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.
This course is designed for qualified massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists, beauty therapists with suitable body massage training and eligible aesthetic or bodywork practitioners who would like to add Wood Therapy to their existing services.
Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent that includes suitable Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology training.
If you are unsure whether your qualification is suitable, you are very welcome to send London School of Massage a copy before booking.
No. This is a specialist CPD course that builds on existing massage skills, consultation knowledge, professional draping and safe client care.
Students without an eligible qualification may attend but will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than the accredited practitioner CPD certificate.
Students who are new to professional massage should first consider the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage.
Maderotherapy, also known as Wood Therapy, Colombian Wood Therapy or Wood Sculpting Massage, is an aesthetic bodywork treatment that uses specially shaped wooden tools.
The tools are used to perform controlled rolling, gliding, kneading, tissue-mobilising and contouring movements across selected areas of the body.
The treatment may support a temporary improvement in tissue appearance and client wellbeing but it should not be promoted as weight loss, fat removal or permanent body sculpting.
Maderotherapy should not be excessively painful and significant bruising is not the aim of the treatment.
The techniques may feel firm or stimulating but pressure, speed and tool selection should always be adapted to the client’s comfort, skin condition and tissue response.
Temporary redness or mild tenderness may occur. Excessive pain, strong skin reactions or bruising may indicate that too much pressure has been applied or that the treatment is unsuitable for the client.
There is no separate written examination or external practical examination.
You will be assessed continuously throughout the training day through supervised partner practice, tutor observation and individual feedback.
To complete the course successfully, students must demonstrate safe tool selection and handling, controlled pressure and direction, suitable client positioning and draping, good hygiene, awareness of contraindications and confident delivery of a structured Wood Therapy treatment.
No. London School of Massage provides the professional Wood Therapy tools, massage couches and main classroom equipment used during training.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving the treatment, so you do not need to bring a separate model. The practical training includes areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, gluteal area, back and arms.
London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches, Wood Therapy tools and main classroom equipment used during training.
Students should bring:
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and participate fully in the practical training.
A complete course-specific list, including any additional items required, will be provided after enrolment.
Students who plan to offer Maderotherapy professionally will need to purchase a suitable professional Wood Therapy tool set and have access to a massage couch, linens, an appropriate massage oil or lotion and cleaning and storage supplies.
Qualified practitioners who successfully complete the course may integrate Wood Therapy and Maderotherapy into their existing massage, beauty, aesthetic or wellbeing practice where this falls within their qualifications, competence and professional scope.
Before offering treatments commercially, students should confirm that Maderotherapy is covered by their insurer. Further information is available on the Therapists Insurance page.
Therapists who would like to develop related aesthetic massage skills may also consider the Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Sculpting Course or the Massage for Cellulite and Anti-Cellulite Massage Course.
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BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
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