 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 patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Oakland Park FL massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs have the option to include as part of their syllabus. Below 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 one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names generally have a negative connotation among the general public and Oakland Park FL professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of Oakland Park FL massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned 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 vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled 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 received 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Oakland Park 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 a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another 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 stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.