What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage 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 eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most Duluth MN massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction. Below are just a few 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. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. However, these names generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Duluth MN professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Duluth MN schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Duluth MN 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional exam 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 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. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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.