What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Boise ID massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other types 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
Practitioners that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. However, these terms generally have a derogatory connotation among Boise ID professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Boise ID massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned 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. How long the programs are 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 daytime or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Boise ID 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 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 check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail 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 renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier 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 as well. 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 practice legally there.