What is Therapeutic Massage?
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 eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when discussing massage therapy, and almost all Washington NJ massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms 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 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 male or female massage professional. Unfortunately, these names often carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Washington NJ professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Washington NJ schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited Washington 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 a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier stated, 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 regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.