What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Bremen IL massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that programs have the option to include as part of their syllabus. 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles often have a derogatory connotation among Bremen IL professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Bremen IL schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several 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 vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will depend 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 Bremen IL massage therapy program, 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 the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty 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, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.