What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Gary IN massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms 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 should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms often carry a derogatory connotation among Gary IN professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Gary IN massage therapy programs 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 Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will depend 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 Gary IN 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 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. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, 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 it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.