What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Stockbridge GA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their syllabus. Following are just a few examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Professionals 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 male or female massage professional. However, these terms often have a negative connotation among the general public and Stockbridge GA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Stockbridge GA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After 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 Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Stockbridge GA 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.