What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most North Lynnwood WA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not include as part of 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
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms often carry a negative connotation among North Lynnwood WA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all North Lynnwood WA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have 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 to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often 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 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 North Lynnwood WA massage therapy school, 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again 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 mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 legally practice there.