Massage Therapy

This course is the student’s introduction to massage therapy including history, purposes of massage, indications and contraindications for massage, hygiene, sanitation, and safety requirements for the practice of massage therapy. This course will also place emphasis on professionalism and ethics.

This course introduces the student to the basic techniques and strokes used in Introductory (Swedish) therapeutic massage, Presented in a protocol driven, practical application of them. Students learn and refine practitioner body mechanics and movement, and client positioning and draping techniques. Protocols and full body massage sessions will be practiced on and evaluated by classmates and instructors.

Students will continue their study of massage therapy with a focus on deep tissue massage principles and techniques. Through the use of targeted body area protocols, students will examine and practice deep tissue massage approaches to common health problems, complaints, and injuries. Students will demonstrate their new skills through regular massage lab work sessions with classmates and touch feedback from the instructor.

This lab course provides extensive bodywork practice for students in Swedish and Deep Tissue Techniques for full body massages and seated chair massage techniques.

Anatomy and physiology is the study of the structure and function of the human body, its systems, and the common conditions and diseases associated with these systems. This course is the educational foundation for any student wishing to enter the field of manual therapy. Special emphasis is placed on the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems.

Anatomy and physiology is the study of the structure and function of the human body, its systems, and the common conditions and diseases associated with these systems. This course is the educational foundation for any student wishing to enter the field of manual therapy. Special emphasis is placed on the circulatory, lymphatic, immune, and digestive systems.

This class is an in-depth study of the muscles of the human body and their corresponding kinetic movements. Students will learn the origins, insertions, and actions of all major muscle groups, the classification of joints and joint types, and dynamic effect of muscles on body movement. Introduction to palpation skills for basic assessment will also be introduced.

This course will teach the therapist muscle stretching techniques and exercises that facilitate range of motion, muscle rehabilitation, and coordination, and other techniques designed to promote practitioner self-care and well-being.

This course is a general study of the physiological processes associated with disease. It includes a study of the causes and risk factors of many classifications of diseases as well as of new technology and therapies used to prevent and treat certain conditions. A basic study of HIV/AIDS research is also presented. In addition to classroom theory the students will do a research project on a specific topic related to the pathology and related massage therapy applications. Students will also learn about commonly used medications, their relationships to pathology, and how they can affect the massage process.

This course presents an introduction to the computer and its basic functions and applications, including Windows, word-processing, databases, and spreadsheets. Internet use for research purposes is also included.

This course includes theory and practice of applying for employment, completing applications, preparing a resume, and personal interviews. Students will also develop positive self- awareness skills needed to obtain success in the workplace. They will discuss business opportunities, marketing, management, basic bookkeeping knowledge, file management, insurance requirements, and operational licenses that may be required in the operation of a private practice.

Massage Therapy students complete 100 hours of clinic experience which may include administrative, supervisory, and practitioner assignments. Students use their acquired knowledge and skills in a setting within the Fortis Institute-Towson public massage clinic. Grading for the Student Clinic module is based on Professionalism, attendance, organization and management skills, client assessment and satisfactory completion of a minimum of 25 full body massages and 10 seated sessions with documentation of treatment.