Learning to massage enables you to assess where there is tension and discomfort, and then work on releasing those areas with simple but extremely effective techniques – you can see the muscles release before your eyes and the animal’s responses will leave you in no doubt as to how much better they feel.
The Merishia Massage equine and canine courses were produced by Nikki Routledge (EBW / animal McTimoney practitioner / lecturer) in 2002, incorporating Swedish and Sports Massage techniques.
In 2010, Jo Rose (animal musculoskeletal therapist) joined Merishia Massage as a tutor, and in 2014 took over the running of the course completely. She developed the course further to incorporate a number of gentle, yet very effective combinations of the techniques, influenced through biomechanics and other soft tissue approaches. The courses became level accredited Diplomas in 2016.
Why study Merishia Massage?
The Merishia techniques taught not only include deep tissue massage procedures; we also teach a number of effective detailed mobilisation techniques, enhanced stretches, gentle release techniques, plus unique quick fire release techniques for very restricted tissue.
Our teaching venues are near Tring, Buck / Herts border with animal bodyworker; Gina Elliott, near Bath, Somerset with Animal Physiotherapist; Liz Tyrrell-Asprey, near Chard, Somerset with animal Physiotherapist; Becky Baylis, Ashford, Kent with McTimoney Animal Practitioner; Beatrice Boyle, canine only in Yorks with Beatrice.
We only take small groups, providing a friendly yet professional approach which enables learners to gain the most from practical learning tasks, supported with comprehensive online resources, including videos, diagrams, quizzes and handout material. Tutors are available to provide additional help when needed, so although the practical days amount to 4 in total, you are provided with support to guide you throughout the training.
This 6 unit course combines theory and practical sessions covering assessment, massage, stretching and mobilisation techniques that will improve an animal’s suppleness and capabilities, aid in rehabilitation from injury, and help to maintain or improve performance and wellbeing in life generally.
Course Units:
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology, Performance and Health.
This distance learning unit is posted to the student on enrolment.
Unit 2: Practical Tutorial in Functional Anatomy
Unit 3: Practical Tutorial in Swedish Massage routine, including animal assessment and client care.
Unit 4: Practical Tutorial in Gait and Joint Assessment, Further Massage Techniques and Joint Mobilisations.
Mentor session: A half day one to one session with a mentor to help you to develop confidence and enhance your integrative approach.
Unit 5: Practical Tutorial in Additional Holistic and Deep Tissue Techniques.
Integration and Assessment: (Practical tutorial) Re-capping the techniques and assessment via in class tests, and practical massage session.
Unit 6: Setting up a Business and Marketing (online section).
The course takes approximately a year to complete. Please be aware that you should be able to set aside up to 7 hours per week per course in order to fully practice the techniques, and complete the homework requirements.
Each unit includes homework and revision tests, which can be accessed via the student online resource section. Both informal and formal assessments will take place during the practical tutorial days.
Those who have completed the practical days and homework competently will receive a practitioner certificate from UK Rural Skills and Rose Holistic Therapies and Training, enabling them to practice as a Merishia Massage therapist. Student and practitioner insurance can be gained through Balens Ltd.
