What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and most Alpharetta GA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that programs have the option to include within their course of instruction. 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 massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these titles typically have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Alpharetta GA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Alpharetta GA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have 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. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional 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. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Alpharetta GA massage therapy program, 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 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 before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier stated, 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. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.