What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, 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 relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when researching massage therapy, and most Lockport IL massage therapy schools offer it as their primary 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
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. However, these titles generally carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Lockport IL professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Lockport 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 a few 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 vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Lockport IL 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 a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Every 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.