What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Lewiston ID massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction. Following 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. However, these names generally carry a negative connotation among Lewiston ID professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Almost all Lewiston ID schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled 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 related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will vary based on the State where you are licensed. Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Lewiston ID massage therapy school, the next step is to obtain your license in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional 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 mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.