What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Richmond West FL massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not 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
Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Richmond West FL professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Richmond West FL massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific based 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 daytime or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, 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 Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Richmond West 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty 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 also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 practice legally there.