What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most Houston TX massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not include within their syllabus. Below are just a few 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 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 names often carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Houston TX professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Houston TX 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 Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific 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 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 received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end 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 Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Houston TX 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. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different 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. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.