What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most La Vergne TN massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools 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 massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles often carry a derogatory connotation among La Vergne TN professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of La Vergne TN massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount 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 La Vergne TN 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 part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. 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.