The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
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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 one-day Wood Therapy course in London at London School of Massage provides practical Maderotherapy training for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists, beauty therapists with eligible body massage training and other suitable practitioners.
Also known as Colombian Wood Therapy, Wood Sculpting Massage or Maderoterapia, the treatment uses specially shaped wooden tools to apply controlled rolling, gliding, kneading and contouring movements.
Students train in how to select, hold and apply different Maderotherapy tools using appropriate pressure, direction and treatment sequencing. Training includes client consultation, contraindications, professional draping, tool hygiene, product selection, body sculpting techniques, treatment planning, photography protocols and aftercare.
The course is delivered through tutor demonstrations, supervised partner practice and ongoing practical assessment. Students receive individual feedback on tool handling, pressure, positioning, treatment flow and professional safety.
Important: Wood Therapy is taught as a non-medical aesthetic and wellbeing treatment. It should not be presented as a weight-loss treatment, permanent body-contouring method or treatment for cellulite, lymphoedema or medical conditions.
| Course name | Maderotherapy: Wood Tool Sculpting Massage Course |
| Primary search name | Wood Therapy Course |
| Alternative names | Colombian Wood Therapy, Wood Sculpting Massage and Maderoterapia |
| Course type | Accredited Continuing Professional Development course |
| Course duration | One practical training day |
| Suitable for | Qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists, beauty therapists with eligible body massage training and suitable aesthetic or bodywork practitioners |
| Entry qualification | Recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent |
| Training format | Face-to-face practical classroom training |
| Practical training | Wood tool selection, rolling, gliding, kneading, contouring and structured body-sculpting protocols |
| Theory training | Maderotherapy principles, consultation, contraindications, hygiene, product selection and professional practice |
| Treatment areas | Abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, gluteal area, back and arms |
| Course materials | Electronic coursework and electronic certificate |
| Assessment | Ongoing practical assessment throughout the training day |
| Formal examination | No separate written or external practical examination |
| Certification | Accredited London School of Massage CPD certificate, subject to meeting the required practical standard |
| Accreditation | BCMA, IGCT and IICT |
| CPD points | 7 CPD points |
| Professional use | Integration into an existing insured massage, beauty, aesthetic or wellbeing practice |
| Training location | London School of Massage, according to the selected course date |
| Progression | Massage for Cellulite, Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage and Sculpting, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and related aesthetic massage training |
| Booking | Students can enrol through the Wood Therapy and Maderotherapy course page |
Wood Therapy uses anatomically shaped wooden tools to perform controlled massage, tissue mobilisation and body-contouring movements.
Each tool has a different shape, surface and practical application. Students train in how to select and use the tools safely without applying excessive pressure or causing unnecessary pain, bruising or tissue irritation.
The course covers:
The course is suitable for qualified:
Students who do not yet hold an eligible professional qualification should first train through the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage.
Qualified practitioners can also explore the full range of massage courses for qualified therapists.
Colombian Wood Therapy is a style of aesthetic bodywork associated with the use of shaped wooden massage tools for rolling, contouring and tissue-mobilisation techniques.
The treatment is commonly marketed under several names:
These terms generally refer to the same broad treatment approach, although individual routines, tools and techniques may vary between training providers and practitioners.
This course focuses on safe tool application, professional practice and realistic client communication rather than cultural, medical or guaranteed aesthetic claims.
Students benefit from:
This practical Wood Therapy course develops the skills required to provide safe, structured Maderotherapy and Wood Sculpting Massage treatments.
Students learn:
Students train with professional Maderotherapy tools, which may include:
Training covers identifying and selecting suitable tools, safe grip and handling, pressure, speed and continuous controlled movement.
Students also learn how to avoid bony areas and vulnerable structures and identify tools that are damaged or unsuitable for professional use.
The exact tools used may vary according to the professional training kit.
Practical training includes:
Students learn to maintain controlled movement and avoid excessive or repetitive pressure that could cause pain, bruising or tissue irritation.
Students practise Wood Therapy techniques for areas including the:
Training includes professional draping, client positioning and adapting techniques according to comfort, tissue condition and realistic treatment goals.
Students learn how to structure:
Each treatment should be adapted to the individual client rather than applied identically to every person.
Training covers:
Students learn what cellulite is, why it is common and which factors may influence its appearance.
Training explains the difference between cellulite and body fat and the limitations of massage and Wood Therapy.
Maderotherapy may temporarily change the appearance of the tissues following treatment but cannot permanently remove cellulite or body fat.
Qualified therapists seeking more focused manual training can progress to the Massage for Cellulite and Anti-Cellulite Massage course.
Students learn how to:
Where photographs are appropriate, students learn how to:
Clients must never be pressured to agree to photography and refusal must not affect their treatment.
Students learn how to explain:
Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in:
The qualification should include suitable Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Applicants must also:
Students without an eligible qualification may attend only with prior approval and may receive a certificate of attendance rather than an accredited practitioner CPD certificate.
Anyone unsure about eligibility should contact London School of Massage and provide a copy of their qualification before booking.
Students work as both practitioner and model during the course.
They should be prepared to practise and receive Wood Therapy techniques on areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, gluteal area, back and arms using professional draping and consent procedures.
Students with pregnancy, recent surgery, unexplained swelling, fragile skin, active inflammation, circulatory conditions, easy bruising or another health concern that may affect participation should contact the school before enrolling.
Students should follow the joining instructions regarding clothing and practical preparation.
Suitable clothing should allow professional access to the treatment areas while maintaining dignity and appropriate coverage.
Students should avoid applying heavy body oils, creams or artificial tanning products before practical training unless instructed otherwise.
There is no separate written examination or external practical examination.
Assessment takes place continuously throughout the training day through:
Students must demonstrate the required practical competence before the accredited CPD certificate is awarded.
Successful students receive a London School of Massage Maderotherapy: Wood Tool Sculpting Massage CPD certificate.
The course is accredited or approved by BCMA, IGCT and IICT and carries 7 CPD points. Further information is available on the school’s Accreditations and Approvals page.
This is an accredited CPD course rather than an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
Students must hold an appropriate underlying massage qualification and obtain suitable professional therapist insurance before offering Wood Therapy commercially.
Students attending without an eligible qualification may receive a certificate of attendance rather than the accredited practitioner CPD certificate.
Before offering Maderotherapy professionally, students should confirm that:
Insurance requirements vary between providers and course completion does not automatically guarantee cover.
Qualified therapists may integrate Wood Therapy and Maderotherapy into an existing insured practice where the treatment falls within their qualifications, competence and professional scope.
Wood Therapy may complement work in:
Practitioners must use safe and properly maintained tools, obtain informed consent, maintain hygiene and explain treatment outcomes accurately.
Qualified and insured practitioners may offer:
Treatment plans should be individualised and should not guarantee weight loss, fat reduction, permanent sculpting or cellulite removal.
Wood Therapy should not be marketed as:
Marketing should describe the techniques accurately and avoid guaranteed measurements, inch-loss claims or misleading before-and-after images.
Suitable progression options include:
Qualified practitioners can also review the complete range of advanced and CPD massage courses.
Maderotherapy, also known as Wood Therapy or Colombian Wood Tool Sculpting Massage, is a body massage technique that uses specially shaped wooden tools to apply rolling, gliding, kneading and contouring movements. It is commonly used in aesthetic and well-being settings to support body-sculpting treatments.
This course is suitable for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists, beauty therapists with body massage training, aesthetic practitioners and wellness professionals who want to add wood tool sculpting massage to their treatment menu.
No. This is a CPD course for qualified therapists. Students must hold a recognised Level 3 Massage qualification or equivalent that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Pricing varies by wood quality, finish and number of tools included. Typical Pricing includes:
Learners must hold an Ofqual-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage or equivalent. Students without this qualification may attend but will only receive a Certificate of Attendance instead of an accredited course certificate.
You will learn the origins and principles of Maderotherapy, safe use of wooden tools, hygiene, contraindications, treatment planning, tool selection, body sculpting techniques, oil selection, client consultation and how to adapt treatments safely.
Maderotherapy uses specially shaped wooden massage tools such as rollers, cups and contouring instruments. These tools are used to apply rhythmic pressure, rolling, gliding and sculpting movements across selected areas of the body.
The course may include wood therapy techniques for the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, glutes, back and arms, with guidance on adapting pressure, tool choice and technique to the client’s comfort and suitability.
Maderotherapy should not be excessively painful. It can feel firm and stimulating, but pressure should always be adapted to the client’s comfort, skin response and medical history. Strong pressure is not suitable for everyone.
Bruising can occur if excessive pressure is used or if the client is prone to bruising. Therapists should work safely, check client comfort, avoid fragile tissue and adapt or stop treatment if the skin reacts strongly.
No. There are no formal exams. Students are assessed through in-class observation, supervised practical work and tutor feedback. A CPD certificate is issued when the required competencies have been met.
Yes. The course is accredited by BCMA, IGCT and IICT and provides 7 CPD points. Students should check with their insurance provider before offering Maderotherapy professionally.
Qualified therapists may integrate Maderotherapy and wood tool sculpting massage into their existing massage, wellbeing or aesthetic practice after completing the course, subject to appropriate insurance, professional scope of practice and safe clinical judgement.
London School of Massage has been delivering professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994 and has trained over 30,000 students. This course is taught by experienced lecturers with professional knowledge of massage, aesthetic bodywork, anatomy, contraindications, safe tool use and client care.
Learn safe, precise Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques through practical professional training.
CMA, BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
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