What is massage therapy?
Massages therapy is the application of fixed or movable pressure to the muscles that promote relaxation, healing and flexibility. Massage therapists are responsible for guiding clients on how to improve their posture through stretching, strengthening, relaxation techniques. Some of the common reasons that people in Perth go to a massage therapist:
- Anxiety
- Chronic lower back pain
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Neck and back pain
- Postural strains
- Soft tissue injuries
- Stress
- Tendonitis
Massage therapy treatments incorporate a range of specialties such as lymphatic drainage, myotherapy, reflexology, remedial and sports massages.
Should you complete a massage course?
A career in massage therapy is perfect for anyone passionate about health and wellness and a willingness to help others feel better. The qualities that you should possess if you're looking to pursue a career in massage therapy are:
- Attentive listening to understand client symptoms, medical history, and desired results as well as understanding any concerns they raise during the massage
- Good problem solver when pinpointing tense areas of the body and being able to plan the massage accordingly.
- Dependable especially when documenting client's conditions and progress.
- Looking to stay fit and healthy by being physically active throughout the workday.
What are the course and study options for massage therapists in Perth?
Whether you're new to massage therapy or looking to enhance the ability of your healing hands, you'll find a wide range of schools in Perth, Australia that can provide you with top-notch education and training. There's no better time to learn the latest massage techniques to gain entry to your ideal workplace than now.
The minimum qualification required to work in the massage industry in Perth is a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy which is also a nationally recognised entry-level qualification for massage therapists. Most accredited massage therapy schools in Perth offer flexible options such as an on-campus, online or through a blended learning stream. After completing your studies in Perth will be eligible to apply for membership with these professional associations:
- Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
- Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
- Massage Association of Australia (MAA)
- Massage & Myotherapy Association (MMA)
- Myotherapy Association Australia (MAA)
It is also highly recommended that you pursue further education through a Diploma of Remedial Massage or Bachelor of Massage Therapy which helps develop your skills through being able to address a broader range of more complex conditions.
What happens after you complete your massage course in Perth?
Armed with the right qualifications from an accredited massage therapy course in Perth, you can kickstart your career in a wellness spa, rehabilitation clinic, sports club. You can even set up your own private practice and list your services with Natural Therapy Pages.
However, besides learning different kneading, rubbing and pulling techniques, it pays to know the ins and outs of the statutory codes which dictate what is and what is not acceptable from massage therapists in Western Australia. Read on to learn more.
- Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1995 provides the public with a platform to lodge their complaints about a health service or provider.
- Information Privacy Bill 2007 requires health providers in the private and public sectors must keep the personal information of their clients private.
- Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 is a background check that you must undergo if your line of work requires direct engagement with minors and individuals under 18 years old.
- Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995 requires Perth massage therapists to deliver quality health care services promptly, observe the privacy and dignity of their clients and protect their health records.
- Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 outlines health and safety compliance rules related to the type of work delivered.
Now that you're equipped with this vital information, you may proceed to undertake a massage therapy course in Perth which aligns with your career goals. You can start with a Certificate IV and then gradually work your way up to a diploma or bachelor's degree program.
