Massage therapists use their hands, fingers, elbows, and even specialized tools to manipulate the soft tissue of your body, including skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They often work in spas and gyms or in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Research shows that massage can reduce stress, ease pain from some conditions, and even improve the function of your immune system. Contact Massage Therapist Tulsa for specialized services.
A massage therapist must complete at least 1,000 hours of training, including classroom learning and hands-on practice. This training is necessary to receive a license and to work professionally. In addition, massage therapists must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check.
There are numerous schools offering training for massage therapists. To select the right one for you, consider factors such as program length, course content and fees, faculty experience and student services. Also, look for a school that is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
Choose a massage program that teaches multiple techniques and can be tailored to your specific career goals. The more modalities your massage school offers, the better prepared you will be for the diverse responsibilities and challenges of the field.
Many massage programs have a mix of in-person and online instruction, which allows students to tailor their education to their schedules and work life. However, because massage therapy is a hands-on profession, it is impossible to study the entire curriculum through distance education.
You should also consider how the program’s educational philosophy fits with your own views on healing, health and wellness. In addition, ask about the availability of financial aid, scholarships and installment plans. The more you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, the less stress you may feel when balancing school and career obligations. This can make a positive difference in your success. Also, look for a program that requires students to volunteer in its student clinic and/or provide community service. This is a great way to build your professional resume. It can also help you gain the confidence and trust of clients and employers alike.
Education
The education and licensing requirements for Massage Therapists vary by state. Most states require a minimum number of training hours and an examination to demonstrate competency. Several national accrediting organizations provide recognition of quality programs and schools. Massage therapists should seek programs and schools that are accredited.
A massage therapy degree program generally consists of a minimum of 500 hours of study. This coursework includes massage modalities, anatomy and physiology, and business management courses. The curriculum also requires students to complete a specified number of hours studying related subjects, such as hydrotherapy, massage documentation and communication, and health and safety, including first aid and CPR.
Most massage therapists are required to pass the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). This comprehensive exam covers a broad range of topics, such as anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, pathology, effects of massage on the body and mind, client assessment, professional practice and ethics, and massage techniques. Applicants may also be required to complete a state oral exam and criminal history records check.
Some Massage therapists choose to complete specialty certification exams that allow them to work with specific conditions or bodywork techniques. For example, some therapists pursue Structural Integration, a form of bodywork that improves posture and movement patterns, and can be certified to offer this treatment.
A licensed massage therapist is required to carry malpractice insurance and to have completed certain continuing education courses. Most states provide continuing education credits for licensed massage therapists to maintain their licensure. The license must be renewed every two years in most states. Those who have previously been licensed in another state, country or territory based on similar education and examination standards may apply for licensure by endorsement.
Licensing
Many states have licensing requirements for massage therapists. Licensing ensures the public has access to professional massage therapists who have met minimum training and examination standards, as well as agree to adhere to a code of ethical conduct and legal sanctions for unprofessional behavior. In addition, licensing establishes a minimum level of competency for entry into the profession and a way for consumers to file complaints.
Complete a program of education that includes at least 500 classroom hours and 500 clinical hours and receive a diploma or certificate. You must also be certified by the American Heart Association in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and have current certification in First Aid. Pass the State Massage Therapy Examination (MBLEx). If you are a licensed massage therapist in another state, country or territory, you may apply for licensure by endorsement. To qualify for endorsement, you must have been licensed in that jurisdiction based on specific education and examination requirements, and have two years of experience.
In addition, the NYSED requires that all applicants pass a background check. Depending on your state, this may include fingerprinting.
Licensed Massage Therapists are required to carry small business insurance that covers them for malpractice and property damage. This is a vital aspect of running a successful massage practice, as you will be dealing with the public on a daily basis and could potentially cause injury to clients. BBI offers policies that are tailored to your unique massage business, with coverage starting at $96 per year. Learn more about the benefits of small business insurance for Massage Therapists here.
Certification
Licensed Massage Therapists have the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively provide massage therapy treatments to clients. The massage therapist is also responsible for maintaining records of client progress and treatment sessions. The therapist should be aware of the various techniques and modalities available in order to tailor each session to meet the specific needs of the client.
The therapist must pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination, which includes testing on anatomy and physiology; modalities; massage theory and practice; and business management and ethics. The examination may also include questions about Eastern methods such as meridians and Asian theory (Ayurveda).
A licensed Massage Therapist must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of education, including classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience. In addition, the licensee must pass a background check and take a course in CPR.
After passing the exam, the therapist must complete continuing education to maintain their license. The therapist must also maintain a professional portfolio and obtain a business license.
Massage cupping is a therapeutic technique that involves placing suction cups on the body to manipulate soft tissues and promote healing. Depending on the type of cupping used, it can help relieve pain and increase range of motion. Massage cupping requires additional training and a certification from an approved provider.
Many states have regulations in place that require a massage therapist to have a high school diploma or equivalent and graduate from an approved massage program with at least 1,000 hours of instruction. In addition, the state of New York requires a massage therapist to have at least one year of experience working as a massage therapist in a licensed facility before they can become licensed.
Experience
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body by stroking, kneading or rubbing with one or both hands or an instrument. It is used for therapeutic purposes and can be beneficial in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, migraines, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Massage is also used in palliative care to reduce nausea, stress, and fatigue associated with cancer treatment and to improve a person’s quality of life.
A licensed massage therapist must have extensive training to provide medical massage services. They must be able to customize the massage for the client’s needs and provide advice about self-care to help maintain optimal health. The massage therapist must also be familiar with medical terminology and protocols.
Medical massage therapists are trained in many different types of massage techniques, called modalities. These include deep tissue massage, which uses deeper pressure on the muscle and connective tissue to address chronic aches and pains, sports massage, which is designed to treat injuries or improve athletic performance, and shiatsu, a Japanese massage technique that applies rhythmic pressure to the body’s energy meridians.
In addition to their technical skills, medical massage therapists must be competent at communicating with clients and documenting client history. They are responsible for providing safe and effective massage treatments, adjusting their approach based on the results of the client’s assessment, and reporting to the healthcare provider if necessary.
Medical massage therapists work in hospitals, clinics and private practice offices. They may also be employed by organizations that specialize in health and wellness, such as spas. In some states, they are required to be board-certified in order to obtain a license.