Therapeutic massage

View Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses.

The power of touch can be very healing. Just think of when a mother rubs a child's knee better after it has fallen. In the same way massage can bring many benefits for a host of health conditions. Therapeutic massage aims to address underlying problems rather than simply offer relaxation or a beauty treatment.

If you have a health condition such as chronic back pain, you can start by telling your therapist all about it. On your visit they will take a case history and will also ask general questions about your health, diet, exercise regime, and emotional and mental health and wellbeing. In this way they can build up a picture of you as an individual and exactly what you are looking for from massage. This allows them to plan the most effective approach to tackling your problems. A session will normally last for an hour and will take place on a couch in a calm, quiet room. You will be asked to disrobe and then lie down so that work can begin.

Therapeutic massage draws on the techniques of other kinds of massage and uses them to address the condition or problem. For example, it may use many of the strokes of Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, and other techniques. Swedish massage uses five main strokes – effleurage (a light touch), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), friction (deepest tissue massage), and shaking.

Trigger point therapy works on blood flow and restricts blood flow to an area for up to 30 seconds before restoring it. This brings about a pleasurable rush of blood and a boost to circulation. Deep tissue massage uses these five techniques but makes them slower and deeper to help remove adhesions (rigid tissue) and to work on sorting the deep connective tissue. This can bring profound relief from tensions and muscle spasms.

As you lie on the couch the therapist will use some or all of these methods and will primarily focus on your problem area so that you may not receive an all-body massage. The emphasis is on addressing your health issue rather than on providing relaxation, although the more relaxed muscles are, the better they will respond to treatment. Your therapist will gently manipulate them and gradually aim to restore normal function. Although one session is likely to have an impact on a problem, you are highly recommended to book a course of treatments so that the therapist is able to work in depth to address your problem. Always drink plenty of water following a session as this will help to flush out many of the toxins which have built up in your muscles. To help with your recovery your therapist may also advocate a set of exercises for you to follow, which will complement the work of the masseur and help to develop your stamina and independence.

Therapeutic massage can be helpful in addressing chronic back or neck pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries, and many other chronic conditions.

Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses

Medical Careers Institute

The program focuses on the medical and rehabilitative effects of massage while conferring an understanding of the art and science of massage therapy. Sound business practices are taught, which prepares students for success in the workplace. The curriculum integrates clinical experience with hands-on work, and students get to know about the care given to patients in different stages of health.

Associate.
Massage Therapy - Associate.
Virginia, North Carolina.

ATI Career Training Center

Qualified students who wish to sit for the National Certification exam should take the 200-hour Advanced Massage Therapy Program. We train students in advanced techniques such as Trigger Point therapies and Myofascial Release which will teach students how to deal with more in depth conditions.

Diploma.
Massage Therapy (MT), Massage Therapy, Professional Massage Therapy.
Texas.

Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy

Diploma, Associate.
Massage Therapy.
Connecticut.

Milan Institute of Cosmetology

The Milan Institute has a unique curriculum that combines Eastern, Western, and ancient techniques with the latest innovations. With these skills and your own self-assurance, you can be successful in spas and at sporting venues, in doctor's offices, specialized massage clinics, or even in hospitals!

Diploma.
Massage Therapy.
California.

National Career College

Diploma.
Massage Therapy.
California.