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Learn how massage therapy can be used as part of an outcome-based approach to working with clients experiencing pain. This 12-hour continuing education course introduces massage therapists to pain, pain origins, pain research, pain assessment, outcome-based massage, and massage therapy approaches that may be used when working with clients in pain.
Whether you regularly work with clients experiencing pain or want to strengthen your understanding of pain and massage therapy, this course provides a broad foundation in pain science and practical massage considerations. The course also explores research supporting massage for pain management, different massage modalities, and breathing pattern disorders, with online video demonstrations of massage therapy techniques.
In this course, you will learn:
The definition of pain and different types and origins of pain
Current concepts and research related to pain
How pain may affect the body and influence client experiences
Research supporting massage therapy for pain management
The principles of outcome-based massage
Basic pain assessment and information gathering
Contraindications and important considerations when working with clients in pain
Different massage modalities and techniques that may be used when addressing pain
Breathing pattern disorders and their relationship to massage therapy
Practical massage therapy techniques demonstrated through online video
Why take this course?
Pain is one of the most common reasons clients seek massage therapy. Developing a stronger understanding of pain, pain assessment, research, and appropriate massage approaches can help therapists make more informed decisions when working with clients who experience pain.
This comprehensive 12-hour course combines pain education, research, assessment, outcome-based massage, and practical massage techniques. It is a useful option for massage therapists who want to deepen their understanding of pain and expand their ability to approach pain-related client concerns within their professional scope of practice.
Define pain and describe different types and origins of pain.
Explain current concepts and research related to pain and pain management.
Describe research supporting the use of massage therapy for clients experiencing pain.
Explain the principles of outcome-based massage and their application to client care.
Describe basic pain assessment strategies and information that may be gathered during a client interview.
Identify contraindications, precautions, and important considerations when working with clients in pain.
Describe massage modalities and techniques that may be incorporated into an outcome-based approach to pain management.
Explain breathing pattern disorders and their relevance to massage therapy practice.
Online text: A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pain Management by Sandy Fritz and Leon Chaitow, 194 pages
Online massage therapy technique video demonstrations
Course instruction guide
75-question multiple-choice final exam
Course evaluation
Certificate of Achievement upon completion
Unlimited phone support for course-related questions
The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.
Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.
For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.
I was a big fan of the lit review, discussion of pain theory, and detailed description of massage techniques to use to address pain. - Andrew P.
I have a busy life so I enjoy the self-pace type course. I also like having a book to refer back to. - L. Murray, LMT
I feel more confident in treating my clients with pain. - Marisol McGhee, LMT
Lots of great information on pain. - S. Hanson, LMT
Loved it all, very well put together, lots of important information. - Charles Rezendes, LMT
The course content was informative and easy to follow. It also kept my interest. - Belinda Tidwell, LMBT
This course had a wealth of information. This was one of the best online courses I've ever taken. I will definitely use techniques I've learned from this CEU. - A. Rockefeller
Which of the following is an example of visceral pain?
A. Sprains
B. Kidney pain
C. Nerve trauma
D. Paper cut
What is hyperalgesia?
A. An increased response to a stimulus which is normally painful
B. A decreased response to a stimulus which is normally painful
C. An increased response to a stimulus which is normally not painful
D. A decreased response to a stimulus which is normally not painful
If an individual is taking an anti-inflammatory medication, which of the following massage techniques may be ineffective?
A. Effleurage
B. Friction
C. Vibration
D. Kneading
Course Author
About the Instructor
Corrine Rubida, BS, LMT
Corrine completed her massage therapy training at Gateway College of Massage Therapy in 1997 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration in 2012. She has been practicing and teaching massage therapy since 1997 and currently holds a massage therapy license in South Dakota. She is also a member of the ABMP. In 2002, Corrine founded the Center for Massage Therapy CE to make professional massage continuing education courses available both online and by mail. Since then, she has developed more than 100 home-study massage continuing education courses and has taught live courses for AMTA and the Gateway College of Massage Therapy.
