What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all North Richland Hills TX massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools have the option to include within their course of instruction. Below are just a few 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 refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these names typically carry a negative connotation among North Richland Hills TX professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all North Richland Hills TX massage therapy programs 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 two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited North Richland Hills 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 a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required 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 do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional exam 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 mentioned, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. 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.