Swedish massage 2-day accredited
training course - PLYMOUTH VENUE

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Course Overview

Learn Full-Body Swedish Massage & Start Your Massage Journey
Would you love to learn massage professionally but aren't sure where to start
Our 2-Day Accredited Swedish Massage Course teaches you the foundations of full-body massage through practical, hands-on training supported by online learning and case studies.
You'll learn the classic Swedish Massage techniques of effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration, how to bring them together into a flowing full-body massage routine and how to adapt your treatment to suit individual clients.
The course is suitable for complete beginners, career changers and existing beauty or holistic therapists wanting to add massage to their professional skills.
No previous massage experience is required, although you will need a suitable Anatomy & Physiology qualification, which can be studied alongside your Swedish Massage training if required.

Who is this Swedish Massage course for?
Our accredited Swedish Massage training is ideal for:
• Complete beginners wanting to learn professional massage skills
• Anyone considering a new career as a massage therapist
• Career changers looking to enter the therapy and wellbeing industry
• Beauty therapists wanting to add massage to their services
• Holistic and complementary therapists expanding their treatment menu
• Self-employed therapists looking to diversify their services
• Anyone considering progressing to further massage or complementary therapy qualifications

No previous massage experience is required.

A suitable Anatomy & Physiology qualification is required and can be studied alongside this course if you don't already hold one.

See our Anatomy & Physiology online course

What You Will Learn
During your Swedish Massage Course, you'll develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to carry out a professional full-body massage treatment.

You'll learn:
📌 The principles of Swedish Massage
📌 Benefits and effects of massage
📌 Health, safety and hygiene
📌 Client consultation and treatment planning
📌 Contraindications and precautions
📌 Client positioning and preparation
📌 Therapist posture and body mechanics
📌 Safe and appropriate use of massage oils
📌 Draping and maintaining client dignity
📌 Adapting treatments to individual client needs
📌 Completing a full-body Swedish Massage routine
📌 Client aftercare
📌 Professional standards and code of ethics

Learn the Classic Swedish Massage Techniques

A key part of your practical training is learning the traditional movements that form the foundation of Swedish Massage.

Effleurage
Flowing, gliding massage movements commonly used to introduce touch, apply massage medium, link techniques together and create continuity throughout a treatment.

Petrissage
Techniques involving lifting, kneading and manipulating the soft tissues.

Tapotement
Rhythmic percussion-style massage movements that can be incorporated into an appropriate treatment.

Friction
More focused movements performed according to the area being treated and the intended massage approach.

Vibration
Fine shaking or vibrating movements used as part of the massage sequence.

Rather than simply memorising a routine, you'll learn how these techniques work together so you can begin developing a confident and flowing massage treatment.

Learn a Complete Full-Body Massage Routine
During your practical training, you'll work through the different areas of the body and learn how to bring your techniques together into a complete treatment.
You'll develop your skills progressively through tutor demonstration, guided practice and feedback.
You'll also explore how your massage can be adapted according to the individual client and the type of treatment experience you're aiming to create.
The goal isn't simply to copy a sequence.
It's to understand what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how to deliver your massage safely and professionally.

Why Learn Swedish Massage?
Start Your Massage Career
Swedish Massage is one of the most recognised forms of massage and provides an excellent foundation for anyone wanting to begin developing professional massage skills.

Add Massage to Your Existing Services
Already working within beauty, holistic or complementary therapy?
Learning full-body Swedish Massage can help you expand your treatment menu and provide another service for your existing clients.

Build Your Confidence
Starting something new can feel daunting.
Your practical training allows you to practise your massage techniques with tutor guidance and feedback rather than trying to learn everything independently.

Create a Foundation for Further Training
Swedish Massage skills can provide a useful foundation if you later decide to progress into additional massage techniques, complementary therapies or a regulated Level 3 massage qualification.

Course Benefits
By completing your Swedish Massage training, you will:
✨ Learn a complete full-body massage routine
✨ Develop the five classic Swedish Massage techniques
✨ Gain practical, hands-on massage experience
✨ Develop your client consultation skills
✨ Understand contraindications and precautions
✨ Learn safe client positioning and draping
✨ Develop appropriate therapist posture and body mechanics
✨ Learn how to adapt massage treatments for individual clients
✨ Build confidence working practically with clients
✨ Gain a foundation for further massage training
✨ Receive an accredited certificate following successful completion of all course requirements

Practical, Hands-On Massage Training
Massage is a hands-on skill, which is why practical training is such an important part of this course.
Across your 2 days of practical Swedish Massage training, your tutor will demonstrate the individual techniques and treatment sequences before giving you plenty of opportunity to practise.
You'll work through different areas of the body, develop your technique and learn how to bring individual movements together into a smooth treatment.
You'll also receive tutor feedback to help you develop your pressure, positioning, posture, technique and confidence.

More Than Learning a Massage Routine
Becoming a good massage therapist isn't simply about remembering which movement comes next.
Professional massage training also requires an understanding of the person you're treating.
That's why your course includes:
• Client consultation
• Treatment planning
• Contraindications and precautions
• Health and safety
• Hygiene
• Professional conduct
• Client dignity
• Treatment adaptations
• Appropriate aftercare
These underpinning skills help you move from simply learning massage movements towards understanding how to deliver a professional treatment.

Anatomy & Physiology Requirements
You don't need previous massage experience to enrol on this course, but you will need appropriate Anatomy & Physiology knowledge.
If you don't already hold a suitable Anatomy & Physiology qualification, this can be studied alongside your Swedish Massage Course.
Understanding the structure and function of the body gives you important underpinning knowledge for working safely and professionally as a massage therapist.
Please get in touch with us if you're unsure whether an Anatomy & Physiology qualification you already hold meets the course requirements.

How Does the Swedish Massage Course Work?
Your course combines:

2 Days of Practical Training
Develop your Swedish Massage techniques through tutor demonstration, guided practice and hands-on training.

Online Self-Study Learning
Work through the supporting theory at your own pace around your other commitments.

Full Treatment Practice
Learn how to bring the individual techniques together into a complete full-body Swedish Massage treatment.

Case Studies
Complete the required case study work to consolidate your practical skills and experience.

Accredited Certification
Once you have successfully completed all required elements of the course, you'll receive your accredited Swedish Massage certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 “Do I Need Previous Massage Experience?"
✅ No. Our Swedish Massage Course is suitable for complete beginners.
You'll be taught the techniques progressively during your practical training, so you don't need previous massage experience.

💬 “Do I Need an Anatomy & Physiology Qualification?"
✅ Yes. You will need a suitable Anatomy & Physiology qualification.
If you don't already have one, this can be studied alongside your Swedish Massage training.
Please contact us if you're unsure whether an existing qualification is suitable.

💬 “Can I Become a Massage Therapist After This Course?"
✅ This is an accredited Swedish Massage course rather than a regulated Level 3 massage qualification.
On successful completion, you'll receive an accredited certificate in Swedish Massage. If you intend to practise professionally, you should check the requirements of your chosen insurer and any organisations, employers or settings you intend to work with.
For learners wanting a broader regulated qualification, we also offer Level 3 massage training pathways.

💬 “Can I Get Insurance After Completing the Course?"
✅ The course is accredited and designed for professional practice; however, individual insurance providers set their own acceptance criteria.
We always recommend contacting your intended insurer before enrolling to confirm that the course meets their requirements.

💬 “Is the Course Really Only Two Days?"
✅ Your practical training takes place over two days, but these aren't the only elements of your course.
You'll also complete supporting online self-study learning and required case studies.
This gives you practical tutor-led training while allowing you to complete the underpinning theory more flexibly.

💬 “Will I Learn a Full-Body Massage?"
✅ Yes. You'll learn how to perform a complete Swedish Massage treatment using the classic Swedish Massage techniques.
You'll also learn how to adapt your approach according to the individual client.

💬 “What Happens After the Practical Training?"
✅ You'll complete any remaining online learning and required case studies.
Once all course requirements have been completed, your accredited certificate can be issued.

Starting a Career in Massage Therapy
If you've been considering a career change or starting your own therapy business, learning massage can open up a range of possibilities.
You may choose to work from your own treatment room, within an existing salon or therapy setting, or develop a self-employed massage business.
You can also continue developing your skills through additional massage and complementary therapy training.
The important thing is to start with strong foundations — practical massage skills, client care, safety, professional practice and an understanding of the body.

Learn Swedish Massage With Accredited Practical Training
Whether you're completely new to massage or already working within beauty or holistic therapy, our 2-Day Accredited Swedish Massage Course allows you to develop practical full-body massage skills in a supportive learning environment.
You'll combine tutor-led practical training with online learning and case studies to help you develop both your knowledge and hands-on experience.

Ready to learn Swedish Massage?
👉 View our upcoming 2-Day Swedish Massage Course dates and start your massage training.

Course dates & venues


Plymouth, Devon (2 days):
Choose from the following dates:

May '26 - Thurs 14th &  Thurs 28th 
OR

July '26 - Fri 3rd & Fri 10th
OR

Sept '26 - Thurs 10th & Thurs 17th 
OR

Oct '26 - Wed 28th & Nov '26 - Wed 4th 
OR

Nov '26 - Sat 28th & Dec '26 - Sat 5th


Also available at our BIDEFORD venue
&

Wisbech, Norfolk (2 days) - Please ask for next available dates

Course Fee:

£397

Pay Deposit today

£197

Balance due:

£200 
(Paid direct to tutor
- Payment plans available)

Book for Plymouth
Pay deposit now

DATES  ARE NON TRANSFERABLE TO ANY OTHER DATE OR VENUE
No refunds are given

Looking for a regulated qualification instead?

If you're planning a longer-term career in this therapy, require a regulated qualification, or would like a more comprehensive training pathway, we also offer VTCT qualification options.

👇 Compare your training options below.
Massage is also taught as part of our VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Complementary therapies qualifications (as well as reflexology & aromatherapy) 👇

Course information

Pre-requisite / Entry level:
A&P qualification is required
(see our A&P course)
Course format:
2 day practicals + online learning modules + case studies (5 treatments)
Attendance:
2 day practicals
Accrediting body:
IPHM - International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine
ABT - Associated Beauty Therapists
PBD - Professional Beauty Direct
The CMA - The Complementary Medical Association
Career potential:
Massage therapist - employed or self-employed, working in a salon or spa or as a home / mobile therapist.
Additional costs:
You will need to purchase your own products and oils to bring to the training & in order to carry out your case studies & bring to the training, ie grapeseed oil

Insurance

Please check your insurance companies requirements before enrolling on this course? (It is the students responsibility to check coverage with their insurers BEFORE enrolling on this course)
We recommend you hold student insurance while studying this course to cover you while practicing &/or when carrying out case studies (where applicable).
  • If you already have therapist insurance - You should be able to add this therapy onto your current insurance
    If you do not have therapist insurance - You can take out student insurance while practicing, and top this up to therapist insurance when qualified. You can take out student insurance for around £25 which will cover you for up to 12 months. For more information and aa list of recommended insurers - CLICK HERE

Course Lessons

#holistictherapiestrainingacademy

Karen Ashton

Your instructor
Karen Ashton, founder of Holistic Therapies Training Academy and also known as 'The Aromatherapy Geek,' combines her business acumen and passion for holistic wellness to create a thriving training academy. With a background in business ownership, office management, and accounting, Karen meticulously crafts courses that meet industry standards for online, accredited, and VTCT programs. Originally established in Swindon, Wiltshire, the academy flourished after Karen moved to Bideford, Devon, in 2011 for a better work-life balance. Today, she mentors aspiring therapists, helping them achieve professional success while balancing their personal lives. Karen is also an author, vlogger, and course writer, currently working on her second publication, and continues to inspire others.
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