What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most people relate to when researching massage therapy, and almost all Fresno TX massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other forms 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
Practitioners that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these names typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Fresno TX professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Fresno TX schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will vary based 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
After your graduation from an accredited Fresno TX 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 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 check with 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 testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier stated, 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 it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.