Massage Therapy Education: Requirements You Need to Know About

Over the last few years, the massage therapy industry has grown tremendously. This is because more and more people have discovered the several benefits of getting massages. Massage therapy is a form of treatment that has been used in different cultures around the world.

Today, a trained and certified professional who manipulates the soft tissues of the body – skin, muscles, tendons, connective tissues, and ligaments using varying degrees of movement and pressure, conducts massage therapy. According to the NCCIH, massage therapy is part of complementary and integrative medicine, and it is offered along with forms of treatments for various medical conditions. Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy:

Massage Therapy can Help with Relaxation

One of the obvious reasons why people get massages is to relax. Americans are busy people and they work round the clock. For most of us, taking an hour’s break from our busy schedules to lie down is the most luxurious thing we can do for ourselves. Massage therapy helps the mind and body to unwind from the tiresome and stressful days. It can help you transition from the anxiety that comes with work, back to your home where your friends and loved ones are waiting for you.

Eases Irritable Bowel Syndrome

According to the Gastro Journal, over 5 million Americans suffer from a spastic colon, a condition that causes constipation and diarrhea. Therefore, people who develop bloating, irregular bowel habits and abdominal pains can benefit from massage therapy. Through massage therapy, the body is able to produce endorphins, which help in slowing down the pain signals. Additionally, massage therapy aids in digestion.

Stops Headaches

There are different types of headaches and all have different causes. For example, there are tension headaches, migraines, sinus headaches, and cluster headaches. While a doctor can help treat these headaches, they may re-occur. More than 32 million Americans are affected by migraines every year and hormonal triggers cause most of them. Massage therapists help in easing the pain.

You Can Learn About Massages First-Hand

Through massage therapy, you can learn how to give a massage. While it’s important to pursue a formal massage therapy education, massage therapy will help you appreciate the various techniques and feelings that it entails.

Keep in mind that most massage therapy programs will require you to perform a number of training hours before you can receive your certification, and practicing as early as possible will give you an advantage. You will learn how each stroke and motion on various parts of the body feels, and this is integral if you want to give effective massage therapy.

Requirements to Perform Massages in Virginia

If you want to practice massage treatment in Virginia, you will need to have a minimum of 500 hours from a recognized massage training program. The training program should be approved by the SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia).

Before you become a massage therapist in Virginia, you will need to take an examination from the Licensing Examination of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board for you to obtain a license. The licensing board offers the MBLEX (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination) which is a multiple-choice exam. Ensure that you read the content outline before you register for the examination. After being approved by the FSMTB, you will receive an ATT, which will grant you a 90 days examination eligibility period.

As a prospective massage therapist, you can apply for licensure online on the Department of Health professionals’ website. This licensing agency will require your official transcripts to verify your education. Additionally, you will have to complete a criminal history background check as required by § 54.1-3005.1 Code of Virginia. However, a criminal history won’t mean that your certification will be denied. In case you have a criminal background, you should provide complete documentation.

How Can You Meet All the Requirements to Become a Massage Therapist?

To become a massage therapist, the first step is to pursue formal education from an approved school. In school, you will learn how to apply the correct pressure at different parts of the body and provide you with an opportunity to learn and practice different massage techniques. You will also learn about the human body and its healing properties.

This is important because it helps you know the best technique to use in damaged or stressed body areas. Formal massage therapy education will also equip you with knowledge of anatomy, body mechanics, and kinesiology.

Ready to Start your Massage Therapy Career?

Are you ready to learn more about becoming a massage therapist? If you would like to learn a Massage Therapy Diploma, ECPI University offers this course at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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