What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most Pace FL massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that programs have the option to 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and Pace FL professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Pace FL schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based 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 Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Pace 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 mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.