What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Oviedo FL massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that schools have the option to include within their syllabus. Below 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. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage professional. Unfortunately, these names often have a negative connotation among Oviedo FL professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of Oviedo 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 several 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 may also have an effect on 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 education 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Oviedo 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing 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, 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 also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.