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

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

Further information can be obtained via the contact form of the respective school - quickly, easily and without obligation.

The Therapeutic Massage Therapist course comprises a total of 780 hours of classroom instruction as well as a three-hour oral and practical final examination. Depending on the pace of learning and the time available, the course takes approximately 2 years. Most courses can be attended as evening or day courses. In addition to the classroom time, you should expect to spend around 780 hours on self-study - depending on your learning technique and previous education. To be on the safe side, check with your training provider.

Therapeutic massages according to EMR (recognized by the Empirical Medical Register) are used specifically to promote health, alleviate complaints and support general well-being. Various forms of treatment are used, which can be applied individually or in combination, depending on requirements. The three most common forms of therapy are

• Classic massage: The tissue is stimulated by targeted pressure and traction with the hands. This technique promotes blood circulation, loosens tense muscles and can relieve pain or restricted movement.
• Manual lymphatic drainage: A gentle, decongestive measure in which special grip techniques stimulate the motor function of the lymph vessels. This supports the removal of excess tissue fluid - without the use of complex physical decongestive therapy.
• Foot reflexology: Here, specific reflex points on the sole of the foot are stimulated using targeted pressure. Depending on the zone, the treatment has a positive effect on different areas of the body and organ systems and can promote physical balance.

The combination of these forms of massage enables a holistic and customized therapy that is tailored to the respective complaints and needs of the client. Therapeutic massages according to EMR are considered a valuable addition to conventional medicine and gently support the natural healing process.

The term "EMR therapeutic massage"Training" refers to a modularEducationwhich comprises three massage techniques (classic massage, foot reflexology and manual lymphatic drainage). The qualification has existed since 2019 and enables graduates to treat patients' complaints using the most suitable massage technique in each case.

EMRis the abbreviation for the "Experience-based medical registers". The EMR is an important reference for health insurers when deciding whether or not to contribute to the costs of complementary therapy treatments. The "EMR therapeutic massage" training course is based on the EMR guidelines for the registration of therapists using this method (EMR method 33). This means that anyone who has completed the training and can provide evidence of the 250 hours of practical experience required by the EMR can register with the EMR and enjoy the benefits of this certification.

Therapeutic masseurs and masseuses work in health promotion, prevention and therapy for individuals. They usually practice their profession in their own practice - but they can also be employed in saunas, fitness and health centers and sports clubs.

The training in therapeutic massage (EMR method 33) aims to train you to become a competent, responsible and holistic therapist. You will learn how to treat people with various physical complaints professionally and how to use health-promoting measures in a targeted manner.

The following learning objectives are pursued as part of the Therapeutic Massage certificate course:

• Basic medical and social science training: You will acquire a sound knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and psychology in order to correctly classify complaints and create treatment plans.
• Understanding health and prevention: You will develop a holistic understanding of health, learn to work preventively and accompany clients in their healing process.
• Ethics and professional ethics: You will learn how to deal responsibly with your therapeutic role, recognize boundaries and treat clients with respect.
• Practice management and self-management: The training provides you with the basics for setting up and organizing your own practice, including documentation, billing and communication with health insurance companies.
• Specialist therapeutic training: You will deepen your practical skills in the three central methods - classic massage (EMR method 102), foot reflexology (EMR method 81) and manual lymphatic drainage (EMR method 111).

At the end of the course, you will be able to carry out treatments independently, create individual therapy plans and provide professional care for your clients. You will thus meet the requirements for an EMR-recognized job in the field of therapeutic massage and lay the foundation for a successful career in the healthcare sector.

Participants in massage therapist training complete their training with a diploma from the training provider. This diploma forms the basis for recognition by health insurance companies and can be used as part of an EMR registration (Experiential Medical Register). The training thus opens up career prospects in recognized therapeutic practices or in self-employment.

The training comprises several modules - classical massage, foot reflexology and manual lymphatic drainage - each of which is completed with a written, oral and practical examination. These final module examinations take place on the last day of each module and test the theoretical knowledge as well as the practical application of the techniques learned.

After successfully passing the examinations, graduates receive a diploma that serves as proof of their professional competence. This diploma is an important step towards health insurance recognition, as it demonstrates the qualifications required for admission to the EMR. This means that the massage therapist training is not only practice-oriented, but also geared towards well-founded professional recognition in the healthcare sector.

The therapeutic massage training course (EMR method 33) has a modular structure and combines in-depth medical knowledge with intensive practical training. The aim is to prepare you optimally for professional work as a therapist and to meet the requirements for EMR recognition.

The training structure for therapeutic massage training is divided into the following modules:

• Basic medical theory training (MTG) - 157 hours: Here you will acquire a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology and pathology.
• Medical-theoretical specialization (MTV) - 196 hours: You will deepen your knowledge of clinical pictures, differential diagnostics and learn to understand and apply medical correlations.
• Classical massage module (EMR method 102) - 154 hours including written, oral and practical examination: You will learn the classical massage techniques, grip types and treatment procedures for various complaints.
• Foot reflexology module (EMR method 81) - 105 hours including exam: This module teaches you reflexology as a complementary treatment method.
• Manual lymphatic drainage module (EMR method 111) - 168 hours including examination: You will learn how to stimulate the lymphatic system in a targeted manner and apply manual techniques correctly.

At the end, you will take an oral and practical exam (3 hours), which will test your overall knowledge and therapeutic skills. In total, the therapeutic massage training course comprises over 780 hours of training and meets the current requirements of the Swiss health insurance companies and the Empirical Medical Register (EMR). This clearly structured curriculum provides you with a holistic, practical and recognized training in the field of therapeutic massage.

Important: If you are training on the basis of an individual method, you must observe the deadlines. If you are starting from scratch (without previous training in a single method), you should check that your chosen course meets the full guidelines of Method 33 - as the number of hours and modules may vary depending on the provider.