07/09/2025
OK here is something I get asked an awful lot - "what qualifications are available for massage therapists"
So here is a list of massage therapist qualifications and broadly what they mean
• Level 3 Diploma – The entry-level qualification. Therapists can deliver safe and effective massage (sports, Swedish, holistic) and gain insurance to practice.
• Level 4 Diploma – Advanced Sports Massage Therapy. Therapists can assess injuries, use more specialist techniques, and support recovery.
• Level 5 Diploma – The highest vocational qualification. Focuses on complex injuries, soft tissue dysfunction, and clinical reasoning and rehabilitation. (This is the level I hold).
• Level 6 Qualification – Degree-level study, often covering advanced clinical reasoning, research, and specialist practice areas.
The higher the level, the more in-depth the training and higher clinical skills are taught. My Level 5 training means I can support clients not just with general aches and pains, but also with injury management, illnesses such as Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis etc and long-term recovery.
The thing to remember is that you can't treat or massage someone with a paper certificate. A good therapist whatever the level will care about what they are doing to help you and will work with you to acheive your goals and aims. Remaining within their knowledge and skill set is key, therapists must recognise when to refer clients onto more specialised clinicians for treatment.
As a patient you must not be scared to ask your therapist what their qualifications are and if they are able to treat your condition/ailment effectively.
