Introduction to Massage

Overview

Massage.physio.co.uk runs regular Introduction to Massage Therapy courses throughout the year. Our courses are held across both our Manchester and Liverpool branches and are delivered alongside a well-established Massage service that runs within a private Physiotherapy clinic. Our courses provide a great opportunity to have an insight into massage therapy, what it involves, how it developed and how it works. It is a perfect course for anyone looking to start a career in massage therapy or those who just want to learn a few new skills.

What you'll learn

The history and origins of massage

In order to perform an effective massage, it is important to have an understanding of where it all started and how it has developed over many years. Your tutor will deliver a detailed, yet understandable presentation, that goes into the origins of massage therapy, who was responsible for developing massage therapy and essentially, how we became to use massage therapy in this modern day and age.

Anatomy involved in massage and how it can be beneficial

An important aspect of massage therapy is understanding the areas you provide treatments to. This will include:

• Major muscle groups commonly treated with massage therapy
• Physical changes to a person’s body during/after massage
• Physiological changes to a person’s body during/after massage
• Benefits of providing massage therapy

Equipment needed and mediums used in massage therapy

When performing a massage, there are different equipment checks needed to ensure safe practice. There are also a variety of different massage mediums that can be used to provide massage therapy. It is important to have an awareness of all these and know their benefits and limitations. During the theory element of the course, your tutor will cover:

• Equipment needed to provide a massage
• Common massage mediums used in massage
• Benefits of different massage mediums used in massage
• Limitations of different massage mediums used in massage

Massage techniques and contra-indications

One of the most important elements of the course is to be able to understand when it is and is not safe to perform a massage. Along-side this, you will learn the different techniques used within massage therapy and how to use these safely and effectively to different areas of the body. You will learn how to provide techniques such as:

• Effleurage
• Petrissage
• Kneading
• Wringing
• Tapotement

To areas of the body including:

• Arms
• Legs
• Back
• Neck
• shoulders

What the course includes

• Clinical environment to train in
• Practical equipment and a facility to practice in
• 100% support from experienced tutors
• Certification of attendance and recommendations for further training

Entry requirements

There are no prerequisites to attend this course. You are not required to have any previous experience or qualifications in massage therapy. A simple interest in the area is all you need!

Qualifications obtained

You will not receive a full qualification by attending this course. In order to receive a full qualification in massage therapy, further education will be required. Different options can be discussed with the therapists running the course.

You will, however, receive a certificate of attendance to show you have learnt the basic techniques involved in massage therapy.

Please note, this will not qualify you to perform massage therapy in a professional environment.

Course benefits

This course offers a wide range of benefits for all attendees regardless of the reason for attending. Some benefits of attending the intro to massage therapy course include:

• Ability to continue into further learning/training
• The ability to perform basic massage therapy to family members or friends (in a non-professional environment)
• Basic knowledge surrounding massage therapy incl. Benefits, contraindications, techniques etc.
• High-quality training provided by our greatly experienced therapists
• 100% support given by the therapists both during and after the course has taken place

Structure

Theory

The intro to massage therapy course is a 1-day course that will cover the basic aspects of massage therapy.

The day will kick start with a detailed presentation covering the history of massage therapy, benefits of massage therapy, contraindications to massage therapy, techniques used and so much more. The theory work although basic, will be covered in detail. But don’t worry, we won’t be testing you on this!

Practical

Following the theory element of the course, you can then expect the remainder of the day to be very much practical based. Practical work is one of the best ways to learn massage therapy due to the hands on nature of the practice.

Practical elements of the course will include:

• Massage for different body parts
• Different massage techniques
• Hands on practice with your fellow course members

FAQs