What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when researching massage therapy, and most Richmond VA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their course of instruction. Following 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these names typically have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Richmond VA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Richmond VA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several 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 be State specific dependent on the training 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 in the evening. Also, 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 doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Richmond VA 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 a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most 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 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 exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, 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. Each 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 legally practice there.