Massage therapy training covers a wide range of topics
Some courses you should expect to take are anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Those courses all deal with studies of the human body – location of organs, muscles, tissues, how the body’s mechanics work. Of course all that is necessary knowledge for someone who will dedicate his or her career to healing people’s pains.
In addition to learning about the physical aspects of massage therapy, many massage institutes teach courses that at first may seem irrelevant. Some of these courses may be ethics, or business management. Really, though, these courses are just as important because a massage therapist not only performs on clients, but must build relationships with them. The relationship should be businesslike; it has to be one of trust and commitment. In school you learn how to build these therapist-client relationships, the ethics of running a business and the ethics of dealing intimately with your clients.
These subjects are usually taught in a more traditional class room setting. For anatomy and physiology you will often refer to a model skeleton.
Hands-on Training
Hands-on training is what massage therapy education is about. You may feel a bit shy or intimidated at first, but you will quickly get used to it. You may feel shy because you are not sure what you are doing or if you are doing everything correctly. Not to worry, everybody is in school to learn. This hands-on training is also one of the most rewarding aspects of massage school. You will alternate with fellow students, where you get to be the giver and the receiver. It feels amazing to receive so many massages as well as to learn your skill as a therapist.
Hygiene, kindness and communication
You’ll want your clients to feel comfortable around you. While you’re in massage school, you’ll learn to keep good hygiene of your hands, tables and other materials that you’ll use. You will also learn to develop bedside manners–treat your teachers, classmates, clients, and anyone else in the industry with the respect that they expect! Learn to listen. Open communication between a massage therapist and his or her client allows everyone to feel relaxed, and your sessions will feel much less tense.
Camraderie
One of the best, maybe unexpected things in a massage school is camaraderie. You will develop strong friendships, close relationships and strong bonds with your fellow students. You will laugh and cry together. This strong feeling of community is amazing and rewarding. You are not alone, you are connected and cared for in your tight massage school class. Embrace it.
If all this sounds exciting to you, massage therapy school might be just what you are looking for. There’s a lot of opportunity once you receive your certification. It will take work and dedication but it will also be fun and rewarding.