What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy involves the hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically the muscles, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments. It improves the body’s movement and function by relieving pressure on nerves, restoring muscles to their correct length and improving circulation. Besides helping with injury rehabilitation and building strength and stamina, a massage therapist also offers advice on exercise to promote overall health. Regular massage treatments can relieve anxiety, stress, mild depression, headaches and a host of other symptoms.
Massage therapists in Tuggerah should consider joining the following peak bodies for their professional development and to keep abreast of industry news:
- 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?
A massage course will teach you how to identify what causes pain or discomfort. It will also teach you how to apply a variety of massage techniques to address physical conditions that affect all aspects of health. The program will not only teach you the theories, but will also give you hands-on experience to prepare you for entering the massage industry. You will also be able to hone the following qualities that are highly valued in massage therapists:
- Good communication skills will enable you to explain to clients what kind of treatment they need to resolve their issues.
- An empathic heart allows you to understand what others are going through.
- Good listening skills are key to understanding your clients' concerns and determine the best massage treatment for them.
- A critical thinking skill and attention to details are essential to making informed treatment decisions for each client.
- Having good personal hygiene and always being well groomed.
If these qualities describe you, you have every chance of becoming a successful massage therapist. Read on to learn what courses you'll need to take to earn a massage therapy qualification.
What are the course and study options for massage therapy in Tuggerah?
There are a variety of massage courses offered throughout Australia, but they differ in content. Students may choose to study face-to-face or through distance learning. There are also options for full-time and part-time study, as well as evening and weekend classes. How you study is really up to you.
The most common training in massage therapy is a certificate IV, which is the entry-level qualification. It is generally considered sufficient for employment and gaining work experience in your chosen field. It includes topics like anatomy, physiology and pathology, as well as massage techniques and first aid.
In a diploma or advanced diploma program, modules are taught on massage business management, marketing and promotion. Additionally, specific massage techniques for specific conditions are covered.
View the full list of massage therapy courses at the top of the page. For questions about the curriculum, course fees, or other matters that will directly affect your studies, you may contact the course provider directly.
What happens after you complete your massage therapy course?
Getting your massage qualification from one of the course providers above will allow you to work in a variety of settings. You can work in massage clinics, rehabilitation facilities, spas, resort hotels or fitness centres. Depending on your level of training, you may also be eligible to work in allied health fields such as physiotherapy or podiatry. As a massage therapist, you are expected to adhere to your organisation's highest standards of practice as well as the following legislative instruments:
- 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
As a qualified massage therapist, you can start your own business if you wish. It is an excellent way to maintain a work-life balance while providing high-quality service to your clients. Additionally, listing your massage business on Natural Therapy Pages' practitioner listing pages will help you gain more clients and increase your profits sooner than expected.
With a massage therapy qualification, you can discover skills you may not have known you possessed, so you might want to explore other courses in complementary medicine. Training programs in the following areas might be of interest to you:
