What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Southaven MS massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their syllabus. 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 therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. However, these names generally have a negative connotation among Southaven MS professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Southaven MS massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate 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 influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Southaven MS 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 a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, 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 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, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, 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.