What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most Lumberton NC massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other forms 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 therapeutic massage are properly 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. Unfortunately, these names generally have a negative connotation among Lumberton NC professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Lumberton NC 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 for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Lumberton NC 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 mandated by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that 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 re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, 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 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 practice legally there.