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What is Massage Therapy?

Mount Vernon New York clinical massage therapist massaging woman patientAs previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Mount Vernon NY massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage.  But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools have the option to include as part of 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

Professionals 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 refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms often carry a negative connotation among Mount Vernon NY professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

Mount Vernon New York clinical massage therapist massaging woman patient's backThe majority of Mount Vernon NY massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening.  Also, 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 received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training 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

Mount Vernon New York medical massage therapist rotating man patient's armAfter your graduation from an accredited Mount Vernon 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 a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process.  There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee.  After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As earlier stated, 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 do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there. 

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