What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Muncie IN massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Following 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 massage therapy 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 practitioner. However, these terms generally have a negative connotation among Muncie IN professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Muncie IN massage therapy programs 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. 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 received your Certificate or Degree, the education 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Muncie IN 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to renew 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 decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Every 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 legally practice there.