What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Braintree Town MA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that programs have the option to include within their syllabus. 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. However, these titles generally carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Braintree Town MA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Braintree Town MA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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 Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Braintree Town MA 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional 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 mentioned, 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 as well. 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.