What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Shoreview MN massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include within their syllabus. 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 masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these terms generally have a derogatory connotation among Shoreview MN professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Shoreview MN massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 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 program length is whether classes are offered during the day 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 related 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 depend on the State where you are licensed. Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Shoreview MN massage therapy program, 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 mandated by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail 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 maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, 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. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.