What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Bloomington City IL massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of 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. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage professional. However, these terms typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Bloomington City IL professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Bloomington City IL massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Bloomington City IL 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 a portion 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 do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will need to maintain 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 as well. 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 legally practice there.