What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine 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 patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Hanahan SC massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their course of instruction. 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
Practitioners that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Hanahan SC professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Hanahan SC schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the length of the program 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 the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based 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 Hanahan SC 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 prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail 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 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. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.