What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish 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 discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Ankeny IA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their course of instruction. Following are some of the more popular examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Practitioners that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these titles typically carry a derogatory connotation among Ankeny IA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Ankeny IA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma 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 number of 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 at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited Ankeny IA massage therapy school, 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 required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. 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, licensing will be required for that new State also. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.