What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many people think of when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Auburn WA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools have the option to include within their syllabus. 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 masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these titles often carry a negative connotation among the general public and Auburn WA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Auburn WA 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited Auburn WA 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 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 find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to maintain 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 should move to another State, licensing will be required for 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.