What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Auburn NY massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Below 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles typically carry a derogatory connotation among Auburn NY professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Auburn NY 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 Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. In addition, 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 Certificate or Degree, the training 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 Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Auburn NY 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 mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, 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 thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew 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 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 legally practice there.