What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and most Urbandale IA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs have the option to include as part of their course of instruction. 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 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 male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms generally carry a derogatory connotation among Urbandale IA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Urbandale IA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate 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. An additional factor that can also influence the program length 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 related 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Urbandale IA 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 a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.