The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The two-day Kinetic Chain Release course at London School of Massage is open to complete beginners, qualified therapists and healthcare professionals. Students learn the full 23-step KCR protocol through tutor demonstrations, supervised practical training and ongoing assessment.
Kinetic Chain Release, commonly known as KCR, is a structured system of gentle joint mobilisations, assisted stretches and controlled movements developed by Scottish physiotherapist Hugh Gilbert.
The protocol follows a specific 23-step sequence based on the principle that different areas of the body interact through the kinetic chain. KCR is normally performed through comfortable clothing without massage oils.
The course is delivered by qualified professionals who have completed their training through the KCR Academy. Tutors also include experienced osteopaths and healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of anatomy, movement, manual therapy and safe professional practice.
Use this full table in the Introduction section, beneath the introductory paragraphs.
| Course name | Kinetic Chain Release Foundation Course |
| Training organisation | London School of Massage |
| KCR training programme | KCR Academy Foundation training programme |
| Course duration | Two days |
| Suitable for | Complete beginners, qualified therapists, bodyworkers, movement professionals and healthcare professionals |
| Previous qualifications | No previous massage, bodywork or anatomy qualification required |
| Study format | Face-to-face practical classroom training |
| Practical training | Complete 23-step Kinetic Chain Release protocol |
| Training team | KCR Academy-trained professionals who are also qualified osteopaths and healthcare professionals |
| Assessment | Ongoing practical assessment throughout both training days |
| Examination | No separate VTCT or ITEC-style external examination |
| Certification | Joint London School of Massage and KCR Academy certificate |
| Accreditation | FHT and IGCT |
| CPD points | 14 CPD points |
| Professional use | KCR practice, subject to suitable professional insurance and scope of practice |
| Training location | London School of Massage, London |
| Beginner progression | Introduction to Connective Tissue followed by further Connective Tissue Release training |
| Qualified practitioner progression | Integration of KCR into an existing professional practice and progression through further KCR Academy training |
| Booking | Students can enrol directly through London School of Massage |
The KCR course combines short theoretical explanations with extensive supervised practical training. Each stage is demonstrated by the tutor before students practise with a partner and receive individual correction and feedback.
Students benefit from:
The course is suitable for:
No previous massage, bodywork or anatomy qualification is required.
Beginners who want to develop a broader massage career may also consider the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage.
Students learn the knowledge and practical skills required to perform the complete KCR protocol safely and professionally.
Training covers:
Students learn:
Practical training includes:
Each stage is demonstrated before students practise under tutor supervision.
The course is open to complete beginners and qualified practitioners. No previous massage, bodywork or anatomy qualification is required.
Students must:
Students should contact London School of Massage before enrolling if an injury, health condition or mobility restriction may affect their participation.
Students work as both practitioner and client during the course. Comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement should be worn.
KCR is normally performed through clothing without oils or creams.
Students are assessed continuously throughout the two-day course through supervised practical work, tutor observation, correction and feedback.
Tutors assess:
Students must attend both days and demonstrate the required practical competence before certification is awarded.
Successful students receive a joint certificate from London School of Massage and the KCR Academy.
The course is accredited by FHT and IGCT and carries 14 CPD points. Further information about the school’s approving organisations is available on the London School of Massage accreditation page.
Students intending to practise professionally must obtain suitable insurance and work within their training and professional competence.
Successful students may use KCR within an appropriate professional setting, subject to suitable insurance and scope of practice.
KCR may complement work in:
Qualified therapists may integrate KCR with their existing services. Complete beginners can use the course as an introduction to professional bodywork and develop their skills through further KCR training.
Both beginners and qualified practitioners can progress to Introduction to Connective Tissue, followed by Connective Tissue Release 1 and 2, subject to the current KCR Academy training pathway.
Beginners who want to become fully qualified massage therapists may also progress to the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage or
Completion of KCR does not qualify students to diagnose medical conditions or work outside their professional competence.
Yes. The course is open to complete beginners and no previous massage or bodywork qualification is required.
It is also suitable for massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists, complementary therapists, personal trainers, yoga and Pilates teachers, movement professionals and others interested in learning a structured hands-on bodywork treatment.
Students learn how to carry out the complete 23-step Kinetic Chain Release protocol safely and confidently.
Training includes client positioning, gentle mobilisations and stretches, postural and movement observation, practitioner body mechanics, consultation, consent, contraindications, cautions, aftercare and adapting the treatment for client comfort.
No. KCR is a structured bodywork system rather than a conventional massage treatment.
It mainly uses gentle stretches, mobilisations and positioning techniques rather than massage strokes, oils or deep pressure. Qualified therapists may offer KCR as a standalone treatment or integrate it appropriately into massage, Sports Massage or other wellbeing sessions.
There is no formal written or practical examination.
Students are assessed continuously throughout the course through supervised practice, tutor observation and individual feedback. A CPD certificate is awarded when the tutor is satisfied that the required practical competencies and safety standards have been achieved.
Yes. Classes are open to all genders and students normally work together in pairs during practical training.
KCR is generally performed with the client fully clothed. Professional conduct, consent, privacy and student dignity are maintained throughout the course. Anyone with an injury, health condition, pregnancy, disability or another circumstance that may affect practical participation should contact London School of Massage before booking.
No. London School of Massage provides the professional treatment couches required for the course.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns giving and receiving the KCR treatment. A separate model is not required because there is no external practical examination.
Yes. The Kinetic Chain Release course is accredited by FHT and IGCT. It also offers 14 CPD points and may support professional insurance, subject to your insurer’s requirements.
VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage Course London
VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Award in Indian Head Massage for Beginners and Qualified Therapists
Train in essential workplace first aid including CPR, AED use and emergency casualty care.
Search...
Introduction
Course Overview & Study Options
FAQ
Course Dates and Bookings