What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Middletown PA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their syllabus. 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 masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms often have a derogatory connotation among Middletown PA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Middletown PA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the number of 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 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. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Middletown PA 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 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 their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.