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

With the massage therapist training you can obtain the following qualification:

• Diploma of the provider
• Health insurance recognition

The final module examinations (classical massage, foot reflexology and manual lymphatic drainage) include a written, oral and practical part. This examination takes place on the last day of the last course of the respective module. After passing the final module examination, graduates receive a diploma that can be used for health insurance recognition (EMR registration).

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

The Therapeutic Masseur / Therapeutic Massage Therapist course comprises a total of 780 hours of classroom instruction as well as a three-hour oral and practical final examination. According to the curriculum, the training takes approximately 2 years - depending on the pace of learning and the time available. Most courses can be attended as evening or day courses. In addition to the classroom time, a further 780 hours of self-study must be expected - depending on the learning technique and previous training.

The term "EMR therapeutic massage" training means a newly created training program and replaces the professional masseur. This two-year, part-time training course for therapeutic massage therapists (EMR method 33) offers an adult-oriented training program in a modular system. After training, the profession is practiced in health promotion, prevention and therapy for individuals. In most cases, they work in their own practice - employment in saunas, fitness and health centers and sports clubs is also possible.

The learning objectives of the Therapeutic Massage certificate course are as follows:

• Basic training in medical and social science subjects
• Understanding health
• Ethics
• Practice management
• Specialist therapeutic training
  • Foot reflexology massage
  • Classic massage
  • Manual lymphatic drainage

The treatment forms of foot reflexology, classic massage and manual lymphatic drainage can be used either individually or in combination to treat various health complaints:

• Classical massage Massage: pressure and traction stimuli are applied to the tissue with the hands
• Manual lymphatic drainage: a decongestive measure that uses certain grip techniques to stimulate the motor function of the lymph vessels, which facilitates the removal of excess tissue fluid (but without the complex physical decongestive therapy)
• Foot reflexology: depending on where the sole of the foot is massaged by applying targeted pressure to reflex points, this has an effect on different parts of the body

The following persons are admitted to therapeutic masseur training:

• Good German language skills - oral and written
• human empathy
• Sense of touch
• Willingness to learn
• Endurance