Holistic massage qualifications

[zwaterbushle]

Hello,

What qualifications should I look out for when booking a massage therapist? A google search revealed so many different holistic therapists in my area with all different sorts of qualifications that I'm unsure who to pick. Some are itec, vtct, nvq, which is the best massage qualification I should look out for? It's always Swedish/holistic massage I have, not sports massage if that makes any difference?

Thankyou in advance for any help.

 

[Kikii]

Look out for massage therapist with ITEC qualification only. Neither VTCT nor NVQ is as highly regarded within the industry as the ITEC, mainly because they only 'touch on' the subject whereas ITEC is very thorough so you know you're in hands of a real pro even if newly qualified. This is my personal opinion based on own research and a number of conversations with main massage schools in London.
Hope this helps.

 

[Cathal]

Hi RB

Sorry but the qualifications you have quoted are very similar. There isn't really a "best" qualification. Qualifications are just hoops to jump through and hopefully creates a half decent therapist. The real learning is the experience gained after being qualified. So may be you have to judge by another criteria such as experience, image, price, reputation, using your intuition and so forth.

Hope you find the right therapist for you

Best Wishes

RP

 

[Jordan <3]

As a VTCT massage therapist, I find your statement, Sylwia, incorrect. I know many excellent VTCT trained massage therapists. It depends very much on the quality of the school and the tutor.

As Reiki Pixie says, the qualifications are very similar and both the CThA and FHT view them as the same.

Talk to some of the massage therapists in your area, find out what experience they have, and if you feel comfortable with them. You may have to try more than one before you find someone that is right for you.

HTH,
Myarka

 

[Katie B]

agree with myarka totally

 

[HP Resource]

Thank you for the replies, I have chosen a lady therapist with a vtct qualification, she comes across as professional but still caring and friendly which I like.

My usual therapist is off to Thailand for 2 months to learn Thai massage. I am looking forward to experiencing my first Thai massage on her return.

 

[Ava Lynn born 8-4-09]

Hi RB, that sounds good to me, caring and professional.

Hi Sylwia, sorry but I have disagree with you, and agree with Myarka and BG. I know many therapists of many different schools and philosophies. The only difference I can tell is that those who have confident personalities, caring hands and professional attitudes are the ones that show up as really good, and nothing to do with the chosen examination board. As a former ITEC tutor I can tell you that it isn't rocket science.

Best Wishes

RP

 

[wellys spooky boots]

The school matters not, it's how we put our hands on people and achieve our ends that counts.

There is no standard in this field. If you don't have a word of mouth recommendation, you take a bit of a chance.

 

[StonedGorilla]

I think this is true of any therapy. I've come across therapists in my own field who have trained at highly reputable schools but I hear client horror stories about them regularly.

However, coming from a reputable school/qualification is surely an essential strong starting point?

I only use therapists I work with at multi-practice clinics as I only work from clinics that have very high standards. This is recommendation enough for me, I don't actually look at their qualifications. Prior to that, I used therapists who were either personally recommended or who I had received taster sessions from that I felt were of high quality.