Therapeutic massage: providers, schools, information, questions and answers

The therapeutic massage training (EMR method 33) is structured as follows:

• Medical-theoretical basic training (MTG) during 157 h
• Medical-theoretical specialization (MTV) during 196 h
• Classical massage module (EMR method 102) during 154 hours incl. written, oral and practical examination
• Foot reflexology module (EMR method 81) during 105 hours incl. written, oral and practical examination
• Manual lymphatic drainage module (EMR method 111) during 168 hours incl. written, oral and practical examination
• Final examination (3 h) oral and practical examination

An acupressure massage course is at least a 3-year part-time course (500 lessons). The qualification is either the school's own diploma or certificate or a qualification from an association, an organization or an industry label. In order to obtain the industry certificate in complementary therapy, an internship and a so-called "Tronc Commun" (natural science, social science, profession-specific basics) must be completed in addition to the training in the method. After subsequent professional practice with accompanying supervision, the Higher Professional Examination (HFP) in Complementary Therapy with a federal diploma can be taken.

The Therapeutic Massage Therapist course comprises a total of 780 hours of classroom instruction as well as a three-hour oral and practical final examination. Depending on the pace of learning and the time available, the course takes approximately 2 years. Most courses can be attended as evening or day courses. In addition to the classroom time, you should expect to spend around 780 hours on self-study - depending on your learning technique and previous education. To be on the safe side, check with your training provider.

The term "EMR therapeutic massage"Training" refers to a modularEducationwhich comprises three massage techniques (classic massage, foot reflexology and manual lymphatic drainage). The qualification has existed since 2019 and enables graduates to treat patients' complaints using the most suitable massage technique in each case.

EMRis the abbreviation for the "Experience-based medical registers". The EMR is an important reference for health insurers when deciding whether or not to contribute to the costs of complementary therapy treatments. The "EMR therapeutic massage" training course is based on the EMR guidelines for the registration of therapists using this method (EMR method 33). This means that anyone who has completed the training and can provide evidence of the 250 hours of practical experience required by the EMR can register with the EMR and enjoy the benefits of this certification.

Therapeutic masseurs and masseuses work in health promotion, prevention and therapy for individuals. They usually practice their profession in their own practice - but they can also be employed in saunas, fitness and health centers and sports clubs.

In many cases, participants decide on just one massage practice that they would like to learn, such as classic massage, Dorn-Breuss massage, acupuncture massage, reflexology or similar. However, there is also the option of undergoing more extensive training, for example to become a professional masseur or masseuse and learn classic massage, sports massage, foot reflexology, wraps and packs and other special techniques. The course to become a health masseur/health masseuse also enables you to learn different massage techniques.

The content of the vocational massage therapist courses may vary depending on the school. It is therefore not guaranteed that all providers will cover the same topics. Typical contents of continuing education, further training in massage include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Biomechanics and pathology
• Pathology and first aid
• Emergency Management
• Full body and partial massages
• Foot reflexology
• Wrap and mud therapy
• Sales and customer service
• Product knowledge and business customer
• Interviewing and psychology
• Prevention and health promotion
• Supervision and in-depth massage techniques (e.g. back and spinal massage)
• Medical terminology and diagnostics
• Introduction to the assessment of findings
• Rehabilitation training for orthopaedic and cardiological problems
• Hygiene and infection theory

These subjects form the basis for a sound education and prepare students for practical work. The individual schools place different emphasis on the content and scope of the vocational masseur / masseuse courses.

Please note: Each school determines its own curriculum, which is why the specific content must be clarified individually. A contact form is available for support, which can be used to forward specific inquiries to the desired school.