What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most Shelbyville TN massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their syllabus. 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms often have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Shelbyville TN professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Shelbyville TN massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end 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 Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Shelbyville TN massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed 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 additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to 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 testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to renew 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.