What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Toms River NJ massage therapy schools teach it as their principal 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 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 masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names typically carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Toms River NJ professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Toms River NJ schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based on the State where you are licensed. Some states require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Toms River NJ 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 an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. 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, licensing will be required for that new State also. 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 meet the requirements to legally practice there.