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 manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Yonkers NY massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs 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
Practitioners that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles often have a negative connotation among the general public and Yonkers NY professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Almost all Yonkers NY schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Yonkers 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 mandated by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States 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 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required 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 as well. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.