What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Marlborough MA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these terms often carry a negative connotation among the general public and Marlborough MA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Marlborough MA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range 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 in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed. Some states require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Marlborough MA 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Each 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 have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.