What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare 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 patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many people think of when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Central Islip NY massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. 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
Professionals 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 is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these names generally have a derogatory connotation among Central Islip NY professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of Central Islip NY massage therapy programs 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 two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related 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 will need 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Central Islip NY 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 the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. 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 need to maintain 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 decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for 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 have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.