How to Leverage Your Learning Style for More Effective Studying

Massage therapy students are often eager to develop their new skills, but figuring out the best way to learn—whether it’s massage theory or hands-on techniques—can be a challenge. Everyone absorbs information differently: some excel by reading, others by listening, and many need physical involvement to fully grasp concepts. Understanding and applying your preferred learning style can help you learn anything, from anatomical structures and physiological processes to manual skills. By recognizing how you learn best, you can approach your studies in a way that makes everything—whether theoretical or practical—easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

So, what exactly are learning styles? Learning styles refer to the various ways individuals prefer to receive, process, and retain information. Some people learn best through visual aids like diagrams and charts, while others thrive with auditory learning, absorbing information by listening to lectures or discussions. Kinesthetic learners, on the other hand, excel by doing—engaging in hands-on activities or real-world practice to better understand concepts. The core idea behind learning styles is that tailoring information delivery to match a person’s natural preferences can improve comprehension and retention. However, many experts suggest that a flexible multi-modal approach—combining multiple learning styles—can often lead to even better learning outcomes, as it allows learners to engage with the material in different ways.

In this article, you’ll discover how to identify your preferred learning style and apply the most efficient and effective strategies while studying to become a massage therapist. We’ll explore practical approaches tailored to each learning preference, helping you get the most out of your training. Whether you’re preparing for exams or refining your hands-on techniques, understanding how you learn best will give you an advantage in mastering both the theory and practice of massage therapy.

What Are Learning Styles?

Learning styles describe the different ways people prefer to learn and process information. For some, seeing pictures or reading text helps them understand new concepts. Others grasp ideas better through listening or by doing something physical. Essentially, each person has a unique way of absorbing and retaining information that works best for them. When you know your learning style, you can adjust your study tactics to make learning more natural and efficient, which can be especially helpful for adult learners like massage therapy students.

One of the most widely recognized models for understanding learning styles is the VARK model. This framework breaks down learning preferences into four categories: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic.

• Visual learners prefer to rely on images, charts, video, and diagrams to understand information. If you’re studying for a massage therapy exam, you might find it helpful to use diagrams of muscle groups or color-code your notes.
• Auditory learners retain information best by listening. They often benefit from hearing lectures, participating in discussions, or even talking through material aloud. For massage students, this could mean listening to recorded classes or joining a study group where you can talk about what you are learning in the lessons.
• Reading/Writing learners tend to find text the most enjoyable and beneficial way to absorb new information. They prefer to read and take notes, then go back and review written material. If this sounds like you, writing summaries of massage techniques or reading textbooks will likely help you better understand the concepts.
• Kinesthetic: Do you learn best by doing? Hands-on practice and physical engagement help you grasp new material. As a kinesthetic learner, practicing massage techniques or working with models is more effective than studying theory alone.

In a health and wellness field like massage therapy, where you’re learning both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, understanding your favorite learning style can give you an advantage. For example, you might find that studying anatomy and physiology through textbooks works well for some systems of the body, but when it comes to mastering the origins and insertions of muscles, hands-on practice is what makes things click. Adopting a multi-modal approach can help you balance study strategies—whether you’re preparing for written exams, practicing client interactions, or honing your massage techniques.

Recognizing your preferred learning style allows you to study more effectively, helping you retain material longer and apply it confidently during exams or hands-on practice.

Identifying Your Learning Style

Figuring out your learning style starts with reflecting on your past learning experiences. Think about how you’ve learned new material in the past—did you understand things better when you read them, saw them demonstrated, or practiced them hands-on? After thinking about your typical preferences, it’s helpful to connect these previous experiences to your current massage training. For instance, when you’re learning about client assessment process, do you prefer reading the step-by-step instructions or watching someone else perform a demonstration? These kinds of questions can help you pinpoint what works best for you. Here’s a quick breakdown to guide you:

• Visual: Do you find it easier to understand concepts with anatomy charts, diagrams, or video demonstrations? Do color-coded notes or mind maps help clarify complex information? As a visual learner, clear visual aids like these can simplify topics like anatomy and massage techniques, helping you retain information and see connections more easily.
• Auditory: Do you remember information better when it’s spoken? Do lectures, discussions, or talking through ideas help you understand new material? As an auditory learner, hearing explanations or repeating concepts aloud can help you process and retain information more effectively, especially in subjects like massage therapy.
• Reading/Writing: Do you prefer learning through text? Do textbooks, written summaries, and note-taking help you better understand and retain information? As a reading/writing learner, organizing thoughts through writing or digital tools is likely how you make sense of new material, such as anatomy and massage boundaries.
• Kinesthetic: Are you more of a hands-on learner who needs to physically practice techniques or engage with the material to fully understand it? Do you feel most comfortable when practicing massage techniques repeatedly or using physical models like an articulated skeleton or clay MANIKEN^® to understand anatomy.

Recognizing your natural learning style allows you to develop study strategies that play to your strengths—whether it’s practicing techniques in the student clinic, reviewing massage books, or joining study groups to discuss the material. By tailoring your approach, you’ll improve how well you retain information and apply it in both massage exams and when working with clients.

Now that you’ve identified your dominant preferred learning style, the next step is to apply this understanding to your massage therapy studies. Each learning style comes with specific strategies that can help you retain information better, whether you’re preparing for written exams or practicing hands-on skills. Let’s explore how you can tailor your study habits to your learning style and make the most of your massage therapy training.

Applying Learning Styles in Massage Training

Now that you’ve identified your dominant learning style, it’s time to apply it to your massage therapy training. Understanding how you process information can help you make the most of your study time, whether you’re memorizing massage terminology, perfecting your technique and body mechanics, or preparing for the MBLEx. Each learning style lends itself to different study strategies, so let’s go through each learning style individually:

Visual Learners

Practical Strategies
If you prefer learning visually, consider using the following strategies:

• Color-coded notes: When reviewing topics like muscle structure, movements, or range of motion assessment techniques, using different colors for different categories (e.g., muscles, bones, direction of movement) can help you organize information visually. This can make it easier to recall during practice or exams.
• Flowcharts and diagrams: Use flowcharts to break down multi-step massage sequences or diagrams to visualize the body systems you’re learning. For instance, drawing out the landmarks and structures of the abdomen and mapping abdominal massage techniques onto them can help you connect theory to practice.
• Demonstration videos: Watching videos of bodywork techniques in action can help reinforce what you’re learning. Pausing and rewinding specific sections lets you study each movement closely, so you can improve your technique by understanding the details.
• Visual reminders: Keep visual aids like anatomy posters, sticky notes, or a whiteboard in your study space. This helps you reinforce what you’re studying, keeping important information visible and top-of-mind.
• Step-by-step guides: For complex techniques, such as special tests (e.g., Apley Scratch Test, Empty Can Test, Straight Leg Raise Test) used to identify which anatomical structures are linked to pain or impairment, creating a visual guide that breaks down each step can aid in memorization. Sketching the steps or using images to represent each phase of the technique makes the process easier to recall later.
• Practice Exams with Visual Aids: While preparing for practice exams, review relevant diagrams, charts, or images to reinforce key concepts. After completing the test, review your answers alongside visual aids to help connect the material and enhance retention, especially if you’re a visual learner.

Career Context
Visual learners often excel in roles that require attention to detail and pattern recognition. In massage therapy, this can mean you’re particularly good at performing posture or gait assessment, identifying muscular imbalances or recalling anatomical details of underlying structures while performing a technique. The ability to visualize body structures or techniques will also help you when working on more advanced or intricate massages, where symmetry and alignment are key. Visual learners may find it easier to master techniques that involve multiple steps or a strong understanding of anatomy structures.

Auditory Learners

Practical Strategies
Here are some strategies tailored for auditory learners in massage school:

• Record lectures or instructions: If permitted, try recording lectures, practical demonstrations, or key discussions during class, then listen to them again during study sessions. This can be a great way to revisit complex topics. If recording isn’t an option, you can create your own audio notes by reading aloud from textbooks or summarizing key concepts for yourself to listen to later.
• Participate in study groups: Joining a study group is especially effective for auditory learners. Talking through concepts or explaining massage techniques to others can deepen your understanding. Hearing others explain the same material might also help reinforce what you’ve learned.
• Teach others or verbalize steps aloud: One of the most powerful tools for auditory learners is teaching what you’ve learned to someone else, a method also referred to as the Feynman technique. Explain anything from ergonomic massage techniques to medical terminology out loud, either to classmates or even to yourself. You’ll be surprised by how much more clearly you understand something once you’ve verbalized it.
• Practice Tests: For auditory learners, reading practice test questions aloud or discussing answers with a study partner can be a useful study tool. Verbalizing the material helps reinforce learning through sound.
• Use verbal repetition: When you’re practicing massage techniques, talk yourself through the steps aloud. For example, if you’re learning how to measure joint range of motion (ROM), verbally stating each step as you practice it can help cement both the theoretical knowledge and the physical movements in your mind. You can also use this technique when studying kinesiology by repeating the functions of muscles, and their synergists and antagonists as you review them.

Career Context
Auditory learners often thrive in roles that involve a lot of communication, whether it’s speaking with clients or collaborating with a team. In massage therapy, auditory learners may have a natural talent for explaining treatment plans or walking clients through what to expect during a session. Because you’re quick to process verbal information, you might also find it easier to understand client needs based on their descriptions and adjust your techniques accordingly. In team settings, your ability to articulate ideas and discuss techniques with colleagues will be an asset, making you a strong communicator in group environments.

Reading/Writing Learners

Practical Strategies
As a reading/writing learner, here are some study techniques that will play to your strengths:

• Take detailed notes during lessons: When you’re in class or watching a demonstration, make sure you’re jotting down detailed notes. Instead of copying things word for word, try to put ideas into your own words by paraphrasing or summarizing. This helps your brain actively process the information.
• Rewrite and organize your notes: After a class or study session, go back and rewrite your notes, organizing them in a way that makes sense to you. Whether that’s through bullet points, outlines, tables, or full sentences, this second pass reinforces the material and helps you clarify any fuzzy details.
• Reading or Writing Case Studies: Analyzing massage case studies can be an effective way to engage with material. Reading detailed case reports helps you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, while writing your own summaries or reflections on case studies reinforces your understanding and improves retention.
• Create summaries, lists, and outlines: Breaking down complex subjects like anatomy into smaller, organized chunks is key. Write summaries of each topic and create lists or outlines to simplify the information. This can help you remember key points during exams or while practicing techniques.
• Use flashcards and study guides: Making flashcards is a great way to review material like muscle groups, bone structures, or principles of massage therapy. You can also create self-assessment quizzes or written study guides to test yourself and make sure you’ve mastered the material.
• Practice Quizzes: Taking practice quizzes is an excellent way for reading/writing learners to engage with the material and stay motivated to study. By answering written questions, you can reinforce the information and assess your understanding. Afterward, reviewing your answers and writing explanations can help deepen your comprehension.

Career Context
Reading/writing learners tend to thrive in careers where documentation and written communication are essential. In massage therapy, this means you’ll likely excel at writing up detailed treatment plans, keeping thorough client records, and documenting progress notes after each session. Your ability to organize and communicate clearly through writing will be invaluable, especially when it comes to keeping accurate records for insurance purposes or client reports. If you ever decide to pursue roles like teaching massage therapy or writing about it, your strong writing skills will help you share knowledge and communicate effectively with others.

Kinesthetic Learners

Practical Strategies
If you’re a kinesthetic learner, here are some strategies that can help you apply your learning style to massage therapy training:

• Get involved in physical demonstrations: When techniques are demonstrated in class, make sure you actively participate. Watching is useful, but hands-on learners need to feel the process themselves. Practicing the technique right after it’s shown will help reinforce the movements and improve muscle memory.
• Regular hands-on practice: Consistent practice is essential for kinesthetic learners. The more you repeat a massage technique, the better it will stick. Set aside time outside of class to practice on classmates, friends, or family to keep building your skills.
• Practice Tests: While kinesthetic learners thrive on physical practice, using scenario-based practice tests can simulate real-world decision-making. Imagine interacting with a client as you answer the questions—this helps bridge the gap between theory and hands-on experience.
• Utilize models and tools: When learning anatomy, using physical models like a full-size articulated skeleton or joint models with ligaments can be very helpful. Touching and manipulating these models brings theoretical information to life, making it easier to understand how muscles and bones interact during a massage.
• Role-play and simulations: Create mock massage therapy sessions where you practice not only the physical techniques but also communication skills with “clients.” These simulations help tie theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios such as answering common massage client questions, which can be highly beneficial for kinesthetic learners.
• Take movement breaks: Sitting through lectures or theory-heavy lessons can be difficult. Make sure to take regular breaks to move around, stretch, or walk. This will help keep you focused when you return to studying and help prevent restlessness.

Career Context
Kinesthetic learners tend to excel in careers that involve hands-on, practical work. Massage therapy is a perfect fit for this type of learner, but kinesthetic learners also thrive in other hands-on fields such as physical therapy, nursing, cosmetology, or artisan crafts. In massage therapy, your ability to quickly pick up and refine physical skills will be a major asset. As you work with clients, the tactile experience of feeling muscle tension and applying techniques will reinforce your knowledge.

Blending Learning Styles for Greater Success

Although identifying your primary learning style is helpful, most real-world tasks require a mix of approaches to master effectively. This is where blended learning becomes valuable—integrating multiple learning styles like visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic methods. By blending these techniques, you can create a more thorough understanding of the material and improve how well you retain and apply the knowledge, especially in practical fields like massage therapy.

Consider learning a new massage technique, such as the pin and stretch technique, as an example. No matter your preferred learning style, combining multiple approaches can enhance your understanding. Start by reading through a manual or textbook to understand the steps, as a reading/writing learner might. Then, watch a video demonstration to see the technique in action, benefiting from visual learning. Practice the technique immediately, gaining hands-on experience like a kinesthetic learner. Finally, discuss the technique with a peer or instructor, engaging in auditory learning to process it verbally. By incorporating all of these strategies—reading, watching, practicing, and discussing—you create a more well-rounded and engaging learning experience.

1-page study guides are an excellent tool for multi-modal learning. These summary sheets, often used for focused topics such as cryotherapy, bony landmarks for posture assessment, or pathology profiles, incorporate lists, key definitions, information tables, and graphic elements. Not only do they appeal to reading / writing learners who organize and synthesize material, but the visual elements, such as tables and graphics, also benefit visual learners. They’re a powerful resource for learning material initially and are especially useful for final review before exams, allowing students to quickly revisit key concepts in a concise format.

Another way to support multi-modal learning is by creating massage concept maps. Concept maps allow you to visually organize ideas and see how different concepts are connected. They are particularly useful for visual learners but also help reading/writing learners engage with material through note-taking and organization. For example, a concept map breaking down anatomy and muscle groups can serve as a visual aid while also reinforcing understanding for those who benefit from structured, written formats.

Writing massage SOAP notes can facilitate multi-modal learning by engaging different cognitive processes. The process of recording subjective details from the client activates auditory learning, while documenting objective findings and assessments strengthens visual learning through observation and analysis. The act of writing and structuring treatment plans taps into kinesthetic learning by reinforcing practical knowledge. This combination of listening, observing, writing, and reflecting promotes a deeper understanding of client care and helps retain important details for future sessions.

It’s also essential to be flexible and not rely solely on one learning style. Massage therapy education often involves multiple layers—understanding sciences like physiology and pathology, mastering techniques, learning concepts like massage scope of practice, and communicating effectively with clients. Using different learning styles when faced with challenges encourages flexibility and prepares you to adapt to various tasks, both in your studies and in real-world massage practice. Additionally, strong time management skills can help you balance your study methods efficiently, ensuring that you allocate enough time to each learning approach for maximum retention and success.

Practical Tools and Resources for Each Learning Style

Using the right student resources and tools is key to maximizing your learning potential. Whether you’re preparing for the MBLEx or working through massage school coursework, matching tools and study strategies to your learning style can enhance your retention and understanding. Below are some digital tools and organizational tips tailored for each learning style to help you succeed in your training.

Visual Learners

• Digital Tools: Visual learners benefit from tools that let them organize and display information clearly. MindMeister is a helpful tool for creating mind maps and diagrams, which can break down complex subjects like anatomy or massage techniques. Platforms like YouTube and Skillshare offer video tutorials on a wide range of massage-related topics, allowing you to watch techniques being performed. For organizing your notes, apps like Canva or Lucidchart let you design custom flowcharts, concept maps, and visual guides.
• Organizational Tips: Build your study space with visuals that reinforce what you’re learning, such as anatomy posters or color-coded sticky notes with key points. Create a study routine that incorporates reviewing diagrams or video content before attempting hands-on practice. You can also develop visual step-by-step guides to better understand massage sequences or muscle groups and layers.

Auditory Learners

• Digital Tools: Auditory learners retain information best through hearing. Listening to massage-related podcasts, recorded lectures, or even audiobooks on anatomy and massage theory can be highly beneficial. Audible is great for accessing educational audiobooks, while apps like Google Keep or Otter.ai can help by recording lectures or turning text into audio. Listening to MBLEx prep material as you commute or do chores can reinforce your study routine.
• Organizational Tips: Incorporate audio into your study time by listening to recordings of class notes or podcasts while performing other activities. Join or organize study groups where you can talk through complex subjects, discuss techniques, or quiz each other on anatomy. Auditory learners may also find it helpful to record themselves explaining techniques and listen to the recordings as part of their review process.

Reading/Writing Learners

• Digital Tools: Reading/writing learners excel with text-heavy tools that allow for detailed note-taking and review. Apps like Evernote and OneNote help organize notes and thoughts in an easy-to-reference format. MBLExGuide.com provides comprehensive written materials and MBLEx practice tests that you can use for thorough exam preparation. These resources allow you to read, write, and organize the information in a way that matches your learning style.
• Organizational Tips: Build a routine that includes structured reading sessions and regular note revision. Summarize key points from textbooks or class notes, and create outlines that simplify complex topics. Use written assessments to test your knowledge, and rewrite important concepts in your own words to strengthen retention.

Kinesthetic Learners

• Digital Tools: Kinesthetic learners need interactive, hands-on tools to fully engage with their studies. Visible Body offers interactive 3D models that allow you to explore the human anatomy in a tactile way, perfect for understanding the muscles and structures you’ll encounter in massage therapy. Simulation tools or interactive tutorials that walk you through massage techniques can also help you bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• Organizational Tips: Prioritize hands-on practice. After learning a technique in class, apply it immediately by practicing on a model or classmate. Use physical models for studying anatomy and create role-playing sessions to simulate real client interactions. Scheduling regular movement breaks during study sessions can help you stay focused, especially during theory-heavy lessons.

Bringing It All Together

No matter which learning style you identify with, it’s essential to use a variety of study methods during massage therapy school, as you prepare for the MBLEx, and throughout your future career in massage therapy. Blending digital tools with personalized study routines—whether you’re watching video tutorials, practicing techniques, or organizing notes—will help you better retain and apply the material.

Active Learning: The Key to Real Progress

While it’s helpful to know your learning style, relying solely on it won’t give you everything you need to master massage therapy. Regardless of whether you’re a visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner, true progress comes from active learning. Active learning means getting involved with the material rather than passively receiving information. It’s about applying, practicing, and engaging deeply with what you’re learning.

For example, active learning techniques like solving real-world problems, engaging in discussions, or physically practicing techniques can deepen your understanding. In massage therapy, actively applying what you’ve learned—such as practicing skills on classmates or breaking down theoretical concepts with a peer—cements that knowledge much better than just reading about it. Even teaching a classmate how to perform a specific technique can reinforce your own understanding. These interactions challenge you to think critically, ask questions, and find solutions, all of which lead to better retention.

It’s also important to remember that real-world skills in career training programs like massage therapy go beyond just knowing the facts. You’ll need to be adaptable—adjusting to different clients, understanding varying body types, and thinking quickly on your feet. This kind of flexibility requires active learning strategies that blend multiple approaches. By staying actively engaged, you’ll develop not just knowledge but the essential hands-on skills needed for success in massage therapy.

In Summary

Recognizing your learning style is a great starting point for improving how you study and retain information. Whether you’re a visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner, knowing your preferences allows you to choose study strategies that align with how you naturally process information. However, flexibility is just as important—embracing a mix of learning methods helps build a more complete understanding and better prepares you for real-world scenarios in massage therapy.

As you continue your training, take the time to reflect on what strategies work best for you and experiment with different techniques. Applying active learning methods like practice, discussion, and problem-solving will keep you engaged and build essential skills for both your exams and your future practice. Start by incorporating the ideas and tools shared here, and you’ll set yourself up for success in your massage therapy career.

Key Takeaways

• Blend learning styles: Combining visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic techniques leads to better understanding and more well-rounded skills in massage therapy.
• Active learning is essential: Whether through hands-on practice, teaching others, or engaging in discussions, actively participating in the learning process helps you retain information and apply it effectively.
• Adaptability matters: In your massage therapy training and career, you’ll need to adapt to different learning environments and client needs. Being flexible with your learning methods prepares you for these challenges.
• Use digital tools: Platforms like MindMeister for mind mapping, MBLExGuide for a comprehensive MBLEx prep course, or podcasts for auditory learners can enhance your study sessions and deepen your understanding.
• Apply real-world skills: Learning massage therapy isn’t just about learning theory—practical application is key. Engage with tools and techniques that simulate real-world scenarios to develop skills you’ll use with clients.

FAQ

How do I combine different learning styles to maximize learning and retention?

To maximize learning and retention through multiple learning styles, try blending methods that reinforce each other. For example, after studying the steps of a massage technique from a textbook (reading/writing), watch a video to visually observe the process (visual), then practice the technique yourself on a classmate (kinesthetic). Finish by explaining the process out loud to a peer (auditory), which solidifies your understanding. Using this multi-layered approach ensures that you’re engaging different learning pathways, making the material stick more effectively and preparing you for both written exams and hands-on practice.

What are the biggest myths about learning styles?

A common myth is that individuals can only learn well through their dominant learning style, when in fact, using multiple learning methods often leads to better outcomes. Another misconception is that learning styles are rigid, but people can strengthen other styles with practice. It’s also falsely assumed that all learning tasks should align with one’s preferred style—certain activities, like practicing hands-on skills, may require a different approach, such as kinesthetic learning, even if it’s not your dominant style. Being adaptable leads to more effective learning overall.

What’s the best way to build a customized study plan or routine based on my learning style?

Start by assessing which study techniques align with your learning style, and then structure your study plan around them. For example, if you’re a visual learner, block out time for watching tutorial videos or creating diagrams to break down complex material. If you’re more auditory, set aside time to listen to recorded lectures or discuss topics with peers. Reading/writing learners should schedule focused time for note-taking and organizing written materials, while kinesthetic learners benefit from dedicating sessions to hands-on practice. Including techniques from different learning styles can reinforce your understanding and adaptability.

Are there any drawbacks to focusing too much on one learning style?

Relying too heavily on one learning style can limit your ability to process and apply information effectively. For instance, a visual learner might be tempted to rely solely on watching videos, avoiding other active learning methods like reading, practicing, or self-testing. This passive approach can hinder deeper understanding and retention. Likewise, if you identify as an auditory learner but neglect hands-on practice, you may struggle to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. Over-dependence on a single method also reduces your flexibility, making it harder to adapt when a different learning approach is needed, such as visualizing concepts or solving problems in real time. Embracing a blend of learning styles encourages active engagement, strengthens retention, and enhances your ability to tackle diverse learning challenges.

What’s the best way to integrate active learning into my massage therapy studies?

The best way to incorporate active learning into your massage therapy studies is to actively apply what you’re learning right away. Practice techniques as soon as you learn them, whether on classmates, friends, or family. This hands-on experience will help solidify your skills. Combine this with self-assessment—quiz yourself on anatomy, muscle functions, and terminology to reinforce your knowledge. Partnering with a study buddy can also help you review concepts and practice techniques together. Lastly, take time to reflect on your practice sessions, noting areas for improvement. This active approach ensures deeper learning and long-term retention.