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Recent articles about massage and the courses we run at Central School of Massage
Deep Tissue Massage

This version of Deep Tissue Massage is inspired by our version of Thai yoga massage with its slow, myofascial-release (MFR) approach. Most importantly, you'll learn how to use the side-lying position to successfully treat many neck, shoulder and upper back issues.

Save your hands and thumbs and learn how to use your forearms and elbows. Emphasis is placed on good body mechanics and movement so you avoid backache and painful shoulders, wrists and hands. Techniques include deep compressions, slow gliding MFR, joint manipulation combined with effective passive stretches.

Face-to-face teaching: 1 day: 10am-5pm

Video training: there is access to an online video of the techniques to review at home

Additional work: 3 logged case studies: 3 x 1 hour massage

Total learning hours: 10 hours

Dates for next courses: Saturday 12th September 2026

Location: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

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Indian Head Massage

Welcome to our fully accredited course in Indian Head Massage, a holistic practice deeply rooted in the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. This holistic massage technique focuses on the upper body, particularly the head, neck, face, and shoulders. The practice has been passed down through generations in India as a means of promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Suitable for existing therapists looking to expand their massage techniques.

Suitable for complete beginners who are looking to learn a therapy that helps others in a professional capacity.

Face-to-face teaching: 2 days in-person; plus 2 Zoom calls

Video training: you'll have access to an online video of the techniques to review at home

Additional work: 3x3 logged case studies (9 treatments in total) plus homework

Total tutor contact hours: 24

Dates for next courses:

Next Course: 9th-10th January 2027

Location: Leamington Spa

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

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Introduction to Thai Yoga Massage Therapy

Discover the power of touch combined with effective stretches in this hands-on workshop designed for complete beginners

Are you curious about a practice that blends simple stretches with deep, relaxing massage techniques? Our Beginner's Introduction to Thai Yoga Massage is perfect for anyone interested in learning this accessible approach to bodywork. No prior experience necessary!

What is Thai Yoga Massage Therapy?

Based on traditional Thai massage but delivered in a slow, non-painful way, it's a wonderfully relaxing and therapeutic treatment. This innovative approach includes all the best yoga stretches from Thai massage and combines it with myofascial / connective tissue release and energetic acupressure techniques. It offers:

  • Immediate relaxation using deep compressions and amazing stretches
  • Improved flexibility and increased range of motion
  • Enhanced sense of overall well-being and calm

In this comprehensive, hands-on session, you'll discover:

  • Ways to ease tension and improve flexibility using key techniques that are surprisingly easy to master

Perfect for Everyone

No need to buy special equipment to take home. Just grab a couple of cushions or pillows and get someone to lie down! Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, aspiring therapist, or simply someone interested in general health and well-being, this workshop is designed for you.

Want to bring a friend?

We also offer a special discount for pairs who sign up together.

Cost: £95 per person or £150 for two if booked together

Next available dates: Sunday 20th September

Location: Leamington Spa

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

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Level 2 Thai Yoga Massage Foundation Course

Ever fancied learning how to give your partner a massage that really works into their shoulders, hips and back?

Or maybe getting them to give you a decent massage that really works?

Or maybe you’ve been thinking about being your own boss and becoming a massage practitioner yourself?

Or maybe you're a massage therapist already and have heard about Thai Massage and the benefits of working this way, and want to learn some other massage techniques that can save your thumbs, hands and shoulders (not to mention your back!)

I’ve put together a fun, easy-to-follow, basic massage course, based on our FHT accredited course, that teaches you the fundamentals of this amazing form of massage.

There’s no special equipment required and you get to keep your clothes on!

This is the perfect foundation course to introduce you to this form of treatment. It’s a self-guided study course so you can go at your own pace. Take the day off and learn it all in one day, or take your time and learn it a little bit at a time.

Why not learn it with a friend, partner or family member? You can both use the same videos to learn how to give a Thai yoga massage and then you each get the opportunity to have a massage as well. It's the perfect way to spend a day or weekend, depending on how quickly you learn.

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Level 3 Certificate in Thai Yoga Massage (Intensive)

Are you a massage therapist who wants to expand your business and offer an amazing form of treatment that includes fantastic stretches and deep acupressure work? Do you want to learn how to give a massage that’s easy on your own body but incredibly effective for your clients? Do you want to totally immerse yourself in this style of massage and learn in an intensive five-day course?

Our new certificate course combines in-person training in small groups with additional video training to support you as you practise. It includes over 6 hours of video training, plus five days of face-to-face training in our beautiful garden cabin with underfloor heating.

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you will be qualified as an FHT accredited* Thai yoga massage practitioner!

Face-to-face learning: 5 days of training in Leamington Spa. Small group of maximum 8 students so you can receive a personalised approach.

Online learning: 6 hours of video training plus assessment on Zoom to suit you and the group.

Additional work: assignments and case studies

Total learning hours: 90 hours

Course dates: 26th - 30th October 2026

Location: Leamington Spa

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

*FHT accreditation available for those with level 3 massage qualification in other disciplines. Are you are a complete beginner? Click through to our Diploma in Thai yoga massage page to find out how to become a fully accredited, professional Thai yoga massage therapist.

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Level 3 Certificate in Thai Yoga Massage (Online)

Are you a massage therapist who wants to expand your business and offer an amazing form of treatment that includes fantastic stretches and deep acupressure work? Do you want to learn how to give a massage that’s easy on your own body but incredibly effective for your clients? Do you want to learn in the comfort of your own home or clinic but still benefit from the input of a teacher who can answer your specific questions and guide you on how to achieve the best techniques?

Our new digital course combines video training with live sessions via Zoom and includes all the learning you'd get in an in-person course. It includes over 6 hours of video training, plus four 1-2-1 Zoom coaching calls. This is equivalent to in-person training of 90 hours.

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you will be qualified as an FHT accredited* Thai yoga massage practitioner!

Online teaching: 6 hours of video training, 1 personal call with Kathryn to discuss your requirements on Zoom, then 3 more personal one-to-one calls on Zoom where you can get advice and coaching on your massage techniques as you progress through the training - all at a time to suit you.

Additional work: assignments and case studies

Total learning hours: 90 hours

Course starts: as soon as you're ready!

Location: Online

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

*FHT accreditation only available for those with level 3 massage qualification in other disciplines. If you are a yoga / Pilates / dance instructor or similar you will still gain a professional qualification that you can add to your existing insurance.

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Level 3 Diploma in Thai Yoga Massage

Become a fully qualified Thai yoga massage therapist in just 4 months.

Learn this incredible therapy that includes amazing stretches and deep acupressure work - a highly sought-after therapy often referred to as "lazy-person's yoga".

The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners in other disciplines (e.g. sports, holistic, physio, PT, yoga or Pilates teachers).

Learn the fundamentals of Thai yoga massage in all four positions (supine, prone, side-lying and seated), how to work the Sen (energy) lines and the perfect stretches for each individual client.

Face-to-face teaching: 7 days training in total: 6 days of Thai yoga massage training including assessments plus a day of business training specifically to help you attract and retain new clients.

You’re supported in your learning with in-depth video training. This allows you to revisit and revise everything you learn in the classroom.

Additional work: assignments and case studies

Total learning hours: 200

Next course starts: 26th October 2026 (3 spaces left)

Location: Leamington Spa

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

Scroll down to see Kathryn explain the benefits of learning this type of massage...

 

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Level 3 Swedish (Holistic) Massage Course

Become a Swedish massage therapist in just under 3 months. Our course is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists, so you can be sure it's thorough and fully recognised in the industry. On completion you will be able to get insurance to work as a professional massage therapist.

Swedish massage is one of the most popular and sought-after massage treatments. Learn how to give this form of traditional massage that includes an introduction to deep-tissue massage techniques and some fantastic leg and arm stretches.

Our Level 3 Swedish massage course is suitable for complete beginners who want to become professional therapists. There are no pre-requisites and it includes anatomy and physiology training alongside the practical training.

Prefer to learn Sports massage? Click through to our level 3 Sports massage diploma course

Have any questions? Please see our FAQs section below (at the bottom of the page)

Course Summary:

Cost (one payment): £1395

or

Cost (payment plan): £375 x 4 monthly payments

Face-to-face teaching: 6 days including assessment day (42 hours)

Massage practice: Video revision and case-studies (58 hours)

Total course hours: 200 (including separate online level 3 A&P* course and written assignments)

Choose your course from one of the following...

Course SwM21 Starts 5th October (5th - 9th October 2026 - qualify January 2027): Two places left!

Course SwM22 Starts 22nd February (22nd - 26th February 2027 - qualify May 27)

Location: Leamington Spa - face-to-face training in a dedicated massage studio

Tutors: Kathryn Ellis

* Online level 3 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology course included in the price


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Sports Massage Level 3 Diploma Course

Launch Your Career as a Sports Massage Therapist in Just 3-4 Months

Are you passionate about helping others perform at their physical best? Our FHT-accredited Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy course is your fast track to a new and rewarding career as a sports massage therapist.

Sports massage is one of the most popular and sought-after massage treatments. Learn how to give this form of deep-tissue massage that can alleviate chronic pain and help your clients recover from recent injuries.

Comprehensive Training - covering all aspects of sports massage (including deep tissue techniques, advanced stretching methods such as soft tissue release and muscle energy techniques, and trigger-point work)

Long-term sustainable career - we prioritise your long-term success as a therapist, paying special attention to your posture and comfort. Move beyond reliance on thumbs and fingers and learn our unique Body-Smart Methods that use your whole body for powerful, lasting treatments with minimum effort.

Professional Recognition by FHT - one of the leading accrediting bodies in the UK. Upon qualification you'll qualify for professional liability coverage and will be able to start working immediately as a certified sports massage therapist.

Our Level 3 Sports massage diploma is suitable for beginners who want to become professional sports massage therapists. There are no pre-requisites and it includes anatomy and physiology training alongside the practical training in sports massage.

Have any questions? Please see our FAQs section below (at the bottom of the page)


Course Summary:

Face-to-face teaching: 8 days including assessment day

Additional work: assignments and case studies

Total learning hours: 225

Course dates:

September/October 2026 Course: 22nd -25th Sept followed by 16th-18th Oct. Assessment date in Dec tba ONE PLACE LEFT!

January/February 2027 Course: 18th -21st Jan followed by 12th-14th Feb. Assessment date in April tba

April/May Course: 12th-15th April, followed by 30th April-2nd May. Assessment date in June tba

June/July Course: 28th June-1st July, followed by 16-18 July. Assessment date in September tba

Cost: £1799. Payment plans available (Pay in 4; Pay in 6 options).

Location: Leamington Spa - face-to-face training in a dedicated massage studio. Your in-person training is fully supported by professionally filmed training videos to help with your practice

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

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Sports Stretch Massage (CPD)

Learn how to confidently move your clients with some amazing Sports-Stretch techniques to incorporate into your existing massage practice. This course will teach you how to add some dynamic, flowing movements as well as joint manipulation, stretching, and compression work. You can offer it as a stand-alone treatment or pick and choose some of the stretches to incorporate into other styles of massage.

In the 2-day course, we will focus on the most common problem areas that clients have, to include the lower back, hips, legs and feet as well as shoulders and neck.

All our face-to-face teaching includes additional video recordings to support your learning at home.

Face-to-face teaching: 2 days

Total learning hours: 15 hours

SSM252: Course dates 23rd-24th August 2025

Location: Leamington Spa

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

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Table Thai Stretch Massage (CPD)

Learn how to integrate Thai yoga massage techniques into your existing couch-massage practice. You'll learn how to give a couch massage with dynamic, flowing movements using joint manipulation, stretching, compression work and acupressure. In the 2-day course, we focus more on the lower back, hips, legs and feet. All our face-to-face teaching includes additional video recordings to support your learning at home.

Face-to-face teaching: 2 days

Total learning hours: 15 hours

TTS262: Course dates 10th-11th September 2026

Location: Leamington Spa

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

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Table Thai Stretch Massage (Online)

Learn how to integrate Thai yoga massage techniques into your existing couch-massage practice. This course will teach you how to give a couch massage with dynamic, flowing movements using joint manipulation, stretching, compression work and Thai acupressure.

Face-to-face teaching: Not included in this version of the course. Please register your interest for future group Zoom calls to get full accreditation

Total learning hours: 15

Next course starts: Anytime. Learn at your own pace.

Location: Online

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

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Thai Yoga Massage Online Course with Zoom coaching calls

Are you the sort of person who prefers to learn at their own pace?

This course is designed specifically for you.

Included within the course are four 1-2-1 coaching calls via Zoom. Start the course whenever you want and arrange the Zoom calls at a time to suit you. It includes exactly the same video training as our flagship Diploma course in Thai yoga massage, so you’ll learn all the same techniques and style of massage.

Suitable for existing therapists who want to add some more skills to their current offering and want to work in an easier way by working on the floor and incorporating deep compressions and amazing stretches.

Online teaching: 6 hours of video training plus 4 Zoom personal coaching calls

Additional work: Home practice

Total learning hours: 60 (including practice time)

Location: Online

Tutor: Kathryn Ellis

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