Episode 009: Why Continuing Education is Essential for Massage Therapists
Education doesn’t stop at graduation. In fact, for massage therapists, professional development is a lifelong commitment. Not only does continuing education (CE) help you refine your skills, but it also ensures you remain compliant with industry standards, stay relevant in your field, and, most importantly, provide the best possible care for your clients.
This post, based on Folding Towels Podcast: Episode 9, explores why ongoing learning is essential for massage therapists, how to track your CE, and the many opportunities available to expand your knowledge—whether you need to meet industry requirements or simply want to stay engaged and passionate about your work.
Why Continuing Education Matters
If you’re a massage therapist in Australia, chances are you’re a member of a professional association that requires you to complete CE hours regularly. And if you offer private health fund rebates, maintaining provider status means meeting these requirements without fail. But beyond ticking boxes for compliance, continuing education is crucial for:
- Expanding your skill set – Learn new techniques, refine your approach, and stay ahead of emerging research in massage therapy.
- Boosting client confidence – Clients trust therapists who demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education and expertise.
- Preventing burnout – Keeping things fresh and interesting can help you stay passionate about your work.
- Networking and collaboration – Meeting other professionals at training events can lead to valuable connections and new opportunities.
Jackie, one of the hosts of Folding Towels, put it simply:
“Continuing education isn’t just about keeping your provider numbers. It’s about growth—both personal and professional. It’s about staying excited about what we do.”
Keeping Track of Your Continuing Education
One of the biggest mistakes therapists make is leaving their CE tracking to the last minute. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling for points at the end of the year, you’re not alone.
A simple solution? Keep a Continuing Education Notebook. Whether it’s a physical journal, a Google Doc, or an app like Evernote, tracking your education as you go makes life much easier.
Include the following details for every course, book, or seminar you complete:
- Date of completion
- Course or activity name
- CE points awarded (if applicable)
- Association approval details
Each association has different requirements for CE tracking. Some allow digital submissions, while others require paper journals. Make sure you check your association’s specific rules to avoid any last-minute surprises.
David highlighted the importance of this:
“If your CE points drop, your association membership could become invalid. And if you’re registered with private health funds, you can get dropped off the list pretty quickly—it’s a real headache to fix.”
Where to Find Continuing Education Opportunities
There’s no shortage of ways to earn CE points and expand your knowledge. Some of the best options include:
1. Professional Associations
Your association should be your first stop. Most offer in-person workshops, online courses, and live webinars. Associations also provide CPE (Continuing Professional Education) guides detailing what qualifies for points and how to submit proof of learning.
2. Facebook Groups & Online Communities
Many massage-related Facebook groups regularly post about upcoming workshops and CE opportunities. Some are run by professional bodies, while others are independent learning spaces where therapists share their experiences and recommendations.
3. First Aid & CPR Training
A requirement for most massage therapists, first aid courses not only provide CE points but also equip you with essential life-saving skills. Many training organisations now offer online theory modules with short in-person practical components, making it easier than ever to stay compliant.
4. Books, Journals & Online Research
Reading is an underrated but valuable way to earn CE points. Books on massage techniques, anatomy, pain science, and business development can all contribute to professional growth. Some recommended reads include:
- The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies
- Trail Guide to the Body by Andrew Biel
- The Science and Practice of Manual Therapy by Leon Chaitow
David pointed out that some books are considered ‘essential reading’ in the industry:
“Unless you’ve got the red books (Simmons & Travell’s Trigger Point Manuals) on your shelf, are you even a massage therapist?” (Said very much in jest!)
5. Wet Labs
For those who want a deeper understanding of anatomy, wet labs offer an incredible hands-on learning experience. These sessions—held in universities and medical schools—allow therapists to observe and sometimes even dissect real human cadavers, providing unparalleled insights into muscle structure, fascia, and nerve pathways.
Jackie admitted wet labs made her a bit squeamish:
“This topic kind of freaks me out. But the more I learn, the more I realise how valuable these sessions are.”
6. Online Courses & Webinars
With the rise of digital learning, therapists can now access high-quality courses from world-renowned educators without leaving home. Some respected online educators include:
- Stuart Hinds (Australia) – Specialising in myofascial release and sports therapy
- Niel Asher Technique (NAT) – Known for its structured trigger point therapy courses
- Eric Dalton (USA) – Focuses on myoskeletal alignment techniques (Vale Erik, you will be missed)
- Pregnancy Massage Australia – Leaders in pre- and postnatal massage education
Jackie shared her enthusiasm:
“There’s a wealth of online learning available. I’ve lost hours going down the YouTube rabbit hole!”
7. Conferences & Industry Events
Attending industry conferences is one of the best ways to earn CE points, network with peers, and stay updated on the latest research. The annual Massage & Myotherapy Australia Conference is a great example, featuring expert-led presentations, practical workshops, and panel discussions.
8. Volunteering & Industry Involvement
Associations often look for members to serve as regional ambassadors, ethics committee members, or journal contributors. These roles not only count towards CE points but also provide great networking and career advancement opportunities.
David emphasised the importance of industry involvement:
“People love to complain about what their association isn’t doing. But if you want change, stick your hand up and help.”
Final Thoughts: Keep Learning, Stay Inspired
Continuing education isn’t just a requirement—it’s an opportunity. It keeps you engaged, motivated, and at the top of your game. Whether you’re diving into a new technique, attending a hands-on workshop, or simply picking up a book, investing in your skills will always pay off.
Jackie summed it up best:
“Ongoing education supports our commitment to being better therapists. And at the end of the day, that’s what our clients deserve.”
Want to hear the full discussion? Listen to Folding Towels Podcast: Episode 9 – The Lifelong Learner: Why Continuing Education is Essential for Massage Therapists.