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 alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when discussing massage therapy, and almost all Raritan NJ massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools have the option to include within 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names generally carry a negative connotation among Raritan NJ professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Raritan NJ schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several 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 vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need 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 Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Raritan NJ 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously mentioned, 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 also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.