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What is Therapeutic Massage?

Providence Rhode Island clinical massage therapist massaging female patientAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their clients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Providence RI massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage.  However, there are many other forms of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction.  Below 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms often carry a negative connotation among Providence RI professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Training Requirements

Providence Rhode Island medical massage therapist rubbing female patient's backThe majority of Providence RI massage therapy programs 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 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 may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required 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

Providence Rhode Island clinical massage therapist moving man patient's armAfter your graduation from an accredited Providence RI 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 required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process.  There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you fail the MBLEx in your initial 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 paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. 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 meet the requirements to legally practice there. 

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