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.
Learn how to use the traditional Thai Pa Khaw Ma cloth as part of a professional massage table treatment with the London School of Massage. This hands-on CPD course teaches qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and bodyworkers how to integrate cloth-assisted stretching, gentle traction, rocking, support and mobility techniques into couch-based treatments.
This table-based Pa Khaw Ma course in London is ideal for therapists who want to offer Thai-inspired assisted stretching without requiring clients to work on the floor. It is especially useful for therapists working in clinics, spas, hotels, wellness centres and private practice where massage table treatments are the preferred format.
The Pa Khaw Ma, also known as Pha Khao Ma, Pa Kao Ma or Thai massage cloth, is a traditional Thai woven cloth that can be used to support the body during stretching, traction and mobilisation. When used correctly, it becomes an extension of the therapist’s hands, allowing smoother movement, better leverage and less strain on the therapist’s thumbs, wrists, shoulders and back.
This course focuses on safe and effective couch-based Pa Khaw Ma massage techniques. Learners will practise how to position the client on the massage table, use the cloth for assisted stretches, create gentle traction, support the limbs and apply rhythmic movement techniques suitable for modern professional practice.
The table-based approach is particularly suitable for therapists who already offer sports massage, deep tissue massage, Thai massage, assisted stretching, holistic massage or mobility-based treatments and want to introduce a unique, practical and professional skill to their treatment menu.
During this practical course, learners will develop confidence in cloth handling, client communication, contraindications, treatment adaptation and full-body routine development. The course is designed to help therapists safely add Pa Khaw Ma techniques to existing massage table treatments.
This course is ideal for:
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be equipped to integrate table-based Pa Khaw Ma Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy techniques into your existing massage or bodywork practice.
To enrol on this Pa Khaw Ma - Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy course, learners must hold an OFQUAL-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage (or equivalent) that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email us a copy of your qualifications for advice.
On this table-based Pa Khaw Ma Assisted Stretch Massage Course, you will learn how to use the traditional Thai cloth while working with the client on a massage couch. This is ideal for therapists who want to introduce Thai-inspired assisted stretching into a clinic, spa, hotel, wellness or private practice setting where clients are usually treated on a massage table.
You will learn how to adapt Pa Khaw Ma techniques for safe couch-based treatment, including how to position the client, support the limbs, apply gentle traction and create comfortable assisted stretches without needing the client to work on the floor.
The course will teach you how to integrate the cloth into existing massage treatments, making it a useful addition for massage therapists, sports massage therapists, deep tissue massage therapists, Thai massage practitioners and bodyworkers. You will learn how the cloth can reduce strain on the therapist’s hands, wrists, shoulders and back while allowing greater control and support during stretching.
During the course, you will practise table-based techniques for the legs, hips, back, shoulders and arms. You will also learn how to adapt the treatment for different clients, including those who may not be comfortable working on the floor or who require a more supported treatment position.
Upon completion, you will be able to perform a one-hour Pa Khaw Ma Table Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy massage routine.
There are no formal exams for this Pa Khaw Ma Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy course.
In-class assessment and instructor feedback - ongoing evaluation of practical skills with real-time feedback to support learning and development.
A CPD Certificate will be issued if the instructor believes the required competencies have been met.
Following completion of this Pa Khaw Ma Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy course, students have been able to:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home.
Work in health clubs, hotels, or ski resorts abroad.
Offer mobile massage treatments.
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
Pursue degree-level studies in Osteopathy, Physiotherapy or Acupuncture
Supplement their full-time income with part-time massage work
Develop their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio
Join professional bodies, increasing credibility and access to further resources.
Pa Khaw Ma Table Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy is a Thai-inspired bodywork treatment that uses a traditional Thai cloth to support assisted stretching, gentle traction, rocking and mobility techniques while the client is positioned on a massage table.
Floor-based Pa Khaw Ma massage is performed on a mat and often involves more whole-body movement around the client, while table Thai Pa Khaw Ma adapts these techniques to a massage couch, making the treatment easier to integrate into clinical, spa, salon or massage therapy settings.
A Pa Khaw Ma is a traditional Thai woven cloth used in everyday Thai life. In massage and bodywork, it can be used to support the client’s body, guide movement, assist stretching and help the therapist work with better leverage and control.
This course is suitable for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists, Thai massage practitioners, deep tissue therapists, stretch therapists and bodyworkers who want to add table-based Thai cloth assisted stretching to their existing practice.
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.
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.
You will learn the history and use of the Pa Khaw Ma, safe cloth handling, massage table setup, client positioning, assisted stretching, gentle traction, rocking, mobility techniques, contraindications, aftercare and a full table-based treatment routine.
Yes. Pa Khaw Ma Table Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy is usually performed fully clothed. Clients should wear comfortable clothing that allows safe stretching, movement and supported positioning.
The cloth can help reduce strain on the hands, thumbs, wrists, shoulders and back by improving leverage, support and control during assisted stretching and movement-based techniques.
There are no formal written or practical 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 listed as accredited by BCMA and IGCT. Students should check with their insurance provider before using Pa Khaw Ma techniques professionally.
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, Thai-inspired bodywork, assisted stretching, anatomy, client safety and hands-on practice.
Diploma in Thai Massage Course Level 3 (RQF) FHT (Accredited Diploma Course)
CMA, BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
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