What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Sanford NC massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that programs have the option to include within their syllabus. Below 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. 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. However, these names typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Sanford NC professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Sanford NC schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The type and amount 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 Sanford NC 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 most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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.