What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Newnan GA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that programs have the option to include within 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 you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names often carry a derogatory connotation among Newnan GA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Newnan GA 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will depend 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 Newnan GA massage therapy school, 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 part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, 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 take it again after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, 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. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.