What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Portsmouth OH massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that programs have the option to include as part of 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
Professionals that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms often have a negative connotation among the general public and Portsmouth OH professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Portsmouth OH 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 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Portsmouth OH 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 mandated by most States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier 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 it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.