What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when researching massage therapy, and almost all Wentzville MO massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include within their syllabus. Following 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. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names generally have a negative connotation among Wentzville MO professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Wentzville MO schools offering massage therapy 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required 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
After your graduation from an accredited Wentzville MO 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 mandated by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional testing 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 should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every 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 legally practice there.