Take the next step beyond relaxation-based treatments with our Advanced Therapeutic Massage Course. Built on the core learning from our previous BTEC Level 5 Advanced Massage syllabus, this programme strengthens assessment skills and hands-on techniques so you can deliver targeted, outcome-driven therapeutic massage. It’s the ideal progression after a Level 3 VTCT (ITEC) Massage qualification and a strong springboard into further advanced massage courses and specialisms.
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be fully equipped to integrate Advanced Therapeutic massage techniques into your existing massage practice.
To enrol on this Advanced Therapeutic Massage Course, learners must hold an OFQUAL-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage (or equivalent) that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email us a copy of your qualifications for advice.
Advanced Therapeutic Massage is a practical, hands-on course designed to help massage therapists develop more focused, effective and clinically informed treatment skills. The course builds on the principles of holistic therapeutic body massage while teaching students how to adapt and extend a routine to meet the individual needs of each client.
Through supervised practical training, students will learn how to assess soft tissue dysfunction, apply deeper therapeutic massage techniques and develop treatment plans that are more specific, purposeful and therapeutic.
There are no formal exams for this Advanced Therapeutic Massage course.
In-class assessment and instructor feedback - ongoing evaluation of practical skills with real-time feedback to support learning and development. A certificate will be issued if the instructor believes the required competencies have been met.
Following completion of this Advanced Therapeutic Massage course, students have been able to:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home
Work in health clubs, hotels, or ski resorts abroad
Offer mobile massage treatments
Treat clients using Advanced Therapeutic Massage techniques
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
Pursue degree-level studies in Osteopathy, Physiotherapy or Acupuncture
Supplement their full-time income with part-time massage work
Develop their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio
Join professional massage associations, increasing credibility and access to further resources.
Advanced Therapeutic Massage is a results-focused form of massage that builds on Level 3 massage skills. It uses assessment, postural observation, deeper soft tissue techniques, trigger point-informed work and treatment planning to help address muscular tension, restricted movement and common areas of discomfort.
This course is suitable for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and bodyworkers who already hold a recognised Level 3 Massage, Sports Massage or equivalent qualification and want to develop more targeted therapeutic treatment skills.
No. This is an advanced massage course for qualified therapists. Learners must already hold an Ofqual-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage, Sports Massage or an equivalent qualification that includes anatomy, physiology and pathology.
To enrol, learners must hold an Ofqual-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage or equivalent, including anatomy, physiology and pathology. Students without this qualification may attend but will only receive a certificate of attendance.
You will learn how to assess soft tissue dysfunction, adapt a general massage routine, use postural observation, apply deeper therapeutic massage techniques, use safe body mechanics, work with trigger points and plan treatments for individual client needs.
The course includes advanced soft tissue massage, deep tissue techniques, longitudinal strokes, cross-fibre techniques, neuromuscular technique, trigger point-informed work, gentle articulatory techniques and the use of forearms, elbows, fists, knuckles and the heel of the hand.
Yes. Students learn consultation, postural observation, palpation, surface anatomy and the STAR approach, which considers sensitivity, tissue texture, asymmetry and range of motion to help guide treatment planning.
The course looks at common muscular complaints such as low back pain, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, repetitive strain patterns, postural imbalance, muscular tightness, restricted movement, knots and myofascial trigger points.
No. There are no formal written or practical exams. Students are assessed through in-class observation, supervised practical work and tutor feedback. A certificate is issued when the tutor is satisfied that the required competencies have been met.
Yes. Students who successfully complete the course and meet the required practical competencies receive an electronic certificate from London School of Massage.
Yes. The course is accredited or approved by recognised professional bodies, including FHT, BCMA, IGCT and IICT. It also provides 14 CPD points.
Yes. Qualified therapists can integrate Advanced Therapeutic Massage techniques into their existing massage practice, provided they hold suitable professional insurance and work within their scope of practice.
Yes. Therapists should hold appropriate professional insurance before using Advanced Therapeutic Massage techniques with paying clients. Existing therapists may need to inform their insurer and add this course to their CPD record.
At London School of Massage, the Advanced Therapeutic Massage Diploma is taught as an intensive 5-day classroom-based course.
The course is held in person at London School of Massage, King’s Cross / Caledonian Road, London.
After completing this course, therapists may progress to Sports Massage Level 4 or Level 5, Trigger Point Therapy, Spinal Articulation and Mobilisation, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Pregnancy Massage, Cupping Therapy or other advanced CPD courses.
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