Best Schools For Massage Therapy

There are literally thousands of massage therapy schools where you can receive very general or very specialized massage therapy training.

So you want to become a massage therapist?

Last week I ended off with the suggestion that your choice in massage schools has much to do with the kind of person that you are. By this, I mean, it’s really important to know your basic philosophies, beliefs, values and life goals before you finalize your decision.

Pre Massage Therapy Training: Know Thyself

You might want to take the time to really take a look at who you are as a person, what your beliefs and values are, and even explore your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can make an informed decision based on what’s most important to you. It may be, for example, that you end up training in Shiatsu therapy instead of traditional therapeutic massage, as your basic philosophies may be more in line with the Eastern traditions.

There are a few basic questions below that can help you assess your areas of interest and narrow down your options so that you can choose the right massage school for you.

Do you want to practice from a more Western, traditional medical-model, or from a more Eastern model? You might want to try a few different massage techniques.

Do you have a science background or are you more into the arts?

Do you want to treat medical conditions or do you want to provide relaxation massage?

Do you see massage as a holistic form of therapy and are you interested in aromatherapy, reflexology, iridology and other alternative health modalities?

Who would you like to work with, and where would you like to work? at a chiropractic office? health club? nursing home? cruise ship? fitness centre? resort? On-site in airports or offices? private clinic? day spa?

Other important questions:

Do you have any physical limitations that might interfere in practicing massage? If so, are there any other modalities that might be less taxing on your body?

Can you stand or sit for long periods of time?

What are your beliefs around health and healing?

Have you tried any different types of massage or bodywork?

Do you enjoy caring for and helping people?

Do you have strong interpersonal communication skills? Can you work quietly, often without conversing for extended periods of time?

Choosing a Massage Therapy School

Which massage therapy school will give you the kind of education you need to practice the type of massage that you are interested in? Most massage schools differ in their approach. There are massage therapy schools that focus on a science-based medical model, or therapeutic approach, where others teach relaxation massage and/or spa treatments. The practical component of some programs may include training in Swedish massage, chair massage, cranio-sacral therapy, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, reflexology or sports massage; whereas other schools will offer a more Eastern approach that would include modalities such as Shiatsu, Acupressure, Reiki, or Thai Massage.

If you live in Canada or the United States, I have listed a number of websites below to help you gather more information on massage therapy training and massage regulations:

College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia

The Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic PractitionersThe Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance

Massage Therapy Laws and Regulations for the United States and Canada

Natural Healers – Massage Therapy Schools

The Commission on Massage Therapy accreditation in the United States

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)

Massage Schools/Massage Therapy Training

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