BEGINNER MASSAGE Course IN LONDON
This beginner massage course is a 1-day introductory workshop designed for complete beginners with no prior experience.
You will learn basic massage techniques, safety principles, and how to give a simple full-body massage. This course is ideal for those exploring a career in massage therapy or learning for personal use.
This beginner massage course is held in North London (Tottenham), and is an ideal first step toward becoming a qualified massage therapist.
UPCOMING BEGINNER MASSAGE COURSE DATES
- Saturday 11th July 2026
- Tuesday 18th August 2026
- Sunday 20th September 2026
- Saturday 17th October 2026
- Saturday 5th December 2026
All courses run from 10am – 5pm in Tottenham, North London. The full course fee is £145 including VAT.
WHAT IS A MASSAGE INTRODUCTION COURSE?
The NLSSM massage introduction course is a short, beginner-level training designed to teach the fundamentals of massage therapy in a single day. It covers essential techniques such as effleurage and petrissage, along with posture, pressure control, and client comfort.
This course is ideal for:
- People considering a career in massage therapy
- Beginners with no prior experience
- Those who want to attend our Level 5 Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue course.
- Those who want to learn with a trusted school who have been in the industry for over 20 years
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS BEGINNERS MASSAGE COURSE?
The following is included in your £145 course fee.
- Full one-day practical massage training in London
- Step-by-step tutor demonstrations
- Supervised hands-on practice
- Access to online learning resources for one year including pre-course literature, video demonstrations for revision at home and more
- Use of mobile, electric & hydraulic beds
- All materials provided, including towels, lotions, hand wipes and more
- Teas and coffees
- Certificate of attendance (electronic)
WHO IS THis BEGINNER MASSAGE COURSE FOR?
This course is designed for complete beginners and anyone curious about learning massage.
- Complete beginners with no massage experience
- People considering. career in massage therapy in the UK
- Those who are looking to enrol on our bespoke Level 5 Professional Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy course
- Individuals wanting to massage friends, family, or partners
- This course is for those aged 18+ years.
Where can this massage beginner course lead?
This one day beginners massage course is an introduction to the basic principles of massage. If you wish to take your learning further, it will prepare you for our bespoke Level 5 course in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy, where we integrate all levels of massage therapy into one single course.
What Will You Learn In This One-day Massage Course?
On this beginner massage course you will learn:
- How to perform a basic full-body massage
- Fundamental massage strokes and techniques
- How to apply pressure safely and effectively
- When massage should NOT be performed (contraindications
- Back massage techniques
- Neck and shoulder massage
- Leg and arm massage
- Health, safety, and client care
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to confidently perform a basic full-body massage.
See below for a more in-depth look at the syllabus for this one-day course, as well as the accompanying online resources you will gain one-years access to (all included in the £145 fee!).
PRACTICAL WORKSHOP CONTENT
Benefits, Contraindications and Safety in Massage
- General overview of contraindications and benefits (also supported with online material)
- Safety precautions surrounding the application of massage
- General overview of physiological effects of massage (also supported with online material)
Towelling and How To Move Your Client
- Toweling procedures made simple
- How to move your client with ease while ensuring their modesty
Introduction to Body Mechanics
- How to work using the optimum height of the massage couch. Get this right and your touch will improve substantially! We also support this principle through the online material
- Developing an understanding of the correct body alignment and mechanics that will allow you to work deeply and sensitively while maintaining ease within yourself
Massage Techniques
- Massage strokes, light and deep effleurage & petrissage in multiple directions, both transverse and longitudinal deep strokes without stressing your hands
- Add on techniques will include assisted thumb, fingers and hands, using the forearm and deep strokes across the body.
- You will learn how to work effectively in the application of supportive techniques for wrist and fists while taking into account any pre-existing conditions such as hypermobility
Areas of the Body
- Areas covered will be the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of lower limbs, the torso in prone, as well as the shoulders in both prone and supine
- How to work effectively and confidently in and around the pelvis without causing any unnecessary discomfort
- Managing the clients arms, hands and shoulders in supine
- An introduction to massaging necks in supine and prone positions, and the shoulder and chest area.
End of Day Review
- At the end of the day you will have the opportunity to apply a top to toe massage using all the techniques that you have learnt over the course of the day. This is when it all comes together and you will be able to look back and be impressed with the abilities you have gained in such a short period of time.
- Question and answer time
ONLINE COURSE CONTENT
Hygiene and Appearance
Guidance on maintaining hygiene and professional appearance when working with clients.
Massage Mediums
An overview of different massage mediums, including lotions, waxes and oils
Bed Height & Setting Up Your Couch
How to set the massage couch to the optimum height to support good technique and reduce strain on your body.
Maintaining Client Modesty
Simple, effective approaches to towelling and positioning to ensure client comfort and modesty at all times.
Working Posture Principles
Key principles of body alignment and mechanics to help you work deeply while maintaining ease within yourself.
Introduction to A&P
A general introduction to anatomy and physiology to support your understanding of the body in massage.
Contraindications in Massage
An overview of when massage may not be appropriate
Career Options
Insight into different pathways and opportunities within massage therapy as a profession.
Final Quiz
A short assessment to reinforce your learning and check your understanding of the material.
COURSE DETAILS
This is a 1-day, in-person beginner workshop with no prerequisites. The full course fee is £145 including VAT.
All courses run from 10am – 5pm at our location, The Hub, in Tottenham, North London at the following address:
The Hub
Unit 3i & 3J
25 Ashley Road
London
N17 9LJ
Please find full location details on our Contact page.
Upcoming Course Dates
- Saturday 11th July 2026
- Tuesday 18th August 2026
- Sunday 20th September 2026
- Saturday 17th October 2026
- Saturday 5th December 2026
Please see our full terms and conditions here.
CAN THIS COURSE LEAD TO A CAREER IN MASSAGE THERAPY?
This beginner massage course is a useful first step for those considering further training or a full diploma, such as our Level 5 course in Sport Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy.
While this course is not a full qualification, it provides:
- A realistic introduction to hands-on massage work from a trusted school.
- Foundational skills used in professional training
- Confidence before committing to a longer course
- The opportunity to progress to further training
WHY CHOOSE THIS MASSAGE COURSE IN LONDON?
Our school was founded in 2004 by our director Susan Findlay, with the primary objective to raise professional standards and meet the growing demand for highly skilled, clinically effective massage therapists. From our beginnings in a small home office, we have grown into a leading training provider, known for our evidence-based, hands-on approach that combines practical skill with a deep understanding of body mechanics.
Our one-day massage beginner course is a perfect introduction to the world of massage therapy, where you can enjoy:
- Hands-on, practical training
- A Beginner-friendly course with no experience required
- An easily accessible location, just a few minutes’ walk from Tottenham Hale Rail, Underground and Bus Stations
- Being taught by experienced massage tutors
- A small group learning environment
TESTIMONIALS
FAQ's
Yes, this course is specifically designed for beginners with no prior experience.
This is an introductory course and does not qualify you to practice professionally but it does give you the opportunity to progress to further training.
You will receive a certificate of attendance, but this is not a regulated qualification accredited course. If you choose, you can go on to join our bespoke Level 5 Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy course.
You can learn basic massage techniques in a short course like this one-day workshop, but developing professional-level skills requires longer training.
We provide everything you need for your training, including massage couch, towels, lotions etc.
You will need to bring your own lunch with you, or you can visit one of the nearby shops/cafes.
This one-day massage beginner course takes place at our main location The Hub in Tottenham, North London:
The Hub
Unit 3i & 3J
25 Ashley Road
London
N17 9LJ
Please find full location details on our Contact page.
Yes! This is the only course you are required to do if you wish to join our Level 5 Diploma course. More info here.
Yes! In addition to the one day practical workshop, there is an online portion to the course. Ideally, this should be completed before you attend the practical workshop.
Yes! This course day is 90% practical, and you will be treating another student in the course/being treated yourself.
Please wear something that you are comfortable in, and can move about freely in. You will be treating others/being treated yourself, so please choose something that is appropriate for this.
Most students choose to wear activewear/sportswear.
We recommend to leave any jewellery at home, as it will need to be removed before treating.
We use a number of different massage creams, lotions, oils and waxes, including the following:
At NLSSM, we are happy to support our students with any specific learning requirements they may have, where possible. If you have any concerns then please give us a call on 0208 885 6062 to discuss your needs.
Ready TO BOOK YOUR BEGINNER MASSAGE COURSE IN LONDON?
-
One-day Massage Beginner workshop in London. Choose your date after clicking Book Now below.
-
1 year access to online course with videos, handouts, presentations and more.
-
Certificate of Completion (electronic)
-
All materials provided, you do not need to bring anything with you.
Please see our full terms and conditions here.