Massage Therapy Programs in Los Angeles County, CA

South Bay Massage College, Manhattan Beach:
South Bay Massage College is an accredited massage therapy school located in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County in Southern California. Our initial massage therapist certification program is 125 hours of education plus 50 hours of spa internship, totaling 175 hours. Subjects covered include Swedish massage, anatomy, nutrition, reflexology, hygiene and hands-on lab practice. You can become qualified to take the national massage certification exam after completing the required 500 hours of massage education. We also have a wide range of advanced massage courses available including sports massage, deep tissue massage, shiatsu and many others.

Massage Therapist Certification Program (6 weeks):
Our Massage Therapist Course curriculum includes the following subjects. The course is limited to 12 students and is completed in just 6 weeks plus clinical spa internship.

Our Massage Course is 175 Hours and additional hours can be obtained by taking advanced classes…up to 1000 hours. Therefore, you can receive 300, 500 or 1000 hours of certified hours by taking advance classes or any number of hours needed.

- Massage History and Theory 
- Business Ethics and Practice 
- Swedish massage (Demo & Practice) 
- Anatomy & Physiology 
- Intro to Deep Tissue 
- Hygiene & Basic Nutrition 
- Marketing Skills
- Clinical Internship Spa
- Hands-on lab time (Practice) 


Course Electives:

- Deep Tissue:
The aim is to affect various layers of fascia that support muscle tissues and loosen bonds between the layers of connective tissues. This class enables the student to incorporate deep tissue techniques into their existing massage routine and includes therapeutic stretching (PMS).

- Deep Tissue II:
This course is an extension of Deep Tissue I Massage. It covers maintenance and treatments of specific injuries, muscle testing and muscle alignment.

- Advanced Anatomy:
A continuation of basic anatomy from the massage therapist course providing more detailed study. Emphasis is placed on the muscular and skeletal systems. Posture and muscle groups will also be explored.

- Sports Massage:
Athletic massage; massage and manipulation to improve an athlete’s ability to perform, help to prevent injuries and as an aid to restoring mobility to injured muscle tissues.

- Advanced Massage Technique:
This class will encompass advanced Swedish energy work, deep tissue massage, basic reflexology, P.N.F stretches, acupressure and other advance massage techniques.

- Acupressure:
A method stemming from Chinese Acupuncture that employs various methods of stimulating pressure points to relieve pain or other physiological imbalances in the body.

- Reflexology:
Reflexology is an art and science that deals with the principles that there are energy zones and reflex points in the feet & hands that correspond to every organ and gland of the body. By applying a steady gentle pressure to these areas you can help the body heal itself.

- Shiatsu:
An eastern form of massage therapy. In a sense it is like acupuncture without the use of needles. The purpose is to increase circulation and prevent imbalances in the body.

- Pathology:
This class covers common pathologies found within the various systems that could affect a massage session and contra-indications to massage therapy.

- Pregnancy/Prenatal Massage:
A specific massage designed as a therapeutic aid during pregnancy. This class encompasses specific techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of pregnant women.

- Myofascial Release Therapy:
Myofascial release principles and applications for the reduction of pain, headaches and fibromyalgia. Expands your comprehension of your clients‚ compensatory strain patterns that lead to pain syndromes.

- Cranial-Sacral Therapy:
Method of releasing restrictions around the brain and spinal cord to relieve stress on the central nervous system. It’s gentle, complementary techniques that can help alleviate any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities.

- Exercise Rehab/Training:
Learn rehab techniques and exercise training restoring body mobility. Training to restore body’s mobility and to perform specific exercises.

- Chair Massage:
A brief 10-15 minute sequence of strokes designed to relieve stress in the neck, shoulder and hand regions.

- Kinesiology:
Foundation in kinesiological principles, agonist and antagonist relationships of muscle and synergistic muscular action.

- Aromatherapy/Oils:
This class will cover the alternative health system that utilizes essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to be inhaled or topically applied.

Internship Programs – State-Approved Spa:
Required 50 hours and optional 50 & 100 hours of additional internship hours can be obtain. This gives our recent graduates real hands-on experience working on the public in a comfortable environment, while earning certified clinical hours.