Massage has never been as popular as it is now, with more and more people seeking relaxation and relief from their busy lives. That's why studying massage therapy and earning the right qualifications to become a qualified masseuse or masseur is the way to go if you're looking to start a new and rewarding career.
The Science Behind Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is more than just a simple back rub. It is the systematic manipulation of soft body tissues to improve blood flow and circulation. It can help enhance health and wellbeing and bring about positive healing effects, as well as aid with various ailments such as injury, headaches, allergies and even skin conditions like eczema.
As a massage therapist, you can do wonders for the physical wellbeing of your clients by applying the appropriate strokes and kneading techniques to keep their health in peak condition. This guide explains what skills and qualifications you need to be qualified as a certified massage therapist in Australia, and how to land your dream job.
Be Physically Fit
Working as a massage therapist requires standing for long periods, so you need to be physically fit and maintain high energy levels to be able to render an excellent massage service. You must learn how to maintain good posture and proper body mechanics even when you're engrossed in work to avoid muscle fatigue or injuries.
Know Your Duties
Your responsibility to your clients doesn't begin and end with a massage. You have to know their medical history and health goals, and you must explain the contraindications for massage therapy to avoid putting their health at risk. Most importantly, you must employ the type of massage treatment tailored to your client's specific needs. There's a variety of massage modalities designed for muscle tension, relaxation, soft tissue restriction and pregnancy.
Visualise Your Work Environment
Being knowledgeable in different manipulative techniques and highly adept at performing them will make you in demand in every nook and cranny of the health and wellness industry. However, you couldn't possibly work at a wellness spa, sports clinic and beauty salon at the same time.
To set the framework of your career, visualise your work setting and yourself performing various massage techniques to the satisfaction of your clients. After school, you have the option to seek employment at a massage clinic or wellness facility, work on cruise ships, embark on a career in the beauty industry or manage your own massage business.
Take a Massage Therapy Course
Now that you have a clear vision of your career, the next step is to study and earn your massage therapy qualifications. You can start with the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy which covers basic relaxation massage techniques and sports massage techniques.
After completing the massage therapy program, you may pursue the Diploma of Remedial Massage, an intensive learning program which takes you through various remedial massage treatments in depth. Here, you will learn how to apply each massage style to treat complex musculoskeletal issues, improve range of motion or manage a chronic disease.
There are several other massage therapy training programs that are worth considering such as prenatal massage, hot stone therapy, lymphatic drainage, reflexology and deep tissue massage among many others.
See to it that the course you're enrolling in is recognised by massage industry associations such as the Association of Massage Therapists (AMT). The coursework should cover anatomy and physiology, comprehensively explain different body structures and how they respond to massage, and include training in clinic management, setting appointments and conducting client assessments.
Shine at Several Types of Massage Techniques
The more massage techniques you know in the field of massage, the more likely you can expand your client base in the shortest time possible. The foundation of a successful career in massage is built upon the theoretical framework and practical application of the modality, so it pays to invest in a massage therapy training program that delves into both areas. While at school, keep up your momentum of learning a wide range of massage treatments because the more you learn, the higher you'll earn. Here are some methods that are worth focusing your energies on:
- Remedial Massage
- Chinese Massage
- Connective Tissue Massage
Hot Stone Massage- Reflexology Massage
- Shiatsu
- Myopractic Massage
- Myotherapy
- Swedish Massage
- Thai Massage
- Infant Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
- Bowen Therapy
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Aromatherapy Massage
- Hawaiian Massage
Questions to Consider
As the demand for massage therapy increases, so does the demand for massage therapy schools. There are so many of them that choosing where to enrol in becomes a daunting task. To simplify the process, it would be wise to run through some practical considerations to ensure you get all the necessary information. So take the time to ask the following questions:
- Do you know what it entails to be a practising massage therapist?
- What is the full cost of the course being offered?
- Is the study full or part-time, or is it available via distance learning?
- Is the institution reputable?
- Is the course recognised by potential employers and/or the government?
- What career opportunities are available to me after graduating?
- What level of income can I expect?
Several massage therapy schools in Australia offer top-notch massage therapy courses delivered face-to-face or online. Here's some of the best ones that will start you on the road to a successful massage practice:
- The Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Endota Wellness College
- Discover Massage Australia
- Australian Shiatsu College
- Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage Training Courses
- ili ili stones
- Geelong Bowen & Remedial Therapies
- Australian School Therapies and Recognition
- Celeste College of Intuitive Massage
Visit our Massage Courses category to see the complete list of schools. You may directly contact the school of your choice to enquire about the types of courses that are available, entry requirements, course fees and training hours among other things.
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