Start a Massage Training Business

A massage training business runs training and courses teaching people various message techniques and upon completion issues a certificate so that they can find employment or open their own business. This is a business that requires little to get started for both you and your students.

Introduction
There is a big demand in South Africa for training courses that teaches people a skill that they can use later on or start a business with little capital in the way of start up cost. Once qualified a masseuse or massage therapist can either work on their own by renting a space or go work in a studio.

What is message therapy
Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being. People seek massage therapy for a variety of reasons – to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain, and promote overall health and wellness.

There are two fundamental types of message therapy: rehabilitative massage and relaxation massage. This business almost always focuses on teaching the latter relaxation massage which is practiced in settings like spas, wellness centers and resorts.

Solution
A massage training business teachers students various massage techniques, for a certain duration, once qualified they are issued with a certificate of completion, some training businesses specialise in one type of technique some do more. You should also look at joining industry bodies as well as getting accreditation of some sorts.

These businesses usually teach the most popular message techniques such as:
Swedish massage / classic massage – a sequence of long, gliding strokes, kneads, and circular motions to help ease shallow tension in the muscles
Deep tissue massage – aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia.
Hot stone massage – the massage therapist places heated basalt stones on the back to help melt tight areas.
Sports massage (not including injuries / physiotherapy which is a different discipline) – variation on Swedish massage that aims to address aches caused by repetitive motion.
Shiatsu massage – aims to eliminate blockages that keep the body’s energy force, or Qi, from flowing freely.
Trigger point massage – Like deep-tissue massage, trigger point massage aims to dispel chronic tension located deep in the muscles.
Couples massage (working in pairs with another masseurs) – Massage therapists knead two clients side-by-side in the same room.
Prenatal massage – Aims to relieve pregnancy pains for expecting mothers
Reflexology – Reflexology is a specialized form of foot massage, during which, practitioners stimulate precise points on the feet that are believed to correlate to other organs and bodily systems.
Thai massage – Thai massage typically sees the practitioner performing a series of intense stretches on a fully-clothed client.
Foot massage – Provide relaxation to over-worked feet

Equipment & Materials Needed
To run this business you need the following:
Office space to conduct training
A qualified massage therapist to do the course
Massage table, massage chair, and/or floor mats
Massage oils
Aromatherapy oils
Basalt stones

Target Market
Your target market is someone looking to do massage as a career. It is usually aimed at younger people.

Sales channels & Marketing activities
This business can be marketed using various channels, including internet advertising and online classifieds. If your marketing materials you should include the benefits and prospects of a qualified masseuse which includes working on cruise ships and holiday resorts.