What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Kenner LA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their syllabus. 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 male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Kenner LA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Kenner LA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for 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 influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Kenner LA 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 a portion of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. 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 do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.