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What is Therapeutic Massage?

Dracut Massachusetts clinical massage therapist treating female patientAs mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their clients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most Dracut MA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage.  However, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not include within 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms often have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Dracut MA professionals alike and should be avoided.

Massage Therapist Training Requirements

Dracut Massachusetts medical massage therapist rubbing woman patient's backThe majority of Dracut MA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned 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 2 years for an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing.  Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training 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

Dracut Massachusetts clinical massage therapist rotating man patient's armOnce you have graduated from an accredited Dracut MA massage therapy program, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing.  The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as a portion 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 the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee.  After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As previously mentioned, 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 regulates massage therapy differently, 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. 

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