Diploma of Remedial Massage : Your guide to studying a Diploma of Remedial Massage

Whether you want to start a career in the field or you’re a massage therapist looking to specialise – a Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52015) can train you to help clients reach their wellbeing and mobility goals through specific massage techniques.

A career as a Remedial Massage Therapist is ideal for anyone in an interest in health and helping others. Here’s what you need to know about studying a Diploma of Remedial Massage. 

First of all, what is a remedial massage therapist?

Remedial massage therapists use applied pressure to help locate and repair damaged areas of the body. Remedial massage is a complementary therapy that helps the body’s own healing processes, treating muscles that are knotted, tense, imbalanced or immobile.

A remedial masseuse will assess the muscles, ligaments, tendons and posture of a client presenting with soft tissue dysfunction, musculoskeletal imbalance or restrictions in range of motion (ROM). Once the therapist understands the issues causing the injury or pain they will then perform a targeted massage of the area, usually over a series of sessions.

What is a Diploma of Remedial Massage?

A Diploma of Remedial Massage is a nationally recognised qualification that will provide both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required to become a Remedial Massage Practitioner or Therapist. During your studies you will learn:

• Anatomy and physiology 
• Injury prevention and management
• Advanced massage techniques 
• Client assessment
• Development of a comprehensive treatment plan

You will also complete 200 hours of hands-on work experience through placement opportunities. 

Once qualified, you may choose to work in a variety of settings including your own private clinic, at a spa, with athletes in a sporting environment, or in a health centre alongside other health care professionals such as physiotherapists.

A Diploma of Remedial Massage is a recognised pathway to careers in Myotherapy, Exercise Science, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Health Science. The qualification can also complement careers in Psychology, Yoga, Nutrition, Nursing, and Personal Training.

Where can you study a Diploma of Remedial Massage?

There is a range of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offering remedial massage courses and the majority have no prerequisites for study. Studying a Diploma of Remedial Massage at TAFE is a popular option. Although you can study much of a Diploma of Remedial Massage online, some face- to-face classes are required.

If you have relevant experience or international qualifications in the field, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL is an assessment process that considers an individual’s

relevant prior learning – through life experience, work, or activities such as volunteering, in Australia or overseas – to determine if they meet the requirements for a unit of study.
 
RTOs consider these existing skills and knowledge to assess whether a person demonstrates the required competencies needed to meet the relevant Australian standards. They can provide a credit against units of competency, allowing an individual to gain eligibility for a formal qualification or reduce the amount of time required to achieve a formal qualification.