What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Cunningham IL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. However, there are numerous other forms 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
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion 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 titles often have a negative connotation among Cunningham IL professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Cunningham IL massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range 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 vary by State based 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 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 similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Cunningham 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as a portion 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 take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier 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, licensing will be required for that new State also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.