Classical Massage could be the first type of massage that every massage enthusiast should learn at the beginning of their massage studies, as the Classical Massage course provides the ABC of massage. If the knowledge of classical massage is poorly acquired in the initial phase, this can lead to a situation where the information cannot be related to anything when learning the new types of massage. Due to that, the subsequent acquisition of a new type of massage is mechanical and not logical. Profound knowledge and mastery of classical massage will help in the future to understand all other types of massage more systematically.
Prerequisites for starting studies
Participation in the Classical Massage e-course is open to anyone interested in acquiring knowledge of Classical Massage. There are no prerequisites.
Volume, duration and structure of the online course
The volume of the Classical Massage e-course is 30 academic hours, of which 30 academic hours are independent work (including e-learning). One academic hour is equal to 45 minutes. After registration, the course can be completed within one year.
The Classical Massage online course includes six basic modules. Learning outcomes are assessed at the end of each module.
Module I: Introduction
The first module gives an overview of the field of massage and the different types of massage. It also provides examples of how to delimit the types of massage and distinguish them from other services. The ability to delimit and differentiate is necessary for a more systematic understanding of the nature of (classical) massage and its effects on the different systems of the human body: skeletal, lymphatic, circulatory, endocrine, etc., and for a more systematic understanding of the various types of massage. In the first module, the effects of massage and the factors influencing them are also reviewed. In addition, the legal aspects will be discussed: the place of (classical) massage in the Estonian legal framework will be analyzed; the professional standard of the masseur will be explained in more detail in the sixth module.
In the first module, participants will gain knowledge on how to structure a massage session at a basic level. Ergonomic considerations for the massage therapist are also reviewed. The module concludes with an overview of the basic movements of the human body, along with testing and posture assessment techniques in providing massage services. The aim is to demonstrate the close connection between massage and other fields, as well as explore the possibilities for offering a more versatile range of massage services.
Module II: back, neck, head and abdominal region
Modules two through six are practical modules. In the second module, the massage techniques used in (classical) massage are reviewed, and their application in practice is analyzed. Additionally, the major skeletal muscles of the back, neck, head, and abdominal areas that are targeted by massage techniques are discussed. Furthermore, image materials are used to review the locations of the skeletal muscles affected by massage on the human body.
Module III: lower limb region: pelvic girdle, thigh, lower leg and foot muscles
The third module will review the massage techniques used in (Classical) massage; it will also analyze their application in practice. In addition, the major skeletal muscles of the pelvic girdle, thigh, lower leg, and foot, which are affected by massage techniques, are discussed. In addition, which are affected by massage techniques, are mainly discussed. Furthermore, the location of the skeletal muscles in the human body affected by massage will be reviewed based on images.
Module IV: upper extremities: shoulder girdle, upper arm, forearm and hand muscles
The fourth module reviews the massage techniques used in (classical) massage and analyses their application in practice. In addition, the major skeletal muscles of the shoulder girdle, upper arm, forearm, and hand, which are affected by massage techniques, are mainly discussed. Furthermore, the location of the skeletal muscles in the human body affected by massage will be reviewed based on images.
Module V: Professional ethics; customer service and communication.
Professional ethics, customer service, and communication are fields that should be recognized in the same way as massage types, techniques, and skeletal muscles: the more versatile and professional the service becomes, the better the Classical Massage massage service will be.
Module VI: the broader concept of the massage field
The sixth module is designed to help you better perceive and understand the workings of the massage field. You start to perceive and understand it only when you know how it works, its pros and cons, what needs to change, etc. This is why the Classical Massage online course has created a sixth module. Among other topics, the sixth module answers a widespread question in practice: whether you need a professional certificate to work as a masseur. In addition, the professional standard for masseurs, level 5, is analyzed to highlight clearly where classical massage is positioned in terms of professional standards.
You can find a more detailed structure of the Classical Massage e-course here.
Learning outcomes and documents to be issued after the online course
The Classical Massage e-course assesses the accomplishment of learning outcomes. To achieve these, you will have to successfully complete independent assignments: multiple-choice tests, short-answer questions, a final test, and a written examination. A certificate will be issued if the learning outcomes are accomplished; a notice will be issued if not. The certificate will be issued on the basis of at least 70% completion of the e-course.
The certificate or notice within Estonia is free of charge; sending abroad is by agreement. We can also issue the certificate or notice electronically upon request.
Successful completion of the Classical Massage e-course:
- knows how the massage field works;
- understands the basic principles of the structure of the massage session;
- knows the effects of massage and the factors influencing them;
- has a basic knowledge of the skeletal muscles affected by Classical Massage;
- understands the massage techniques used in Classical Massage, know the correct terminology;
- understands at a basic level the nature of anamnesis, the main indications and contraindications for massage;
- knows the proper ergonomics of the masseur;
- understands the importance of postural assessment and testing when providing massage services;
- knows the basics of customer service, communication, and professional ethics.
In addition to Classical Massage, what other e-courses could you complete?
Like many other types of massage, Classical Massage is related to skeletal muscle manipulation. Therefore, it is recommended that you take the the Functional Anatomy online course, as this e-course will help you acquire knowledge of the skeletal muscle system. It is also useful to take Human Anatomy and Physiology course, to better understand the functioning of the human body in the context of different systems (circulatory, endocrine, nervous, lymphatic, etc.).
In the Classical Massage online course, you will learn the ABC of massage. If you are more interested in the field of massage, it is logical to continue with the following types of massage after the Classical Massage e-course:
- Cupping Massage (find the online course here),
- Sports Massage (find the online course here),
- Thai Massage (find the online course here),
- Situational Massage (find the online course here).
In what order could these online courses be completed? We've highlighted the most logical order. This is the order in which new types of massage could be acquired, as each type provides a different knowledge that can be applied to situational massage.