Tiffany Attwood

How to Choose a Massage Course

2019-05-16T14:18:45.595Z

Want to start a career as a massage therapist? You find a right article! Obviously the most important thing for those who want to pursue a career in massage therapy is choosing a good massage school. In UK there're so many courses that it's really hard to select the best one. Here you'll find advises, which will help you to make right decision.

Start with choosing massage courses

If you decided to become a qualified massage specialist think about massage technique you will learn. There're countless courses offering different kinds of methods. Probably these massage courses is the most popular all over the world. Swedish classic style, which is very similar to full-body sports therapy. Asian variations are also prevalent: Indian Head Massage, Thai Hand & Foot Massage. Don't forget about reflexology and aromatherapy.

What about masseur salary?

Well, it depends on a number of factors. Firstly, clients manage your skills. If you end up courses at massage training institute chances of a high salary increase. In addition, more massage techniques you know, more customers you can attract. I think that you should learn minimum three different therapy treatments in order to make a success of your business.

Don't forget that massage isn't only treatment – it's a advantageous business. Your income can be much better if you'll follow some advices. One of them accept bill insurance for your seances. Moreover don't forget to sell merchandise stuff in addition to your therapy amenities. An average specialist have about £87,750 a year, that’s about £45 an hour.

Period of study at massage courses

Practically every massage courses for beginners has lessons at midtime or at evening. These means you may compare studying therapy with your regular job. Whan you're choosing a threatment course you must ask few questions. How many hours of learing per week does these course have? What about graduates of these school? Did they found good jobs or may be they starts own business? How many teachers have successful long time massage practice?

Don't forget to ask about what licenses this school have. Also quality indicator will be fact about teachers. Does they have own massage business? Otherwise, their advices has no practical meaning.

Main factors of a ideal massage treatment course

Nowdays even small school of massage has their own web-site where you can find answers to all your questions. Firstly, find out what licenses and certificates does this school have. Next question – how much money you need to end up courses. Also there should be a list with what massage therapy programs are available. Will be good if you can find positive feedback for this school from students.

Remember that entering a nice massage courses is important because that is where you'll build your foundation and establish your understanding and proficiencies about massage. Don't forget that massage courses educate you how to do body therapy safely and efficiently. If you have a certificate that you become treatment specialist it doesn't mean you'll be triumphant.

To become a true professional is not enough just to finish massage lessons. You should get regular practice and attending refresher courses.

Various kinds of massage schools

Selecting the ideal massage therapy school is the most important decision you will make if you would like to pursue a career in massage therapy. There're so many different types of massage courses, so we understand that your decision is hard. Let's talk about main types of schools.

First one is proprietorial Massage Schools . They're often owned by an independent person who is often a massage practitioner or a very concerned party. Also they have small class quantity and reimburse more advertence to diverse learning methods. It's good that teachers in such schools give learners more awareness.

Next one is open pit mine Training Institutes. Such courses that also propose other professional studying such as medical and dental facilitating or another health care curriculums. But they commonly have a superior number of educatees matriculated at any time, offer lower schooling appraises.

College Programs are often at congregation colleges or technological colleges and may give an coalesce degree in massage theory. These schools often have the lowest rates, the lowest scale ranking rates, the lowest loan buyout rates. There're also collective massage schools. We must say that it's not a good choice for those who want to be good professional therapist. They often have a enormous number of learners, have the highest fee, highest loan rates and lowest repayment rates.

Which massage courses are best and why?

It's really hard to say what massage training course is the best. Almost always more expensive courses provide better knowledge. You have to choose between availability and quality.

There're big number of schools that concentrate on the recreation side of massage and many that concentrate on the massage as health service side. Nowdays most popular massage areas are mefical, relaxing, lymphatic, full-body and anti-cellulite. It'll be perfect if you can do different types of body-healing therapies.

If you're dreaming about a career as a professional massage therapeutist your decision of choosing massage school will be decisive. Try to weigh pros & cons, analyze in detail the information about courses on the Internet. Don't be lazy to contact students who have already taken courses, sure that their advice can be useful for you. In any case, we are sure that your choice to become a professional in the field of massage is definitely correct and will give you a lot of positive emotions.

Become a massage therapist

2019-05-16T09:14:03.952Z

Before starting a career as a massage therapist, it is a good idea to find as much information about this job as possible. If you do so, it will help you to figure out if this job suits your personality well or not.

What are the duties of a massage therapist?

Massage therapist is a quiet perspective position, that will allow you to find a job in various environments. It could be a yoga center, health clinic or medical center of any kind. Also, you can always open your private practice salon.

On the job a massage therapist most commonly performs a list of tasks:

Generates a relaxing atmosphere in the room.
Finds out what is the client’s problem. Where does he feel pain, what disturbs him?
Creates an individual massaging program especially for the client’s needs.
While massaging, pays attention to how the client’s body responds.
Creates an individual appointment schedule for each client.

A massage therapist can practice any kind of massage, there are plenty of them nowadays. Right now the most popular ones are Asian style massages.

What personal qualities a massage therapist should have?

Most importantly - squeamishness is a no go. You should feel very comfortable about being in constant interaction with a human body.

To become a good massage therapist, one should understand human anatomy well. Without this knowledge, it is impossible to perform a good massage that will have a long-lasting effect.

Another preferred quality is physical strength. And we are talking not only about therapist’s arms. Massage therapists spend the whole massage session standing. Usually, sessions like this can last for 90 minutes straight. It requires both patience and stamina. That’s why a therapist should take care of his own body first. Exercises, diet and safety compliance will help with this task quite a lot.

Other than that, it is important to take care of mental health. This rule is accurate regardless of what profession you are about to choose.

Most of the time, massage therapist work with the basic equipment, including massage tables or chairs, heat lamps and massage oils. His job is to keep an eye on this equipment, make sure everything is clean and works properly.

Some clients are quite talkative and love to have small talk while receiving a massage. Some are absolutely against it and just want to relax. A good therapist will always respect the client’s needs and would never force a conversation. Being nice, respectful and tactful is a key. There is nothing wrong if the client wants to open up a bit for his trust-worthy therapist. But you should know your boundaries and try to show no familiarity. Stay professional.

A good therapist knows that a loyal client is a treasure. That’s why the client service should always be on point.

If you are planning to open your own salon, marketing and other business-related skills would also be very helpful.

Types of massage therapy

A therapist can choose just one narrow speciality, or practice a few massage techniques at the same time. It is completely up to you. The list of massage types are quite big, but there are the most common ones:

Swedish massage
Reflexology
Hot-stone massage
Deep tissue massage
Sports massage
Shiatsu massage
Pregnancy massage
Acupressure
Reiki massage
Aromatherapy massage
Chair massage
Trigger point massage

Once you chose in which course of massage therapy you want to participate it is better to enrol as quickly as possible. It will allow you to start working faster. Some massage therapy courses offer their students a minimal training hour classes, some are going more in-depth with the subject. If you have enough time and money it is a good idea to invest in an intensive course. It will allow you to gain more money in the future.

What kind of certificate does a massage therapist need?

A potential massage therapist should complete a certificate or diploma degree. An institution must be accredited and approved by the state. Better to choose the massage therapy school where students can take classes in medical terminology, anatomy, psychology, body mechanics etc. The required amount of training hours could be somewhere between 330 and 1000. If you choose minimal training hour course you will be able to finish it in a few months. But more serious programs require about 2 years of practice.

After you finished massage therapy training you must pass the license exam. According to the London Local Authorities Act 1991, anyone who offers special treatments must have an appropriate licence. A Massage therapist should have two documents: a massage certificate and special treatment license. Providing any kind of therapy without these documents will be considered as a violation of the law.

Another needed procedure is to be registered with the council that the premise is located in.

Some types of massage may also require some specific certificates. For example, sports massage or veterinary massage. It may cost some extra work to you to gain this specialization, but higher demand and a good pay-check won’t leave you unsatisfied.

How much does a massage therapist earn?

When you are just started on your career as a massage therapist, your income depends directly on the place of work. If you are lucky enough to find a job in a respected salon you can count on a good salary.

Other than that, your salary will depend on how big your client base is. The more loyal clients you will have the better. Your pay will be stable and satisfying.

Massage therapy is a fast-growing field. For the moment, the average annual income for the specialists who work in the health and beauty industry:

Athletic trainers £25000
Skincare specialist £16500
Cosmetologist £22500
Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides £24000
Massage therapists £58500

As you can see, there is a drastic difference between the salary of a massage therapist and other specialists in a similar field. To become a massage therapist is a brilliant strategy for those who want to have a solid paycheck.

Potential workplaces for a massage therapist

After you gained your certificate and a license, you will be able to choose between a big variety of places to work. Considering the demand for massage therapists, there are new vacancies opening every week. The potential workplaces are:

Spa salons. There is no wonder that the spa is the most popular place among massage lovers. Relaxing atmosphere and many available therapies to try to attract a lot of people nowadays. The spa salon is the first place to search for a good massage therapist. If you are planning on working in the spa you should be able to provide the most relaxing environment for the client.

Health and wellness centres. More and more people nowadays are standing against drugs and medicaments. If they don’t feel like their illness is serious enough to take drugs, they are searching for natural healing. Here come the massage and the vitamins.

Hotels, Resorts, Cruise Ships. While enjoying the holidays, people love to try as many relaxing treatments as they can. Some people won’t get a massage on a daily basis because they consider it too expensive or unnecessary. But the holidays are a perfect time for spending money on a luxurious lifestyle!

Rehab Clinics, Hospitals. In this case, you should be able to provide the massage that will help the injuries. Many people need a good massage therapist after a bone fracture. And some massage techniques will help those, who injured their joints while doing sports.

A private practice. If you have enough confidence and passion for opening your own business you definitely should do it. It requires long hard work, but if you succeed it will be quite beneficial.

What are the career options for a massage therapist?

The future career options depend on your personal experience and time you spent practicing.

Speaking about massage therapist qualifications, unlike the other fields you don’t have to worry about improving your degree. So you won’t need to pay for massage therapy courses ever again if you already qualified. The one thing that will help you to advance your career is gaining a big client base.

However, you can go back to massage therapy school if you want to practice any particular type of massage. For example, if you want to learn about hot-stone massage. It will give you a chance to expand your clients list.

It is easy to see the growing demand for massage therapists. Before you would be able to find one only in spa salons and such. But nowadays people tend to include massage in the list of highly effective practices that can improve one’s health drastically.

Obviously, there is a bigger competition if we are talking about luxurious Spas. But the competition worth it when it comes to a salary. Of course, some people don’t want to struggle with stress when it comes to a competitive environment. You can always find a quiet place to work with local clients coming by. Also, some companies searching for a therapist to visit their office a few times a week regularly.

Another good tip to try if you want to avoid stressful competition is to become a specialist in one particular type of massage. It will promise you loyal clients and stability.

Become a pregnancy massage therapist

2019-05-13T11:56:09.343Z

In ancient Egypt, India and China, manual therapy reduced pain and fatigue in pregnant women. The massage is used for therapeutic and relaxing purposes for expectant mothers and in our days. However, in a critical period, it has its own characteristics and limitations.

Some doctors are worried about their patients and do not recommend them to get a massage. There’re several reasons why they do this way. The first is the lack of standardization and certification in this area. The second is the significant differences in the techniques of performing massage. Therefore, it is important to have a therapist who knows how to properly massage. To do this, he must complete special training courses and understand all subtleties of execution techniques.

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Maternity massage is called done during or after pregnancy. During pregnancy do prenatal massage and after giving birth, some are prescribed postnatal.

The absence of contraindications and the well-being of pregnant enables her to do procedure. It does not hurt and will be a good addition to prenatal care.

No matter in which trimester to start massage courses - first, second or third. It’s often helpful to undergo the procedure before and after pregnancy.

Many medical centers refuse to do it in first trimester. They are afraid that it will provoke a miscarriage. But there’s no cause for concern if there’re no physiological causes and a high degree of risk to the fetus.

In any case, a pregnant woman is obliged to consult with her doctor before receiving a massage. The best way to avoid negative consequences is to inform and choose a qualified therapist.

Body position during prenatal massage

Some experts use a special table. It has an abdominal opening that makes procedure comfortable. But such tables not always have the size of your abdomen and uterus. These causes pressure on the abdominal cavity or it will be poorly fixed creating discomfort. Consultation is required before beginning procedures to find out which table a practitioner is using.

Other masseurs use special pillows. It’s called a roller and helps to fix body lying on its side pregnant. This is excellent in late pregnancy. Many experts recommend doing maternity massage in the supine position. In this case, risk to health of the woman and the child is minimal.

Positive sides:

There’s little research at this time. Therefore, it’s difficult to establish its benefits. But the University of Miami School of Medicine offers several positive effects:

Reducing anxiety.
Elimination of pain in the legs and back.
Healthy sleep.
Decreased stress hormone levels in the body.

Another study was conducted with the participation of pregnant in a state of depression. Some results:

Increasing the body's concentration of serotonin and dopamine hormones, affecting good mood.
Reduced stress scores.
General improvement of a woman’s condition.

Scientific studies prove the benefits of massage on the entire population. It relieves pain, boosts immunity and helps to struggle tumors.

Training and Education

Deep. It’s carried out with firm movements for deep pressing of muscles.
Swedish. This technique is based on long strokes in the muscles. Particular attention is paid to the compositions.
Shiatsu. Concrete points are tapped on this by stimulating bodily energy.

What You’ll Study in Prenatal Massage Therapy School

The interest of the state in improving procedures among the population is increasing annually. This contributes to the development of manual therapy, including the career growth of doctors specializing in prenatal massage.

But there’re problems in the field of training. Getting a certificate takes time and practice.

What You’ll Study in Prenatal Massage Therapy School

Training is conducted in different forms. This may be optional classes, refresher courses or standard continuing education. All of this is available to you in special schools of massage therapy. You can expect from the following courses:

Studying physiology and anatomy of the body of pregnant.
Techniques.
Precautionary measures.
Contraindications for the procedure.
Different problems that a pregnant face: physiological and emotional.
Practice.

How Are Pregnancy Massage Therapists Trained?

There’re special certification programs for massage therapists. It’s includes several hours of classes (from 24 to 32) for 2-3 days. Some seminars include the practical part. After completing practice, you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Prenatal Massage Certification

Perinatal massage has many schools as part of their curriculum. But this doesn’t guarantee you a certificate. This is obtained only after passing special training at a certified seminar.

After graduation, you must confirm your qualifications through oral and written exam. Then practice and practical exam. This is done outside the school of massage therapy in special courses. It gives you the opportunity to receive a certificate of successful learning.

Pregnancy massage is special and can be considered a vocation. There’re challenges and the therapist must be able to respond to them on time. He should choose a qualified massage specialist. Thus, it will help to form the right education in the field of prenatal care. Undoubtedly, this will affect the future of all mankind.

What is swedish massage

2019-05-13T11:45:21.483Z

There are enormous ways fixing up human body but the best one is probably massage. Our guide we will talk about Swedish massage, which is known as classic healfy way for your body. Such treatment will be excellent choice for everyone who cares about muscles, bones health.

Why we called it Swedish Massage

There are a lot well-known fullbody procedures in Western countries but Northen technique probably best-known relaxing type wellness therapy. Main idea of this method based on science facts from human anatomy, physiology. Johan Georg Mezger (1838 - 1909) is the Swedish style founder despite he was a Dutch practitioner. He learned some of world known healing techniques whereupon tried creating system, can be used in medicine. Main ideas concidering his method based on book "Medical Gymnastics" by Swidish physiologist Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839). That's why in calls that way.

Interesting thing that many methods from XVIII century applying nowdays without any changes. This confirms that massage from Sweden has big effectiveness.

Different techniques of massage from Sweden

Classic style contains five basic methods. They are aimed being good in different ways. As example, it can soothe muscles, improve circulation, make feel relaxed. Remember that as with all interventions firstly should consult with personal doctor about any medical conditions may havel.

Swedish massage therapy inhibits several locomotions: tapotement, petrissage, friction, effleurage. Tapotement is about doing quick drumming or pounding type movements. Suchmotionsprovides better blood flow through flesh, improves dissemination by boosting oxygen flow in blood. Petrissage will be valuable to your skin, muscle, because masticating one of the best way bringing new impulse for human body.

Friction directed to deeper muscles, evenly bones. Use this movement by making static, strong pressure to areas, which are most painful in your body. Basically should control the effort you make on muscles. Finally, don"t forget about effleurage, which means long, slow sliding movements. To decrease pain effects you may use body oil or balm

There is one kind of therapy which is rather similar to Scandinavian technique, it calls deep tissue massage. This therapy contains more perpetual pressure against muscle until it pushes back and repose. Itmakes more effect on muscle form but also have cons. In particular, you can have some injuries if you do this technique in wrong way.

Major benefits of technique from Sweden

Swedish full body massage basicaly used to relax as well as makeing ready for some kind of physical activity. Doing classic healing procedure can effectively calm nervous system, reduce anxiety or evenhealmental depression.

All of Scandinavian techniques are based on movements on back, hands or legs, which invokes blood circulation. Moreover lymphatics system is also stimulates by Swedish therapy. But such procedure maybe hurtful. If you have osteoporosis, fever, may be another disease, which can cause raising temperature.

Scandinavian healing should be used on problem areas, because it can heal different pains. It makes possible because of flushing out toxins from muscles, strengthening oxygen flow in blood. Regula massages can help to keep connective tissues and sinews supple. Not unimportant fact of doing such method is the effect which decreasing emotional, physical stress.

Swedish massage is must have course for professional masseur

Want to be professional masseur? Swedish massage course iis first you should sign up. It's very popular at spa salons. Clients are ready forking out for good, strong, effective physio procedure. Don't forget Scandinavian healing contains profits simultaneously: relaxing with stimulating at the same time. Also by improving physical health clients will obvious increase theirmentalhealth.

Learning how to do Northen massage professionally helps you financially. Salary will be much more over average. UK average Therapist earns £91,650 per year or £47 per hour. Obviously it iisn't salary roof, masseurs in great demand can make over £132,500. According statistics profession masseur growing faster by 20% than any other, so may expect raising effect at market.

Become a sports masseur

2019-05-13T11:37:01.178Z

Sports massage is very popular for people, who decided to visit the fitness center. Often this is due to the desire to prevent injuries and cure them. We have prepared a special guide. It will be useful specialist in sports massage. Guided by our recommendations, anyone can develop the skills that will be needed to properly provide the service. Using our materials to calculate the time of work and the expected income will not be difficult.

What skills does a massage therapist need?

Career sports masseur is associated with customer care. You need to provide physical mental comfort. This will require the following:

ability to enjoy close contact with people;
the ability to create for customers, a state of relaxation;
sociability and good communication skills;
ability to relieve physical and mental stress.

What work will need to be done?

Sports masseuse willto works with various clients every day. It may even be freelancers. They often turn to professionals if they want to play sports. In this situation, you can:

identify problem areas at an early stage;
treat injuries that may be neglected;
help prevent injuries before they occur.

How much can you to earn?

The level of income depends on the characteristics of work and experience. As a rule, earnings per month range from 18,000 to 25,000 pounds sterling. Many sports massage therapist work hourly and therefore get paid for each session separately. In this case, the payment ranges from 25 to 30 pounds. Profit depends on the qualifications, experience and characteristics of the treatment.

How to become a professional?

In order to qualify for a good job in the UK, you need to get a certificate. If you have qualification, this will help you to move up the career ladder. When you will be hired, you can always provide a certificate. This will be a confirmation that you meet certain criteria and are able to work as a massage therapist. People, who have passed accreditation from another massage specialization, will find it easier to get a job. If you were involved in sports and were a fitness trainer, you can present a document. The certificate must be valid and evaluated. To become a member of society, you you should to have first aided skills.

How to get certified?

A sports masseur must have a state license. The certificate is granted for massage therapy. During training, you need to complete a course from 500 to 1000 hours. After graduation, you need to confirm the licensing, passing the exam. If you want, you can get a specialization for a specific method of treatment. This is the myofascial method.

There is a cooperation agreement between the National Certification Therapy and Body Certification Council (NCBTMB) and the international certification organization ITEC. After discussions, the experts decided to make sports massage a separate specialty in some schools. Due to this, graduates have an additional opportunity to pass certification through ITEC.

How to improve yourself?

You need to constantly improve yourself, get new skills and knowledge. This will have to do throughout the career. This is due to the constant introduction of new methods of treatment, research and theory in this area. If you become a member of the Society, you will get several benefits. This is primarily professional confidence. To remain a member of the Society, you will have to develop professionally. For this, sports massage training are organized every year. The received certificate may be required by the founders of the company. Improving professional skills is:

attendance at short courses and seminars;
participation in conferences and exhibitions;
participation in practical training;
the study of scientific articles in journals.

If you read professional journals, you can get the necessary knowledge. You must learn a variety of sports. In this regard, you will open up new perspectives. You can also eliminate injuries and techniques to prevent them. Learning manual therapy would be helpful. If you have previously received a degree in sports therapy, you can complete a master's course. After advanced training, you can offer a wider range of services.

How is training in the school of sports massage?

The training course includes massage programs. The obtained practical knowledge can be applied at various events. These are marathons, cycling tours or triathlons. For the purpose of prevention, massage is performed in the medical office. Students during training can choose the following sports massage therapy courses: anatomy and physiology, treatment and prevention of injuries, kinesiology. Program of massage consists of 700 or more hours of practical training. On average, the course of treatment lasts 12 months.

What courses to choose?

To take a course, you do not need to take exams at the university. You can choose a specialized school. In such educational institutions teach massage. This will help you get a job in the future. When choosing an educational institution you should pay attention to certification, accreditation and professional communications.

Get information about the schools

To simply request additional information will be the best ways to avoid fraud with courses. These may be offer brochures. They will have the necessary information. Schools should be prepared to conduct excursions to their educational institutions. If you are not sure about anything, ask for a guided tour. So you will receive additional information about classes, certificates, accreditation.

If you want to study massage therapy and choose a course of sports massage, you will be important to accreditation and certification. This is the only way to get profit in the long run. You need to study in proven, accredited training centers. Experienced teachers will help you become a good massage therapist.

Read reviews about the school and its trainers

Reviews will be the most important things for any sports massage school. Opinion get from the general public. After you choose a certified massage therapist in your region, read at the opinions of other masters. This will allow you to learn about the advantages and disadvantages. You may be surprised at how many people have information about schools, education, and sports massage courses in your specialization.

Career prospects

Sports therapists very often find work after a personal acquaintance or on personal recommendation. If you temporarily work on an incomplete position, you will be able to get a full-time job. If you provide medical care to members of local teams, you can get the right practice. You can also help individual athletes.

If you have the experience, it will be much easier to get a job. You need to learn additional treatments. The practice can last several years before you get the required level. Some sports therapists may work in related fields. These are fitness counseling, personal training and health promotion tips. You can also lecture in one of the schools.