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SUMMARY:Foundations of Therapeutic Massage
DESCRIPTION:An Osteopathic-Informed Approach to Safe\, Confident Wellness Massage\n\n\n\n\n\nSanctuary Hill\, New Plymouth Small-group practical training | Limited to 6–12 students \n\n\n\nLearn the foundations of safe\, confident therapeutic massage\n\n\n\nThis online learning and four-day practical course is designed for people who want to develop meaningful hands-on massage skills with a deeper understanding of the body. \n\n\n\nTaught by experienced osteopath and acupuncturist Andrew Lawson\, this course introduces students to wellness-focused massage through an osteopathic-informed approach. Rather than simply memorising a routine\, students learn how to think about the body as an integrated whole — including posture\, tissue tension\, circulation\, the nervous system\, stress\, communication\, consent and safe treatment planning. \n\n\n\nThe course combines online preparation\, four practical training days at Sanctuary Hill\, and a supported practice period after the course to help students integrate their skills into real life \n\n\n\n\n\n“An excellent\, well-structured course with the perfect mix of theory and practical work.”Kate Lepper\n\n“This course gave me the fundamentals and so much more\, building real confidence in my massage skills.“Tim Chadwick\n\n“I now feel confident carrying out a full-body massage and using targeted techniques to relieve tension.“Gentry Simpson\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“An excellent\, well-structured course with the perfect mix of theory and practical work.”Kate Lepper\n\n“This course gave me the fundamentals and so much more\, building real confidence in my massage skills.“Tim Chadwick\n\n“I now feel confident carrying out a full-body massage and using targeted techniques to relieve tension.“Gentry Simpson\n\n\n\n\n\nApply for a position\n\nRequest Course Information\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho this course is for?\nThis course may be suitable for you if you are: \n\n\n\n\nexploring massage as a future career direction\n\n\n\ninterested in developing a second income stream\n\n\n\nalready working in wellness\, fitness\, yoga\, Pilates\, beauty\, retreats or recovery services\n\n\n\nwanting to support a partner\, family member or loved one safely at home\n\n\n\n returning to hands-on practice and wanting to rebuild confidence\n\n\n\n curious about bodywork\, touch\, anatomy\, connection and whole-person care\n\n\n\n looking for a practical introduction before committing to longer massage training\n\n\n\n\nNo previous massage experience is required\, although the course may also suit people with some prior training who want a fresh\, whole-person perspective. \n\n\n\n\nWhat makes this course different?\nThis is not a generic massage workshop. \n\n\n\nThe course is taught from an osteopathic-informed perspective\, which means students are encouraged to understand the body as an integrated system rather than a collection of isolated muscles. \n\n\n\nYou will be introduced to core osteopathic principles\, including: \n\n\n\n\nthe body as a unit\n\n\n\nthe relationship between structure and function\n\n\n\nthe body’s capacity for self-regulation and recovery\n\n\n\nthe importance of circulation\, the nervous system and tissue health\n\n\n\nthe value of applying the minimum appropriate intervention with care and precision\n\n\n\n\nThe aim is to help students develop not only massage technique\, but also sensitivity\, awareness\, professional judgement and confidence. \n\n\n\n\nWhat you will learn\nOver the course pathway\, students will be introduced to\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessional foundations\n\n\n\n\nprofessional conduct and therapist responsibilities\n\n\n\nconsent\, communication and boundaries\n\n\n\nprivacy\, modesty and draping\n\n\n\nhygiene and treatment-room preparation\n\n\n\nclient-centred care\n\n\n\nrecord keeping and safe practice\n\n\n\nunderstanding your scope and when to refer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSafety and clinical awareness\n\n\n\n\ncontraindications and cautions for massage\n\n\n\nred flags and reasons to refer\n\n\n\nworking safely with different client needs\n\n\n\nadapting pressure\, positioning and technique\n\n\n\nendangerment sites and areas requiring caution\n\n\n\nmanaging client expectations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBody understanding\n\n\n\n\nbasic anatomy relevant to massage\n\n\n\nsoft tissue\, skin\, muscle\, fascia\, tendons and ligaments\n\n\n\ncirculation and lymphatic function\n\n\n\nthe nervous system and stress response\n\n\n\nposture\, movement and tissue tension\n\n\n\nbasic observation and palpation skills\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPractical massage skills\n\n\n\n\nbody mechanics and therapist self-care\n\n\n\nsafe use of pressure\n\n\n\neffleurage\n\n\n\ndeep effleurage\n\n\n\npetrissage\n\n\n\ncompression\n\n\n\nsoft tissue release\n\n\n\nstretch and draw techniques\n\n\n\nmassage of the back\, neck and shoulders\n\n\n\nmassage of the arms and hands\n\n\n\nmassage of the legs and feet\n\n\n\nhow to structure a safe\, coherent wellness massage session\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCourse structure\n1. Online preparation\n\n\n\nBefore attending the practical training days\, students will complete introductory online learning. This allows the in-person course to focus more heavily on hands-on skill development. \n\n\n\nThe online preparation will introduce key concepts such as safety\, consent\, professional conduct\, contraindications\, basic anatomy and the osteopathic-informed approach. \n\n\n\n2. Four-day practical intensive\n\n\n\nThe practical course runs from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th November 2026 at Sanctuary Hill\, New Plymouth. \n\n\n\nDuring these four days\, students will practise hands-on techniques in a supervised\, small-group environment. The focus will be on developing confidence\, sensitivity\, safe pressure\, good body mechanics\, client communication and treatment flow. \n\n\n\nStudents will both give and receive massage during the course. Consent\, privacy\, draping and professional boundaries are treated as essential parts of the learning process. \n\n\n\n3.Supported practice period\n\n\n\nAfter the four practical days\, students will complete a supported practice period to help integrate the skills into real life. \n\n\n\nThis may include practice massages\, written reflection\, case notes and follow-up support. Certification is completed after the supported practice requirements have been met. \n\n\n\nThis structure is designed to help students move beyond the excitement of the course and begin developing genuine confidence through practice\, reflection and feedback. \n\n\n\n\nCourse dates\, venue & fee\nDates: Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November 2026 Online Learning: Online Content Learning will commence one month prior to the contact portion of the course\, 5th of OctoberVenue: Sanctuary Hill\, New Plymouth Class size: 6–12 students Course fee: $2\,600Format: Online preparation + four practical days + supported practice period \n\n\n\nSanctuary Hill provides a peaceful setting for focused learning\, practical development and connection. \n\n\n\n\nHow to Apply\nApply by filling in the form below and we will be in contact\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFoundations of Therapeutic Massage\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Name\n		*\n	\n	\n	\n		Name	\n\n	\n					\n				\n					First Name				\n\n				First Name			\n						\n				\n					Last Name				\n\n				Last Name			\n				\n\n\n	\n	\n\n\n	Email\n		*\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	Phone\n		*\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	Location\n		\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	Which best describes you?\n		\n	\n						\n					 I am exploring massage as a future career\n					\n					 I am interested in a second income stream\n					\n					 I already work in wellness\, fitness\, beauty\, yoga\, Pilates\, retreats or recovery\n					\n					 I want to support a partner or family member at home\n					\n					 I am returning to hands-on practice\n					\n					 I am interested for personal development\n					\n					 OtherOther\n\n	\n	\n\n\n	Have you had any previous massage\, bodywork\, healthcare or wellness training?\n		\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	What interests you most about this course?\n		\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	Do you hope to use massage\n		\n	\n						\n					 Personally\n					\n					 Professionally\n					\n					 Both\n					\n					 Unsure\n\n	\n	\n\n\n	Do you have any questions before enrolling?\n		\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	Consent\n		*\n	\n						\n			 I understand this is a foundational wellness massage course and not a full professional diploma\, remedial massage qualification\, osteopathic qualification or medical training programme.\n\n	\n	\n\n\n	\nApply for a Place\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n			\n			\n				If you are human\, leave this field blank.			\n			\n		\n		\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the teacher\nAndrew Lawson is an experienced osteopath\, acupuncturist and clinic owner based in New Plymouth. \n\n\n\nAndrew has spent many years working hands-on with patients and has a deep interest in anatomy\, physiology\, movement\, stress\, recovery and whole-person healthcare. He created this course to share the value of skilled therapeutic touch and to help students develop safe\, confident and meaningful massage skills. \n\n\n\nHis teaching style combines practical instruction with clinical insight\, helping students understand not only what to do with their hands\, but why they are doing it. \n\n\n\nAndrew is passionate about helping people appreciate the intelligence of the human body and the importance of connection between therapist and client. \n\n\n\n\nAbout the Course\nIs this a professional qualification?\n\n\n\nThis course provides foundational training in wellness-focused massage. \n\n\n\nIt does not qualify graduates as osteopaths\, remedial massage therapists or medical practitioners. Students are taught to work within their level of training\, understand when to refer\, and practise safely and professionally. \n\n\n\nStudents who intend to use massage commercially are encouraged to seek appropriate insurance\, comply with relevant business requirements\, continue their education\, and work within their scope of competence. \n\n\n\nThis course may be used as a starting point for further study\, personal development\, wellness work or future massage training. \n\n\n\nWhat students can expect to leave with\n\n\n\nBy the end of the course pathway\, students should have developed: \n\n\n\n\na practical foundation in wellness massage\n\n\n\ngreater confidence using touch safely and respectfully\n\n\n\nan understanding of professional boundaries and consent\n\n\n\nimproved body awareness and palpation skills\n\n\n\na basic understanding of anatomy and body systems relevant to massage\n\n\n\nthe ability to structure a safe massage session\n\n\n\nawareness of contraindications and when to refer\n\n\n\npractical experience giving and receiving massage\n\n\n\na clearer sense of whether massage is a pathway they wish to develop further\n\n\n\n\nWho this course is not for\n\n\n\nThis course may not be suitable if you are looking for: \n\n\n\n\na full professional massage diploma\n\n\n\na remedial massage qualification\n\n\n\nosteopathic training\n\n\n\nmedical diagnosis or treatment training\n\n\n\na guaranteed employment pathway\n\n\n\na quick certificate without practice\, reflection or professional responsibility\n\n\n\n\nThis course is best suited to students who are genuinely interested in learning safely\, practising respectfully\, and developing their skill over time. \n\n\n\n\nFAQ\nWhen will Online Learning commence?Online Content learning will commence one month prior to the contact portion of the course\, 5th of October \n\n\n\nDo I need prior massage experience?No. The course is designed as a foundation course and is suitable for beginners. Students with previous experience may also benefit from the osteopathic-informed approach and practical refinement. \n\n\n\nWill I be able to practise professionally after the course?This is a foundational wellness massage course. It introduces safe practice\, professional conduct\, basic assessment and massage technique. Students who wish to practise commercially are responsible for working within their scope\, seeking appropriate insurance\, and continuing their education. \n\n\n\nWhy is certification completed after the supported practice period?Massage is a hands-on skill that requires practice and integration. The supported practice period helps students apply what they have learned\, reflect on their experience\, and build confidence after the practical training days. \n\n\n\nWill I have to give and receive massage during the course?Yes. Students practise on each other as part of the learning process. Consent\, privacy\, draping and professional boundaries are emphasised throughout the course. \n\n\n\nWhat should I bring?Students will be advised what to bring before the course begins. This will include appropriate clothing and towels for practical training. \n\n\n\nHow many places are available?Places are limited to a small group of 6–12 students to allow individual guidance and practical feedback. \n\n\n\n\nRequest Information on this course\nFill in the form to request information\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCourse Information request\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Name\n		*\n	\n	\n	\n		Name	\n\n	\n					\n				\n					First Name				\n\n				First Name			\n						\n				\n					Last Name				\n\n				Last Name			\n				\n\n\n	\n	\n\n\n	Email\n		*\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	Phone\n		*\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	Course Name\n		\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	Any Questions?\n		\n	\n	\n	\n	\n\n\n	\nRequest Information\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n			\n			\n				If you are human\, leave this field blank.			\n			\n		\n		\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarly bird price of $2300 before the 5th of September. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApply for a position\n\nRequest Course Information\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReviews From Our Students \n\n\n\nI thoroughly enjoyed the therapeutic massage course with an osteopathic approach. 😊For me it was nice to revisit some anatomy and physiology from my previous\, somewhat historic degree. Day one was packed with information\, to cover all necessary information in regards to professional ethics and contraindications\, as well as an introduction to some massage techniques and individual case studies. The rest of the course I thought was well structured\, starting each day with a re-cap and any questions from the previous day before moving into new material. It was a good mix between theory and practical work. The delivery of the course\,  passion and enthusiasm from Andrew was fantastic. He was very personable and considerate of everyone throughout the course. I feel like we got through a lot in the time we had and this made the course well worthwhile. The course material we have been given before\, throughout and after has been helpful also. It was an excellent course and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to start out or develop their massage techniques with a focus on reducing fatigue and delivering effective massages. The osteo focus also encourages and enables you to help people with some rehab and prevention strategies as well as have the confidence to be able to work with other practitioners 😊Thanks for this opportunity and helping me start my journey to help others and their wellbeing. Kate Lepper\n\nI was looking for a course to teach me some fundamentals. This course gave me that and so much more. The practical and theory were delivered in a way that was easy to understand yet thorough. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to be more confident in their massage skills\, for personal or business use. Tim Chadwick\n\nI chose to enrol in the Vivian Street Osteopaths’ massage course as I will be training to become an Osteopath and was advised that familiarising myself with therapeutic massage would be beneficialfor the course. Obviously this course stuck out more so than others\, as it was run by Osteopaths.This course was delivered in a professional and friendly manner\, where students felt comfortable to make mistakes and every mistake became a learning experience for the whole group. It was anintense 5 days\, but the pace was appropriate and all aspects were unpacked thoroughly. I really enjoyed my time on this course\, I feel confident to carry out a full body massage\, and also learnt some valuable techniques for isolating particular areas of the body to relieve tension. I would absolutely recommend this course to any beginning masseuse.Gentry Simpson
URL:https://www.vivianstreetosteopaths.co.nz/course/foundations-of-therapeutic-massage/
CATEGORIES:Foundations of Therapeutic Massage
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