What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most New City NY massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not include within 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 massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these names often carry a negative connotation among the general public and New City NY professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of New City NY massage therapy programs 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. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. 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. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will depend 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 New City NY massage therapy school, 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 required by most 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 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 need to renew 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.