Massage Therapist Classes

Massage therapy techniques, courses and degree programs

Massage is a bit like chocolate: Most people love it for the delicious indulgence. The professionals who provide these heavenly service sare highly trained in their scientific art before they start practicing massage therapy.

Basic classes of most massage therapy training programs typically include the following types:

• Deep-tissue massage
• Geriatric/respiratory
• Sports massage
• Swedish massage
• Trigger point therapy

In addition, many schools and programs offer training in a variety of more advanced massage therapist classes, including:

• Craniosacral therapy
• Deep tissue
• Hot stone therapy
• Lymphatic drainage
• Massage for pregnancy
• Myofascial release

While the vast majority of students' time is spent learning and practicing massage techniques, all programs--from the 9-month, basic licensing program to the two-year, associate degree in massage therapy--include classes that focus on the anatomy of the human body, and the business side of the profession. Additional massage therapist classes can include anatomy, business practices, effective communications, ethics, kinesiology, nutrition and physiology.

Massage therapy is more popular than ever to relieve muscle tension, which is a consequence of repetitive movements, such as typing and doing general computer work. In addition to the American Massage Therapy Association, many massage therapy schools offer classes for specific conditions, such as the following:

• Cancer and massage therapy
• Massage therapy for Fibromyalgia
• Proactive approaches to carpal tunnel syndrome
• Skin conditions and massage therapy
• Relieving sciatica through massage therapy

In general, massage therapist classes prepare students for massage therapy certification and licensing exams, including Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), National Certification Examination for Therapeutic and Bodywork (NCETMB) and the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM).