What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Norwood MA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools have the option to include within their course of instruction. 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. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these terms often have a negative connotation among Norwood MA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Norwood MA schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range 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 vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered 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 similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited Norwood 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another 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 earlier mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.