What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Federal Way WA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that programs have the option to include within 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
Professionals that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion 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 derogatory connotation among the general public and Federal Way WA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Federal Way WA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range 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 training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. In addition, 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 earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training 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 Federal Way WA 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 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 before 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 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 earlier 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 as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.