subject: Which Massage Course Should You Specialise In? [print this page] Which Massage Course Should You Specialise In?
A massage school offers a number of massage courses. But currently the most recommended are sports massage courses and remedial massage courses because these are specialty courses which give a higher diploma level to massage therapists. If you take these types of massage courses then you would have more options for higher paying massage therapy jobs. But before getting up on your feet and enrolling in a massage course at a massage school near your area or online, get an overview of what is involved with these specialty massage courses.
Remedial Massage Courses
A remedial massage is a type of massage which utilises several techniques. All these techniques are aimed at finding and repairing muscle, tendon, ligament and tissue injuries. The massage may often use deep and strong strokes to help repair damaged muscles and tissues but patients may ask for gentler strokes from time to time. This type of massage helps with proper blood circulation and removal of body toxins. Stiff joints and muscle tensions are also addressed by the techniques used in this massage. The common types of injuries and pains which require remedial massages are lower back pain, hip and sciatica pain, migraines, whiplash, arthritis, fibrotis, muscle cramps, frozen shoulders, tendonitis, repetitive strain syndrome, groin strain, cartilage damages, hamstring injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you would choose to specialise in this type of massage and take remedial massage courses, you should be on the lookout to learn the techniques of deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, onsen technique, relaxation massage, action potential stimulator, myofascial release, cranio-sacral balancing, electro-magnetic herbal heat lamp, and lymphatic drainage.
Sports Massage Courses
Another type of massage course that is commonly offered in a massage school is sports massage course. Sports massage are sets of intensive massages but are quite similar to the strokes done in a Swedish massage. As its name implies, sports massage courses focus on massage techniques which help in treating muscle, tissue or joint injuries caused by playing sports.
A sports massage is also a preventive type of massage used to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts to prepare for their rigid activities. The strokes done in a sports massage increases muscle and joint flexibility and mobility and increases the blood flow in muscles making them more ready to experience muscle or joint stress caused by sports activities. Sports massage therapists are therefore, in demand in injury clinics, hospitals, sports facilities and sports teams.
Many techniques are combined in this type of massage so be sure to check with your massage school and ensure that you'll learn some Swedish style massages, kneading strokes, vibration, stretching, kneading strokes, trigger points and deep strokes among others.
