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 Pa Khaw Ma Table Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy Course teaches qualified therapists how to use a traditional Thai woven cloth for assisted stretching, support, traction, rocking and mobilisation on a massage table.
Also known as Pha Khao Ma, Pa Kao Ma or a Thai massage cloth, the cloth acts as an extension of the therapist’s hands. It provides support and leverage while helping the therapist guide movement without relying on force.
Training is delivered by a qualified practitioner trained in Chiang Mai and at Wat Po in Thailand.
Students learn a structured couch-based routine that can be offered as a standalone treatment or incorporated into massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage and assisted stretching sessions.
The course is suitable for:
Students must meet the published Level 3 entry requirements to receive the accredited CPD certificate.
Training can help therapists:
London School of Massage has delivered professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994.
Students benefit from:
Learn more on the London School of Massage history page.
This practical course combines the cultural background of Pa Khaw Ma with supervised table-based Thai cloth stretch training.
Students learn how to fold, hold and control the cloth while using bodyweight, leverage and movement to support the client safely on a professional massage table.
| Course Name | Pa Khaw Ma Table Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy Course |
| Course Level | Specialist CPD training for qualified therapists |
| Course Duration | One practical training day |
| Learning Format | Classroom-based, hands-on training |
| Treatment Setting | Performed on a professional massage table |
| Treatment Style | Fully clothed and oil-free |
| Techniques Covered | Cloth-assisted stretching, gentle traction, rocking, mobilisation and supported movement |
| Treatment Positions | Supine, prone, side-lying and seated |
| Practical Routine | Structured one-hour full-body treatment |
| Tutor Expertise | Qualified practitioner trained in Chiang Mai and at Wat Po in Thailand |
| Training Location | London |
| Accreditation | BCMA and IGCT |
| CPD Points | 14 |
| Assessment | Continuous practical assessment with no formal examination |
| Course Materials | Electronic coursebook included |
| Certificate | Electronic accredited CPD certificate, subject to successful assessment |
| Separate Model Required | No. Students normally practise in pairs |
| Massage Couch Required | No. Massage couches and principal training equipment are provided |
The course is delivered in person at a London School of Massage training venue.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving the techniques. This helps them understand positioning, support, pressure and stretching from both the therapist’s and client’s perspective.
Training includes:
Pa Khaw Ma Table Therapy is normally performed:
This table-based format is particularly suitable for clinics, spas, hotels, wellness centres and private practices where clients are usually treated on a massage couch.
The course develops the practical skills required to use a traditional Thai cloth safely within a professional massage-table treatment.
Students learn:
Training covers:
Students practise:
Techniques are adapted to the client’s flexibility, mobility and individual needs without forcing movement.
Training includes techniques for the:
Students learn a flowing one-hour Pa Khaw Ma table routine that can also be adapted into shorter treatments.
Students learn:
This is a specialist CPD course for qualified therapists.
Students should hold one of the following:
The qualification should include suitable Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology training.
No. This course builds on existing massage, consultation, contraindication and Anatomy and Physiology knowledge.
Students without a recognised Level 3 qualification may only attend at the school’s discretion and would receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than an accredited CPD certificate.
Complete beginners should first consider the VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage Course.
Students may be asked to provide evidence of their existing qualification.
Anyone uncertain about eligibility should send a copy of their qualification to London School of Massage before booking.
Pa Khaw Ma Table Therapy is an active form of bodywork.
Students should be able to:
Anyone with an injury, health condition or mobility restriction that may affect participation should contact the school before attending.
There are no formal written or external practical examinations.
Students are assessed continuously through:
Students receive practical guidance and feedback throughout the course.
An electronic accredited CPD certificate is issued when the tutor is satisfied that the student has demonstrated the required practical skills, professional conduct and safety awareness.
The course carries 14 CPD points.
Students who do not hold the required prerequisite qualification or meet the practical assessment standard may receive a Certificate of Attendance instead.
The course is accredited or approved by:
Further information is available on the London School of Massage Accreditations and Approvals page.
Students are responsible for confirming that their qualification and Pa Khaw Ma Table certificate meet the requirements of their chosen insurer, employer or professional association.
Further guidance is available on the massage therapist insurance page.
Qualified and appropriately insured therapists may use Pa Khaw Ma techniques within:
Therapists may offer a dedicated table-based Pa Khaw Ma treatment or integrate selected techniques into existing massage and stretching sessions.
The course can help therapists:
Therapists must continue to work within their qualifications, competence and insurance conditions.
Therapists who prefer floor-based bodywork can progress to the Pa Khaw Ma Floor Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy Course.
Other relevant progression options include:
Students can also explore the full range of massage courses for qualified therapists.
This course is ideal for qualified massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists, Thai Massage practitioners, stretch therapists and other eligible bodywork professionals who would like to add Thai cloth-assisted techniques to couch-based treatments.
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, contraindications and safe professional practice.
Students without a recognised Level 3 qualification may only attend at the school’s discretion and would receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than the accredited CPD certificate.
You will learn how to use a traditional Thai cloth safely and confidently within a structured table-based treatment.
Training includes:
All movements are adapted to the client’s flexibility, mobility and comfort without forcing the stretch.
The table course adapts Pa Khaw Ma techniques for use on a professional massage couch. This can be especially convenient for therapists who already work in clinics, spas, hotels or massage treatment rooms.
The Pa Khaw Ma – Floor Thai Cloth Stretch Therapy Course is performed on a padded floor mat and involves more movement around the client at floor level.
Both courses teach cloth-assisted stretching, gentle traction, rocking and supported movement but use different treatment settings and practitioner positions.
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 cloth handling, suitable client positioning, controlled stretching and traction, good body mechanics, awareness of contraindications and professional communication.
No. Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving the treatment, so you do not need to bring a separate model.
Classes are mixed-gender and professional conduct, consent, privacy and student dignity are maintained throughout the practical training.
Qualified therapists who successfully complete the course may integrate Pa Khaw Ma Table techniques into their existing massage, Thai Massage, Sports Massage or bodywork practice where this falls within their qualifications, competence and professional scope.
Before offering the treatment commercially, students should confirm that Pa Khaw Ma Table Therapy is covered by their insurer. Further information is available on the Therapists Insurance page.
Therapists who would like to continue developing related skills may also consider the VTCT Thai Massage Course or the Dynamic Assisted Stretching Course.
Gain a VTCT Level 3 qualification and FHT-recognised Diploma in traditional floor-based Thai Massage.
Develop safe spinal assessment, articulation and mobilisation skills through two days of supervised practical training.
Learn a complete table-based Dynamic Assisted Stretching routine through professional hands-on training.
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