The “Learn How to Massage” class, part of the Guild’s “A Better Me” program, offers free, one-hour beginner sessions designed to enhance students’ daily life skills.

These classes provide a relaxed, social, and enjoyable environment where small groups of students can explore new skills. The latest session, was led by two final-year chiropractic students who volunteered their time and expertise. 

The student volunteers noted that the session was not just about teaching massage techniques—it was an invaluable opportunity to practice their communication skills. Working with peers who were learning a new skill for the first time challenged them to convey complex concepts clearly and effectively. As Natasha Harris, one of the volunteers, shared: 

“I think it was valuable that we were able to teach and also advocate for the chiropractic profession whilst meeting other students from different educational backgrounds. I enjoyed representing our cohort to other students, especially since most of them were unaware we had a clinic on campus. Overall, the experience was very enjoyable. The students were engaged and eager to learn some massage techniques, and this was reflected in their positive feedback after the session. Everybody deserves to feel good in their body, and it’s rewarding to teach a skill that others can share with their friends and family.” 

Jens Donlin, another volunteer with over eight years of experience as a massage therapist, echoed these sentiments: 

“For me, bodywork and manual therapy is a way of engaging and listening to another—it is a somatic conversation. When teaching massage, I attempted to provide the participants with a framework so they feel more comfortable when engaging in this somatic dialogue.” 

These experiences highlight the importance of effective communication in healthcare, a skill central to providing quality care. 

Our on-campus clinic, located on the ground floor of building 490, is another key environment where students refine their communication and patient management skills. Open to MU students, staff, and the general public, this purpose-built clinic allows chiropractic students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios under close supervision. As part of their internships, students offer a range of services, including the conservative management of neuromusculoskeletal complaints through hands-on manual therapies, therapeutic exercise, and patient education. 

Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, improve your well-being, or simply explore a new way to relax, our “Learn How to Massage” sessions offer a perfect opportunity to do so. Join us for the next class and discover the benefits of massage for yourself!