What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of North Bay Shore NY massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not include within their course of instruction. Following 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles often carry a negative connotation among the general public and North Bay Shore NY professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of North Bay Shore 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 Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training 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 Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited North Bay Shore 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States 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. After obtaining your license, you will be required 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 should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, 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.