What is Therapeutic Massage?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Seatac WA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that programs have the option to 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
Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these titles often have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Seatac WA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Seatac WA schools offering massage therapy 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 for 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 may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Seatac 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 most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier 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 also. 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.