Thai Massage Video
HandsFree Thai Massage: The Commoner Style with Chuck Duff is a 2 hour DVD that shows how to save your hands and work safely on any size client. Purchase securely online .
Thai Bodywork School of Thai Massage Course Catalog
The Thai Massage Training Program at Thai Bodywork
Thai Bodywork has one of the most extensive Thai massage training programs in the country. As an entry point, all students are welcome to take our Level 1 weekend training (no prior experience in massage is required). This training teaches important fundamentals and is the gateway to the rest of our program. Thai Bodywork is approved by NCBTMB for continuing education in massage, which most states honor for state licensing requirements. All of our courses provide CE hours in massage, and some are also approved for Physical Therapy in IL and WI.
Unique features of our program:
- Students may study at their own pace, and only need commit on a course by course basis as their schedule and finances permit.
- A 50% deposit secures the student's place in class - the remainder is due when the student attends. There is no need to make large up front payments.
- We have one of the most respected Thai massage programs anywhere. We have been teaching since 2001 and have taught over 1,000 practitioners. Our students consistently give us the highest ratings and we get strong word of mouth referral. We are happy to provide references.
- We currently have over 350 hours of Thai massage-specific coursework available. We attract beginners as well as advanced practitioners from other programs.
- Our courses are supported by Chuck Duff's highly rated Thai Bodywork DVD Series, providing the student a detailed study aid before and after class.
- We place strong emphasis on developing excellent skills and body mechanics early in the student's education. Our students get high marks as practitioners. The overall program has a strong hands-on focus with high teacher to student ratios.
- We teach Thai massage as a long-term, sustainable practice that actually is beneficial for the therapist. We get many students who have hurt themselves doing conventional massage, and are looking to extend their career.
- HandsFree Thai and Clinical Thai Bodywork are modalities that are only taught at Thai Bodywork and by TBW Certified Instructors (TBI).
- Our program is unparalleled in teaching students how to work therapeutically. Chuck Duff is known as one of the experts in therapeutic Thai bodywork, and was the first in the industry to have a strong clinical component to the program (Clinical Thai Bodywork courses alone currently comprise over 140 hours in our program).
Thai Bodywork Curriculum: An Overview
We recommend that all students take Level 1, even if they come from other programs. The sequence and many of the principles are unique, and essential to the rest of our program. After Level 1, many options are available. The following courses are taught at Thai Bodywork in Evanston, and by Thai Bodywork Certified Instructors in various cities.
- The Thai Massage Core Studies track, consisting of Levels 1-3.
It is definitely preferable to take the levels in order, although students occasionally are permitted to take Level 3 first if they have special circumstances.
- Level 1: strong emphasis on fundamentals, body mechanics, teaches a 1-hour session and shows the student how to study Thai massage in our program. Prepares the student for further study at Thai Bodywwork.
- Level 2: Therapeutic fundamentals -- adding Southern style techniques, using Sen lines and trigger point technology to address specific client issues. An additional 2.5 hours of treatment are presented. Prepares the student for Level 3.
- Level 3: the complete Northern style sequence as taught at the Northern Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai (3.5-4 hours). Intermediate stretches, backbends, lifts. Preparation for advanced stretches.
- Anatomy for Thai Massage and Yoga -- a highly hands-on, palpation oriented approach to muscle location, function and stretching. This course can be credited if the student has a strong anatomy background, although many students who have had anatomy find it to be extremely useful.
- HandsFree Thai, developed and taught exclusively at Thai Bodywork, shows the student how to work deeply and therapeutically with clients of all sizes, and without stress on the therapist.
- HandsFree 1: fundamentals of the HandsFree style, balance, using body weight, walking techniques, stretch variations. Teaches a 1.5-2 hours equence.
- HandsFree 2: advanced variations, continues refining the students ability to work on larger clients without strain.
- Luk Pra Kob - Thai Herbal Compress Certification. The herbal compress is a key component of traditional therapeutic work. It should be in any Thai therapist's knowledge set and is taught in the traditional way at Thai Bodywork.
- Clinical Thai Bodywork Track, consisting currently of 7 modules, is unique in the field and offers the student a detailed, reproducible clinical approach to hundreds of common pain conditions. The general approach involves assessments, analysis of perpetuating factors, sophisticated Thai treatments and client education/self-care. The student can enter the series at any point, and each module covers pain symptoms in a specific area of the body (for example, CTB 2 covers low back, sacral, hip and pelvic pain). Please see the CTB page for detail on this track.
- Thai Massage for the Spa Track - we teach trainings customized for the spa industry, including Thai massage for the table, Thai herbal compress and other treatments. These trainings are normally done onsite by Thai Bodywork Certified Instructors. Please contact us for details.
The Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner (TBP) Program
Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner (TBP) is a certificate that can be earned by fulfilling a set of requirements consisting of coursework, testing and documented practice. TBP certification establishes that the student has achieved a professional standard of practice. Thai Bodywork feels strongly that the professional practice of Thai massage carries with a responsibility to be adequately trained so the practitioner can practice safely and effectively. For more information on our TBP program, please see our Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner page.
Thai Bodywork Course Descriptions
Introduction to Thai MassageHours: 6.00 | This 6 hour course provides an overview of Thai massage body mechanics, techniques and styles for all who wish to learn more about the art (no prerequisites). This training satisfies the prerequisite for Clinical Thai Bodywork (CTB) enrollment for students who have no prior Thai background. We cover basic Thai energetic anatomy, compression techniques, basic stretches and body positions. More info... |
Level 1: Thai Massage FundamentalsHours: 20.00 | This 2.5 day hands-on workshop is suitable for new students or practitioners wanting to learn Thai massage fundamentals and acquire an alternative modality. Level 1 is the gateway and prerequisite to all of our advanced courses. We present the energetic and historical basis of the work, body mechanics, movement from the core, and fundamental techniques as well as how to effectively practice the routines. The student learns an effective 1-hour treatment sequence, and learns how to work in a sustainable way that does not injure the practitioner. More info... |
Supervised PracticeHours: 3.00 | Supervised, 3-hour open studio time in which students of all levels can practice, ask questions and refine their technique. Open to any Thai massage practitioner from any school with at least 20 hours of training. Thai Bodywork staff will be available to answer questions and provide feedback. More info... |
Level 2: Therapeutic Thai Massage FundamentalsHours: 40.00 | This course builds fundamentals of therapeutic Thai massage for a professional practice. The course covers theory, therapeutic applications, how to structure treatments, table applications, and much more. The student learns a 2-hour treatment sequence, as well as how to structure an effective 1-hour session appropriate to client needs. Prerequisite: Level 1.
Upon successful completion and practical assessment, the student will receive a 40-hour certificate that is recognized by NCBTMB and ABMP. More info... |
Level 3: Northern Style Thai MassageHours: 70.00 | This course continues to build a foundation for a professional Thai Massage practice. 200 Northern method Asanas are taught, along with theory, therapeutic applications, how to structure treatments, table applications, and much more. Upon successful completion and practical assessment, you will receive a 70-hour certificate that is recognized by NCBTMB and ABMP. Prerequisite: Level 1+2. Students may be admitted without Level 2 by instructor permission. More info... |
HandsFree Thai Massage Level 1Hours: 20.00 | This weekend course provides an introduction to the techniques of HandsFree Thai, which allow the practitioner to work on large or heavily muscled clients in a way that is highly beneficial for the client and safe for the practitioner. Many asana variations using feet and knees, comprising a 1-hour treatment. Prerequisite: Thai Massage Level 1 or equivalent studies. More info... |
HandsFree Thai Massage Level 2Hours: 20.00 | This course provides in-depth study of the techniques of HandsFree Thai, which allow the practitioner to work on large or heavily muscled clients in a way that is highly beneficial for the client and the practitioner. HandsFree Thai techniques allow the therapist to provide broad, deep pressure without stress on the hands or shoulders. Many asana variations using feet and knees, taught as a 2 hour treatment sequence employing all treatment attitudes. Prequisites: HandsFree Level 1 and Level 1 Thai Massage. More info... |
Thai Herbal Compress Treatment for the SpaHours: 8.00 | This course covers preparation and use in the spa environment of Thai herbal compresses, herbal poultices, or Luk Pra Kob, which have been used in Thailand for hundreds of years as a medicinal treatment. The student will learn a treatment sequence that provides thorough coverage of the Sen lines. Upon successful completion, the student will receive an 8-hour certificate from Thai Bodywork. More info... |
A&P for Thai Massage and Yoga - Level 1Hours: 20.00 | This course is an introduction to anatomy, physiology and kinesiology for Thai massage practitioners, yoga teachers, and others. The focus in the A&P 1 course is on developing a solid grounding in these issues for students who have never had formal education in anatomy, or wish to refresh their knowledge with a different approach. Instead of the usual dry, memorization-oriented A&P, this class strives to be as interactive and hands-on as possible to increase retention and make learning anatomy fun. REQUIRED TEXT: Trail Guide to the Body, Third Edition (Red cover, coil bound). Available for purchase at Thai Bodywork. More info... |
Table Thai Massage Level 1Hours: 16.00 | This course teaches Thai massage fundamentals in the form of a 1-hour treatment sequence in the Chiang Mai style, specifically adapted to the table and the needs of the spa environment, including table body mechanics, draping, and other issues. This course is open to anyone and satisfies the Level 1 prerequisite for all of our advanced courses. We present the energetic and historical basis of the work, body mechanics, movement from the core, and fundamental techniques as well as how to effectively practice the routines. More info... |
Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner CertificationHours: 4.00 | Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner is a competency-based certificate which can be applied for after a student has successfully completed Levels 1-3, HandsFree 1 and AP1 (170 hours). Certification requires completion of written and practical tests, as well as a minimum number of documented sessions. More info... |
Thai Herbal Compress CertificationHours: 20.00 | This course covers preparation and use of Thai herbal compresses, or Luk Pra Kob, which has been used in Thailand for over 400 years as a medicinal treatment. The herbs used in Luk Pra Kob, which are wrapped in cotton cloth and steamed prior to application, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and muscle relaxant properties. In addition, there are benefits to the skin as well as aromatherapeutic properties to the herbs, whose essential oils are released with steam.The course also covers the use of Thai herbs for traditional Thai herbal sauna or Thai steam treatments. Prerequisite: None More info... |
CTB for Shoulder, Upper Back and Arm PainHours: 20.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for shoulder, upper back and arm pain.
We will present the fundamental principles of CTB in an accelerated way, so students who have not attended prior CTB courses may attend this course. Students must have prior to attending a solid grasp of muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Lumbar, Sacral and Hip PainHours: 20.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for lumbar, sacral, gluteal, pelvic and hip pain.
We will present the fundamental principles of CTB in an accelerated way, so students who have not attended CTB before may attend this course. Students must have a solid grasp of muscular anatomy as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 2 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Knee, Thigh and Groin PainHours: 20.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for upper leg, groin and knee pain.
We will present the fundamental principles of CTB in an accelerated way, so students who have not attended CTB before may attend this course. Students must have prior to attending a solid grasp of muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Headache, Neck and Facial PainHours: 20.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for headache, neck and facial pain.
It is recommended that the student attend CTB1 prior to attending this course, but not a requirement. We will present the fundamental principles of CTB in an accelerated way, so students who have not attended CTB1 may attend this course. Students must have prior to attending a solid grasp of muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Thoracic, Chest and Abdominal PainHours: 20.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for thoracic, chest and abdominal pain.
It is recommended that the student attend CTB1 prior to attending this course, but not a requirement. We will present the fundamental principles of CTB in an accelerated way, so students who have not attended CTB1 may attend this course. Students must have prior to attending a solid grasp of muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Elbow, Forearm and Hand PainHours: 20.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for elbow, forearm and hand pain.
It is recommended that the student attend CTB1 prior to attending this course, but not a requirement. We will present the fundamental principles of CTB in an accelerated way, so students who have not attended CTB1 may attend this course. Students must have prior to attending a solid grasp of muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB Lower Leg, Ankle and Foot PainHours: 20.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for lower leg, ankle and foot pain.
It is recommended that the student attend CTB1 prior to attending this course, but not a requirement. We will present the fundamental principles of CTB in an accelerated way, so students who have not attended CTB1 may attend this course. Students must have prior to attending a solid grasp of muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
Clinical Thai Bodywork: An IntroductionHours: 20.00 | This course covers the fundamentals of Clinical Thai Bodywork, a modality developed by Chuck Duff that blends the techniques of Thai yoga massage with acupoint and trigger point systems and a structural analysis of body function. CTB is highly effective in reducing or eliminating patterns of pain and restriction, often in cases that have failed conventional medical treatment. CTB gives the student specific tools to assess and design effective treatments for the most common client complaints and can be integrated into a mat, chair or table-based practice.
This course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. We will establish the foundation of Clinical Thai Bodywork for application on either the mat or the table. Topics include advanced asanas, common pain syndromes, trigger point therapy, using point stimulation, understanding pain referral pathways, and their relationship to sen lines, TCM meridians and fascial connections, yoga therapy and much more. Prerequisite: Thai Massage Level 1 or 6 hour Intro. More info... |
Student ClinicHours: 12.00 | Students have an opportunity to perform sessions on the general public under the supervision of Thai Bodywork instructors. Intake, treatment design, contraindications, and specific conditions will be covered in the context of actual client cases. Clinic is open to Thai Bodywork students who have completed at least 60 hours of training. Each clinic shift is 3 hours and consists of 2 90-minute sessions plus instruction. A clinic series consists of 4 shifts. More info... |
Thai Massage Training Upcoming Events
- Jul 10 `09 : CTBHead More...
- Jul 14 `09 : PracticeEvening More...
- Jul 20 `09 : TableSpa More...
- Jul 31 `09 : Level 1 More...
- Aug 05 `09 : Level 2 More...
- Aug 14 `09 : Level 3 More...
- Aug 28 `09 : AP1 More...
- Sep 11 `09 : Level 1 More...
- Sep 25 `09 : CTBKnee More...
- Oct 02 `09 : Level 1 More...
- Oct 16 `09 : LPK More...
- Oct 19 `09 : TableSpa More...
- Oct 23 `09 : CTBShoulder More...
- Nov 13 `09 : HandsFreeL1 More...
- Dec 04 `09 : HandsFreeL2 More...
- Jul 10 `09 : Level 1 : Bedford, NH Cont More...
- Jul 11 `09 : TableSpa : Flagstaff, Az. w More...
- Jul 17 `09 : Level 1 : Flagstaff, AZ. @ More...
- Jul 22 `09 : Level 2 : Flagstaff, AZ. @ More...
- Jul 23 `09 : TableSpa : Oshkosh, WI http More...
- Jul 24 `09 : HandsFree1 : Bedford, NH Cont More...
- Jul 31 `09 : Level 1 : Oshkosh WI http: More...
Courses in Other Cities
Thai Bodywork Program Overview
All of our Thai massage training courses are structured as weekend intensives. Level 1: Thai Massage Fundamentals ( 20 hours, 17 CE contact hours) is a 1-weekend class that is taught monthly.
Level 2 (Southern style, 40 hours) and Level 3 (Nuad Boran Northern Style, 70 hours) are taught 2-3 times per year. Basic professional certification consists of levels 1-3, totalling 130 hours.