What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Waipahu HI massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not include within their course of instruction. Below 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 massage therapy 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. However, these terms typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Waipahu HI professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Waipahu HI massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few 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 be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered 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 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 Waipahu HI 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional 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 also. Each 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 have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.