What is massage?
Massage is the practice where massage therapists use stretching, strengthening, relaxation techniques to improve the posture of their patients. The aim of this form of treatment is to maintain, rehabilitate or augment the physical function of the body. This subsequently can enhance a client's wellbeing. These practitioners assist people who are dealing with a range of problems such as:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- High blood pressure
- Postural strains
- Chronic lower back pain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Tendonitis
- Insomnia
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
As a massage graduate in Wollongong, you can apply to be a member with one of these professional associations:
- Massage Association of Australia (MAA)
- Massage & Myotherapy Association (MMA)
- Myotherapy Association Australia (MAA)
- Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
- Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
Should you complete a massage course?
Massage therapy is a career for anyone who understands the importance of massages in improving an individual's overall wellbeing. Employers in Wollongong who are looking to hire massage therapists look for the following qualities in massage therapists:
- Good listening skills to be able to understand a client's symptoms and the root cause of their pain as well as possible concerns they could have about the treatment.
- Dependable and high attention to detail especially when monitoring clients' symptoms and determining the safest massage technique that will best alleviate their pain.
- High levels of physical and mental stamina because you will need to perform many massages throughout the day and see many clients.
- Good verbal communication skills when explaining how the massage session will be conducted.
If your career interests and interpersonal skills correlate with the requirements of being a massage therapist then continue reading to discover your course and study options in Wollongong.
What are the course and study options for massage therapists in Wollongong?
If you are looking to learn more about the massage therapy industry and want a short-term course, it is highly recommended that you start off by enrolling in an Introduction to Massage Therapy course. Once you complete this, if you are ready to commit to a long-term qualification, you will need to finish a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy. This is the minimum requirement for all massage therapists in Wollongong. In Wollongong, most schools offer flexible options to suit your preferred learning style such as on-campus, online or blended learning delivery methods.
These courses are taught by industry professionals who have had years of experience. Throughout these courses, you will be introduced to a vast array of topics related to relaxation massage, manipulation and neuromuscular techniques. Additionally, the practical modules allow you to gain first-hand insight into how to work in a professional environment and hone the technical skills you learnt in the classroom as well as improve your communication abilities.
This page will provide you with a list of massage therapy courses available near you in Wollongong. Once you shortlist some of your options, you are able to enquire with the schools directly to learn more about their term dates, prerequisite requirements and tuition fees.
What happens after you complete your massage course in Wollongong?
Upon graduating from a massage therapy school, you will have an abundance of options to choose from when deciding where to work. Some of the workplace settings you can work at include:
- Massage clinics
- Health practitioners' offices
- Sports centres
- Luxury resorts
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Aged care facilities
You must also be aware of the statutory and regulatory requirements that govern all massage therapists and ensure the health and safety of all patients; both in New South Wales including Wollongong:
- 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
Furthermore, after gaining some experience you have the option to start your own private practice. This will allow you to decide your own hours and retain a greater degree of control over your business management. If you are looking to gain more clients for your massage therapy business especially during the early stages, Natural Therapy Pages can assist you with this by letting you advertise either your in-person massage services or online consultations via these practitioner listing pages.
Finally, it is highly recommended that you pursue further education through either completing a diploma-level or undergraduate qualification where you will be able to gain in-depth knowledge of a particular specialty in massage therapy.
