Massage Therapy

This course presents an introduction to the structure and function of the human body, beginning with basic cellular principles and six systems of the body and their associated pathologies: Integumentary System, Musculoskeletal System, Nervous System, and Endocrine System. Medical terminology associated with each system and associated pathology are also included.

This course will introduce students to Kinesiology—the mechanical and physiological aspects of human movement and their relevance to massage therapy. Students will relate function to performance and will practice palpation skills while identifying muscle structure and movement.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply the basics of Swedish massage theory pertinent to the massage profession. Muscle structure and function, focusing on skeletal muscle and on attachment sites of some of the main individual muscles will be included. Students will effectively drape and position a client and develop a sequence of massage techniques. Students will learn to use client interviews to develop client-specific plans to compensate for individual body differences.

This course provides a practical knowledge of nationally recognized standards, state and local laws, and rules and regulations governing the practice of massage therapy. This course Includes two (2) hours of instruction on the prevention of common medical errors. Ethical concerns and business success strategies for owning and operating a massage business will be emphasized.

This course will reinforce concepts of kinesiology and muscle function. Students will review trigger point theories as they apply to massage, learn to identify and assess muscle trigger points, discuss pain patterns, and to demonstrate simple stretches for each muscle. The course will also teach students to identify contraindications that are the result of a patient’s medical history. Students will differentiate the appropriate use of Swedish techniques or deep tissue massage based on presenting complaints from clients and practice working within the client’s pain tolerance.

This course will help students to understand theory and application of techniques utilized in the rapidly growing area of spa treatments. Students will review the history of spa therapies and their evolution to modern treatments. Students will be exposed to various therapeutic products, body wraps, exfoliation treatments, Japanese and Western hot stone therapy, and the therapeutic uses of water. Integration of these services into a massage therapy practice will be explored.

This course continues the structure and function of the human body, including the transportation of blood and its many vital functions, including how it links the body’s internal and external environments. This course also includes instruction in the following systems and their associated pathologies: cardiovascular, lymphatic and immunities, digestive, and nutrition, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive. Also covered is the importance of maintaining homeostasis in the body by balancing water and electrolytes. Medical terminology associated with the systems covered in this course is also included.

This course will introduce students to Kinesiology—the mechanical and physiological aspects of human movement and their relevance to massage therapy. Students will relate function to performance and will practice palpation skills while identifying muscle structure and movement.

This course will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to various advanced modalities and instruction on how to effectively treat common musculoskeletal issues. Students further critical thinking skills using case studies to advance their knowledge in thorough client documentation, as well as learn advanced assessment and treatment techniques. The modalities covered offer students a tangible introduction to post-graduate continuing education possibilities in various specialties including Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Muscle Energy Techniques, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Orthopedic Massage, Sports & Fitness Massage, Positional Release, Structural Integration, Asian Bodywork, and Trigger Point Therapy.

This course will review the information that will be covered on the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, MBLEx. Students will be provided with strategies for successful test taking and developing a study plan. Students will also learn business & entrepreneurial skills, create business plans & resumes, discuss success strategies and hone interview skills. Upon graduation, students will be fully prepared to pass the licensure exam, successfully gain employment, and have a short- and long-term plan for continuing education and business development in the field of Complementary and Alternative Health Care.