Things like a twisted ankle, a bee sting, or a skin infection will cause edema. In some cases, like an infection, this may be helpful. More fluid from your blood vessels puts more infection-fighting white blood cells in the swollen area. Edema can also come from other conditions or from when the balance of substances in your blood is off.
View our list of states to discover your stateâs massage therapist licensing requirements. States require anywhere from 500 to 1000 hours of training to sit for your licensing exam, but the national average is 560 hours of training. Some states also require you to become CPR certified.
1 Complete a training program at a massage therapy school that will qualify you to practice in the location you choose.  Upon graduation, meet the requirements of your state or municipality (such as obtaining a license or other credential, if you practice in an area where massage therapy is regulated). This will most likely require passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).