What is Therapeutic Massage?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when discussing massage therapy, and almost all Maple Valley WA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs have the option to include within their course of instruction. 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
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 female or a male massage practitioner. However, these titles often have a negative connotation among the general public and Maple Valley WA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Maple Valley 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 Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The amount and type 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited Maple Valley 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need 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. 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.