SMTC | Level 1 Curriculum
Public summary | Version 1 | November 2026
Westlands, Prideinn Azure Kenya | +254 106 986 318 | admissions@smtc.co.ke
Supplementary information. Training requires live demonstration and supervised practice. No diagnosis, prescribing or medical practice.

Day 1: Anatomy and Swedish Massage
Theory: Anatomical position and movement language; major bones, joints, muscles, and tissues; massage effects and limits; hygiene; room preparation; draping; consent; safe touch.
Demonstration and practice: Therapist posture and table height; effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration; basic back and posterior-leg sequence; pressure communication and comfort checks.
Skills check: Prepare a safe station, explain the session, maintain draping, and demonstrate the five Swedish stroke families in a coherent sequence.

Day 2: Client Consultation and Aromatherapy
Theory: Client goals, health history, medication and safety questions, consent, confidentiality, boundaries, documentation, dilution, allergies, sensitivities, ventilation, and when to decline aromatherapy.
Demonstration and practice: Intake role-play, treatment planning, explaining pressure and techniques, safe oil selection and dilution, sensitivity discussion, and adapting or declining a session.
Skills check: Complete a basic consultation, obtain consent, document a session plan, and explain aromatherapy boundaries without medical claims.

Day 3: Body Mechanics and Deep-Tissue Massage
Theory: Neutral spine, weight transfer, stance, table height, joint protection, fatigue management, pressure selection, precautions, red flags, and referral limits.
Demonstration and practice: Forearm work, broad compression, controlled friction, sustained pressure, safe transitions, and therapist self-care micro-breaks.
Skills check: Deliver a short deep-tissue sequence using safe body mechanics and appropriate communication.

Day 4: Passive and Active Stretching Therapy
Theory: Flexibility, mobility, range of motion, passive, active, and assisted stretching, stabilisation, breathing, end-range awareness, contraindications, and precautions.
Demonstration and practice: Selected stretches for major muscle groups, active mobility for therapists, positioning, consent, stabilisation, and controlled release.
Skills check: Explain and safely perform selected stretches without forcing range or creating pain.

Day 5: Sport Massage and Cupping Foundations
Theory: Pre-event, post-event, recovery, and maintenance contexts; timing and intensity; dry-cupping principles; equipment hygiene; skin inspection; contraindications; consent; and scope limitations.
Demonstration and practice: Short sport-massage sequences and safe introductory dry-cupping demonstration where appropriate.
Skills check: Select an appropriate approach, explain the plan, obtain specific consent for cupping, and demonstrate safe cup handling under supervision.

Day 6: Hot-Stone Massage
Theory: Equipment care, temperature testing, burn prevention, screening, contraindications, safe placement, timing, and communication.
Demonstration and practice: Stone preparation, sanitation, temperature testing, static placement, gliding, removal, draping, comfort checks, and response to excessive heat.
Skills check: Perform a short hot-stone sequence safely under supervision.

Day 7: Prenatal Massage Foundations
Theory: Pregnancy-sensitive communication, supported positioning, screening, consent, trimester and individual considerations, scope, postponement, clearance, and referral.
Demonstration and practice: Supported side-lying setup, bolsters, comfort checks, gentle techniques, pressure adjustment, consultation, and documentation role-play.
Skills check: Prepare a supported position, protect dignity, monitor comfort, and identify situations requiring postponement or referral.

Day 8: Lymphatic-Style Work, Thai Foundations, and Business Ethics
Theory: Introductory gentle lymphatic-style work and its limits; swelling and referral; Thai-inspired assisted movement; modesty and floor/table safety; honest marketing; pricing; records; confidentiality; boundaries; and complaints.
Demonstration and practice: Gentle non-medical movements, basic Thai-inspired compressions and assisted stretches within scope, safe positioning, and ethical business scenarios.
Skills check: Distinguish introductory practice from medical treatment claims and respond appropriately to an ethical business scenario.

Day 9: Head Massage, Reflexology, and Career Guidance
Theory: Scalp, face, neck, shoulder, and foot-relaxation considerations; non-diagnostic reflexology boundaries; hygiene; communication; Kenyan career pathways; CVs; interviews; references; self-employment; and progression.
Demonstration and practice: Seated head massage, scalp/neck/shoulder work, basic foot-relaxation routine, communication, career mapping, and personal development planning.
Skills check: Deliver a short safe sequence, explain scope limits, and complete a career action plan.

Day 10: Final Assessment and Graduation
Preparation: Review safety, consultation, consent, hygiene, draping, core techniques, specialised adaptations, aftercare, records, and professional conduct.
Assessment: Written theory and safety assessment plus integrated practical examination using a client scenario.
Graduation: Individual feedback, result communication, certificate and progression information, course evaluation, and certificate presentation where requirements are met.