What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Holbrook NY massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction. 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 massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles generally have a negative connotation among the general public and Holbrook NY professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Holbrook NY massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED 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 be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related 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 are required to complete will depend 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 Holbrook NY massage therapy program, 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 the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it 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, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.