Massage Training, large college or small centre?

Massage Training is a routine enough?

The world of holistic and complementary therapies has erupted over the last few years with more and more people turning to such therapies for relief and also for a new career.
When looking for courses it is an absolute mine field, with so much variation it can be hard to know which way to turn. The main things to remember are bigger is not always better and if a price seems to good to be true then it usually is.
When I undertook my Swedish massage training, I studied at a large community college for a well known vocational qualification. This you would think would guarantee top quality training and full preparation for practicing in the real world.
I have found this to be a completely untrue assumption.
Unfortunately in my experience training in these kinds of establishments is more about teaching a routine for a massage treatment rather than getting down to the nitty gritty of what you should be feeling and what different techniques should be used to achieve different results. Forgive me if I am wrong but surely this is adopting a one size fits all attitude and does not allow for the fact that all people are not the same and we most certainly don’t have the same problems.
Although I agree that having a routine to follow in the early stages is a useful guide I do feel it is far more important to know exactly what is meant by the terms being knotted or tension and what are the most appropriate techniques to address them. Some of this knowledge can be passed on by a purely theoretical lesson but for a student to truly understand massage they need to know what they are feeling. If this means that the tutor has to do some massage to find examples of various muscular differences for the students to then feel for them selves then so be it.
There is then the lack of individual attention available. When learning the different techniques on the various parts of the body, I feel that it is important that a tutor can spend time with each student. This allows them to check that the techniques are being applied effectively and that correct body mechanics are also used.
Finally, it is a numbers game. With these kinds of courses it is impossible to fail to meet the grade. Assessments are often made to fit and test papers are re-taken until the required level is met. This is done so that the colleges are seen to be achieving, just for the government funding.
Looking at the opposite end of the scale I have also undertaken training in a number of small establishments, some less costly than others. The quality in these providers varies drastically. I have had training that is so poor I have then repeated a course with another company, and I have had the opposite experience in that a small provider has been exceptional actually going above and beyond the call of duty.

Ultimately, my advice to anyone reading this, who is considering training, is to look around, talk to the tutors; if it is feasible pay a visit to the training centre. If the school is worth its fees then the staff will be happy to talk to you and advise you accordingly.
Here at the TSL Holistic Centre we endeavour to meet the students full needs thus providing a greater and more fulfilling learning experience. All courses are taught with a focus on the practical aspects of treating clients, and we are always on hand should further assistance be needed.

www.tslholistic.co.uk