What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of West Bloomfield MI massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that programs have the option to include within their course of instruction. Below 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms often carry a derogatory connotation among West Bloomfield MI professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most West Bloomfield MI 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited West Bloomfield MI 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 a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most 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 do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, 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, you will need to get licensed in 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.