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 manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Susquehanna PA massage therapy schools teach 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 course of instruction. Following 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these names often carry a derogatory connotation among Susquehanna PA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of Susquehanna PA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After 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 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 Susquehanna PA massage therapy program, 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 a portion of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier 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 as well. 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.