Massage Classes

Here is a list of Massage Classes that you will be taking in basic massage school. Most states require at least 500 hours of training in some combination of these classes. The specific number of hours for each class may be different in each state. You have to find out what is required in your state to get your massage license.

The number of hours that you choose to take are another thing. Today with so many changes happening in the profession, the more training you can take the better off you will be especially if you are right out of high school. If have been a massage therapist for 20 years and if I was just going to massage school now I would opt for the 3-4 year programs being offered in Canada or find one in the US.

The basic massage classes that you will take in massage school are as follows:

• Anatomy and Physiology- Learn about the structure of the cells, bones and muscles and how they work together to create movement and health. Somewhat like a basic college class in anatomy and physiology but with more of a focus on the muscles.

• Massage Theory - Most schools will start teaching you basic massage theory using Swedish Massage and other classes like deep tissue massage, sports massage and pregnancy/infant massage. You will be learning how to perform basic massage strokes, what each stroke does and when it is best to use them.

• Pathology - You will learn about the basic disease processes that mostly affect the muscles and connective tissue but you will also need to be aware of other diseases and conditions because many diseases require special attention or more advanced training to deal with.

• Client Assessment and Session Planning - how to evaluate a clients condition and apply massage

• Ethics of Touch - When you touch people you are touched back too. Because of the dynamics that occur in such relationships it is important to understand your role in the process of working with people and how to deal with various relationships. Doing massage creates a therapeutic relationship that is really the basis for healing. To put it simply when people come to you as a professional they will look up to you. This often recreates the old dynamics of their parent/child relationship. Your role as a massage therapist needs to be clear. You will set your own code of ethics and policies and procedures to protect yourself and best serve the client. This actually is required ongoing training for some associations.

• Business Skills and Finding a Job. Since most massage therapists start their own business you will need to learn how to start and run a profitable business. Most schools do not teach how to set up a website which is really the only thing you will need to do to market your massage business effectively but you can take one online. (12 Week Class - How to make a Website) If you want to find a job in massage you will also need to learn how to present yourself and ask for the pay that you need to make a great living rather than just accepting what is out there which is really low in many places (like $15 an hour).

• Self Care also is sometimes included in Ethics. Self care is actually the key to being successful in the massage profession. Most massage therapists burn out fairly quickly but it is mainly because they do not understand boundaries and taking care of themselves. Peer Supervision is becoming a big part of self care.

See also:Massage Classes Section on www.thebodyworker.com with a complete section on massage school notes to supplement your classes.

|| FAQ's  ||  Career Guides  || Websites  || Supervision || About Me ||

Visit My Other site : www.thebodyworker.com