How to become a remedial massage therapist: your step-by-step guide

Have you heard the news? Natural therapies are in—and qualified therapists are taking advantage of the booming industry, predicted to reach an incredible value of USD146 billion in 2034. If you’re looking for a rewarding career that helps improve the wellbeing of others, you’ll want to keep reading. 

Remedial massage therapists, also known as remedial masseuses, are the unsung heroes of holistic health. They’re skilled in assessing, treating and managing musculoskeletal pain and discomfort through massage and pressure. Beyond relaxation, remedial massage can address specific issues, from sports injuries to chronic pain, offering tangible relief and promoting overall wellness. Like we said…heroes!

And, as with any hero, the right amount of training can make all the difference when it comes to successful career outcomes. At Demi International, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our hands-on training, expert support and flexible online remedial massage course options will help you turn your dream into reality.

Your 7-step roadmap to a remedial masseuse career

Becoming a remedial masseuse goes beyond mastering massage—it’s about developing the technical skills, earning the right qualifications and building confidence in a dynamic industry. The journey might seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance (and a bit of determination), you’ll be well on your way to making a genuine impact on people’s lives. Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you plan:

1. Find an accredited remedial massage course

The first step is choosing a remedial massage course, online or on-campus, that will give you the qualifications you need to get started. Look for a program offered by a trusted Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like Demi International, Queensland’s Training Provider of the Year

Our HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage combines online flexibility with hands-on, face-to-face training, so you’ll get both the knowledge and practical experience you need to excel. 

Demi graduate Morgan Harris echoes this sentiment. “It’s thanks to my supportive teacher, Seonaid Boyle, and the Directors of Demi International I found my passion. If you’re looking for a fun, active and rewarding course, I highly recommend the Demi International Diploma of Remedial Massage. You won’t be disappointed,” she says.

2. Gain hands-on experience

Learning the theory is important, but it’s in the hands-on practice where you’ll truly hone your skills. At Demi International, you’ll work with real clients under the guidance of experienced trainers. Think of it as your chance to flex your muscles (pun intended!) in a supportive, real-world environment.

3. Get certified in First Aid

Safety first! To work in the industry, you’ll need a valid First Aid certification, like the HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate, included as part of our Diploma of Remedial Massage. This training ensures you’re prepared to handle medical episodes if they arise, and is also one of the qualifications you’ll need to work in an established business. 

4. Join a professional association

Membership with a recognised massage association, like Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA), the Association of Massage Therapists (AMT), or the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), gives you access to professional support, insurance options and continuing education. It’s often required if you plan to register as a health fund provider and gives you credibility in your practice. At Demi, we’ll take you through what these organisations do and guide you through the application process.

5. Register as a health fund provider

If you become a recognised provider with health funds, your clients will be able to claim private health rebates for your services. This is a win/win for both you and the client—and believe us—it’s what your client will be asking for! Top tip: most health funds will require you to be part of a professional organisation (step 4), so it’s great to have that ready first. 

6. Choose your career path

Your remedial massage career can be as unique as your skill set. You may decide to open your own practice or perhaps join a wellness centre, spa or sports clinic. Some remedial therapists specialise in a specific area of the body or a niche, like sports injury or aged care, while others will prefer to work on all aspects of muscle therapy. 

7. Keep learning

Maintaining your professional membership and health fund provider status requires ongoing professional development. Think of it as a continuous opportunity to level up and stay ahead in your career. Embrace every chance to learn, grow, and expand your expertise because the more you know, the more successful you’ll be. 


The best remedial massage courses online

Now that you know the steps to becoming a remedial massage therapist, what makes the Demi International’s HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage a top choice? Well, in addition to the core units offered in our Diploma, we also include these specialties at no extra cost:

  • Dry needling: at the end of your graduating term, you’ll dive into the neurophysiology of myofascial pain and trigger points. Learn the science behind dry needling, a technique that boosts flexibility, increases range of motion, and provides relief for muscular pain and stiffness.
  • Pregnancy and infant massage: support pregnant clients through all trimesters by reducing back and joint pain, improving circulation, and alleviating stress and anxiety. This nurturing treatment offers wonderful ongoing support for mums-to-be.
  • Myofascial/remedial cupping: harness the power of myofascial/remedial cupping to treat pain, improve flexibility, enhance Qi flow, and eliminate metabolic waste. This evidence-based technique promotes overall wellness and relief.
  • Reflexology: tap into this ancient treatment’s wellness benefits, including deep relaxation, toxin elimination, pain relief, nerve stimulation, and improved physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

That’s a considerable toolbelt of skills to help boost your earning potential. 

Salary and career pathways

As a remedial massage therapist in Australia, you can expect to earn between $65,000 and $75,000 per year on average. But here’s the exciting part—if you specialise in a niche like sports therapy, chronic pain management, or aged care, you can increase your earning potential even further. Many therapists also choose to run their own business, giving them the flexibility to set their rates and grow their income.

If an online remedial massage course is just the start of your journey, you’ll be pleased to know our HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage can be a gateway into fields like myotherapy, exercise science, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and various health science careers. Plus, this qualification pairs perfectly with roles in psychology, yoga, nutrition and nursing, making it a versatile qualification to build your dream career.


Why choose Demi International?

The Demi difference comes with a host of benefits designed to help you succeed:

  • Hands-on training and online flexibility: Get the best of both worlds with a perfect blend of practical, hands-on experience and the convenience of online learning.
  • Small class sizes and experienced trainers: want more 1:1 learning? You’ll get it at Demi. Personalised attention and guidance from our seasoned trainers in a small class learning environment.
  • Mentorship and post-graduation support: our commitment to your success doesn’t end at graduation. You’ll get our Demi community support throughout your career. 


Tips for success in remedial massage

Here are some top remedial massage tips to keep you ahead of the game:

Practice makes perfect: the more hands-on experience you get, the more you’ll refine your techniques and build your confidence. Embrace every opportunity to work with real clients and watch your skills soar!

Stay curious: never stop learning. Take workshops, seminars and new courses. Whether it’s a cutting-edge technique or a fresh approach to an old favourite, staying updated keeps your practice exciting and your skills razor-sharp.

Network: building connections opens doors. It’s the tried and tested method and it’s why we put a lot of emphasis on our Demi post-grad community. Join professional associations, attend events, and put yourself out there. You might be surprised at what opportunities land on your massage table. 

Become a remedial massage therapist today

Build your dream career one step at a time. Chat with our friendly Course Advisors today to explore courses, start dates, payment options, and enrolment eligibility. Let’s make your goals a reality!

Picture of Lyn Slade

Lyn Slade

Lyn established Edals Therapy Center after years working in large clinics. As a qualified remedial massage therapist, she's been teaching Advance Product Making and Reflexology on the Sunshine Coast, whilst she also works as a complementary therapist at a Nursing Home in Toowoomba.

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