FreeRub - Free massage via our massage trading community.

Remember me!

Swedish Massage

February 18, 2006

Ray at The Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy and Acupuncture.

Raymond Manna
Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy and Acupuncture
W26 street between 7th&8th Avenue NYC
attended 1996 through 1998

I took the 700 hour massage therapy training course which included Swedish Massage, Medical Massage, and Shiatsu ( AKA acupressure ). At the time I attended the cost was about $5000.00. I chose the Swedish Institute because it is the oldest and highest quality training in the nation. It was founded around 1906 and now offers an accredited Associate Degree. At the time I attended the school the course was either Full Time for one year or Part Time at night for approximately 2 years. I chose the Part Time Schedule and maintained an A average. If you work Full Time this is the only sane way to do it.
You must leave plenty of time for studying and reviewing materials.

The lectures and hands on courses were rigorous and we were tested regularly on both book knowledge and hands on skills. The teachers were very strict and would not allow anyone to disrupt the class. The only thing I didn�t like about the training is that there was not enough time for exchanging massage with fellow students. Overall I thought the Institute was the best and I would recommend it highly to anyone who is serious about a well rounded Massage Therapy Education.

A key point on learning Massage Technique:
I have found that most of what I have learned has come from receiving massage more that giving it. When receiving massage you become more familiar with what does and doesn�t work by actually feeling it on your own body. I have learned many variations by receiving hundreds of massages from all different people. As they say experience is the best teacher!

Once you get new customers the challenge is in keeping them as regulars. Learning to listen to and respond to the needs of your individual clients is key. We all have our individual techniques and preferred methods for treating clients. The trick is to develop a sense of knowing what works best for each individual. We must bend and twist our methods to suit each different situation and this only comes from listening attentively.
This I think is our biggest challenge as massage therapists.

As far as getting a job I have never had a problem getting work. If you have the time and energy there are plenty of Spas, Health Clubs, and Holistic Centers offering positions all the time. You can also advertise solo in areas where you know people have money and try to get private customers, although this is much more difficult if you are not well known yet.

All rights reserved.

[back]

Affiliates Articles Terms of Service Privacy Policy Password/Username Reminder