What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a type of holistic medicine that uses a variety of manipulation techniques on the muscles and connective tissues of the body to relieve pain, promote relaxation, elevate mood or manage the symptoms of a health condition. Depending on the type of massage, a massage therapist may use their fingers, palms, forearms, elbows or all of these; massage tools like massage rollers and balls may also be used. Massage therapy can help with stress, anxiety, back pain, depression, fatigue, poor circulation, injuries, pregnancy pain and heart disease, to name a few.
Certified massage therapists in Liverpool can join the professional associations listed below. As a member of any of these peak bodies, they can gain access to potential clients or employers, stay up to date on industry news, and obtain insurance to cover them for potential client complaints:
- Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
- Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
- Massage Association of Australia (MAA)
- Massage & Myotherapy Association (MMA)
- Myotherapy Association Australia (MAA)
Should you study massage therapy?
Formal massage therapy training will equip you with a variety of bodywork techniques that you will be able to apply in a variety of settings once you graduate. Furthermore, there is a high demand for massage therapists globally, which means you will have no trouble finding massage jobs. In addition to receiving training in various techniques, you will be able to develop the personal qualities that have propelled many massage therapists to success, such as the following:
- Creative and able to advance innovative ways to execute massage therapy techniques in order to diversify their massage sessions and offer variety to their clients, which is important for business growth.
- Compassionate and always showing empathy towards people who suffer from painful conditions or stress-related issues; this inspires their clients to keep coming back.
- Good communication skills and a friendly demeanour allow therapists to explain various massage techniques and make every therapy session relaxing for their clients.
- A good team player who enjoys collaborating with their colleagues and performing group or couple massage sessions.
- Calm and patient regardless of a client's temperament. Being able to stay cool and composed in any situation will earn you the approval of your clients and employer.
If you recognise these qualities in yourself and believe they will lead you to your dream job, keep reading to find out where you can take a massage therapy course in Liverpool.
What are the course and study options for massage therapy in Liverpool?
Aspiring massage therapists have many courses to choose from in Liverpool, ranging from on-campus programs to online courses, with the provision of face-to-face classes for certain subjects. Students have the liberty to choose to study full-time or part-time, whatever is convenient for them.
A Certificate IV in Massage Therapy is the minimum qualification required to work as an entry-level massage therapist. It usually takes six months to complete the course which covers basic massage procedures like deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, hot stone massage and acupressure. The only prerequisite for this massage therapy course is a high school diploma or equivalent.
A diploma-level qualification is intended for students who have recently completed a certification program, or for experienced massage therapists who want to advance their skills. This two-year program teaches remedial massage techniques for injury management and muscle rehabilitation.
Massage therapists who want to learn how to perform complex massage modalities, such as sports therapy, myofascial release and reflexology, should pursue a bachelor's degree in musculoskeletal therapy. This three-year program includes more advanced modules and more hands-on training hours.
Massage therapy is a broad field of study, with even master's degree programs available for practitioners who want to further their education and expand their healing toolbox. As you scroll up this page, you will see a comprehensive list of massage therapy courses for both beginners and advanced practitioners. You may contact your preferred course provider to learn more about the course you wish to enrol in.
What happens after you complete your massage course in Liverpool?
The demand for massage therapists is high, which means there will be ample job opportunities for you after completing your course. You could work in health clubs, spas, beauty salons, or even in a medical clinic that offers massage therapy as a complementary therapy for certain conditions.
Some practitioners go on to open their own massage clinics, offering both in-person and mobile massage services. If you choose this path, you can be sure that Natural Therapy Pages will be there to help you every step of the way. Adding your massage business to the practitioner listing pages will undoubtedly bring you more clients and increase your revenue in no time.
In addition to adhering to your organisation's code of ethics, it is important that you abide by New South Wales' legislative requirements regarding the practice of massage therapy, such as the following:
- Public Health Act 2010
- Health Care Complaints Act 1993
- Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002
- Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
- NSW Code of Conduct for Unregistered Health Practitioners
Training in other fields relevant to your core practice is an excellent way to advance your career in massage therapy. The following areas might be of interest to you:
