What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Chesterfield MI massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within their syllabus. Below 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 should be 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. Unfortunately, these terms typically carry a derogatory connotation among Chesterfield MI professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Chesterfield MI massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned 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 vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. 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. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop 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 Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Chesterfield MI 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 the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another 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.