What is a massage?
Massage is a type of manual therapy that consists of systematic rubbing, kneading, and stretching of muscles and soft connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, in order to relieve pain and promote healing. Massage therapists are trained in a range of massage techniques, each designed for a particular health condition. Many health issues can be treated with massage therapy, including back pain, joint stiffness, sports injuries, muscle knots, arthritis, sciatica and repetitive strain injuries.
For access to industry news and a vast array of career opportunities, massage therapists in Gladstone can join one of the following professional organisations:
- 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?
Studying massage therapy will prepare you for a rewarding career in the field of complementary medicine. It doesn't matter if you are new to the industry or would like to add massage to your existing practice. Taking a massage course will also help you develop important personal qualities that sets massage therapists apart, such as the following:
- Patience, empathy and compassion are vital as many patients are going through difficult times and would appreciate someone who can understand their perspective.
- Active listening skills will help you get to the root of a patient's problem and address it efficiently.
- A good grounding in science, especially anatomy and physiology, so you can easily detect the problem areas in a client's body and improve their physiology.
- Good time management skills will enable you to address each client's needs within a specific time frame without compromising on quality.
Having excellent body mechanics is also crucial so that you can endure long hours of standing and working with your hands.
If you embrace these qualities and want to use them to help others improve their health and lives, continue reading to find out where and how you can study massage therapy to earn your qualification.
What are the course and study options for massage in Gladstone?
Many Gladstone complementary medicine schools offer massage courses that can be completed on-campus, online, or through a blended learning system. You can also choose to study full-time, part-time, or just on weekends or at night. Where and when you study depends on your schedule and lifestyle.
The first step toward a massage therapy career is to complete a certificate program, which typically lasts 6 to 12 months depending on the study mode that you choose. You will learn a variety of massage techniques and their proper application in this course. In addition, you will learn the best practices for running a massage business.
Afterwards, you can pursue a higher qualification, such as a diploma or degree. These courses take longer to complete, but you will gain deeper insight into massage therapy and be able to choose your area of specialty.
Check out the top of the page for some of the best massage courses in Gladstone. Review each provider's offerings carefully, then contact the school of your choice to learn more about their curriculum, course fees and delivery methods.
What happens after you complete your massage course?
Studying one of the courses above can open up a range of career opportunities. You can work at a spa, massage clinic, fitness centre, resort hotel, or even travel the world while offering massage services aboard a cruise ship. While enjoying the perks of your profession, you must also comply with the code of ethics outlined by the massage association that you belong to and the statutory requirements of Queensland, including:
- Health Ombudsman Act 2013
- Child Protection Act 1999
- National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers (Queensland)
As a massage therapist, you have the option of starting your own private practice and managing your own clientele and hours. You can gain more clients and upscale your business by listing your services on Natural Therapy Pages' practitioner listing pages.
To make themselves more marketable in the field, some massage practitioners engage in other fields of study. Courses in the following areas are worth considering should you decide to take further studies:
