Theory, Practice and Techniques

Topics of study shall include the history, benefits, limitations and definitions of techniques with explanations and demonstration of individual strokes.   A minimum of 50% of these hours will be in lecture and 50% will be demonstration.   Students will be encouraged to practice outside of the classroom situation in addition to the practical supervised application within a school environment.

Basic Course Outline

• History of massage techniques.
• Basic principles of massage.
• Massage therapy profession: ethics, insurance, contra-indications and regulations
• Massage preparation: environment, sanitation, atmosphere and attitude.
• Record keeping: client condition analysis and assessment forms
• Client preparation: cleanliness, positioning, draping, oils and lotions
• Procedures for general complete body massage and local massage.
• Emotional and mental effects of massage.
• Exercise and stress management for both massage therapists and the public.
• Standard first aid and personal safety.

Performance Expectations

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to confidently provide:

• Historical background of a given technique.
• An explanation of the body’s ability to use itself to heal itself.
• Recognition of violations and suggest a correction.
• Demonstrate appropriate client preparation.
• Demonstrate a set procedure for full body massage.
• Know the effects of massage on given areas of the body.

Anatomy & Physiology for Massage Practitioners

Topics of study shall include all aspects of human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology.

Basic Course Outline

• Integumentary System: Cells, tissues, organs.
• Skeletal system: upper and lower extremities.
• Musculoskeletal system: action, connective tissues, axial skeleton, upper and lower extremities.
• Circulatory system: components and functions.
• Respiratory system: organs and functions.
• Digestive/Excretory system: organs and function.
• Nervous system: components and function of the cerebral-spinal and sympathetic systems.
• Glandular system: ducts, endocrine glands, functions.

Performance Expectations

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to confidently:

• Define given basic anatomy and physiology terms taught within the course.
• Identify on a diagram basic skeletal system components.
• Identify on a diagram connective tissues, origin and insertions of muscles of the axial skeleton, muscles of the upper and lower extremities.
• Identify on a diagram the major components of the lymph/vascular system and blood/vascular system.
• Identify the components of the respiratory system, as well as define the function of each.
• Identify the components of the digestive/excretory system, as well as identify the function of each.
• Identify the basic components of the nervous system, as well as demonstrate knowledge of the functions of each.
• Identify various organs and glands within the glandular system, which perform the function of secretion.
• Be familiar with how disease or conditions affect function and applicability of massage.

Professionalism/Business

Basic Course Outline

• Massage therapy profession: ethics, insurance, contra-indications and regulation
• Massage preparation: environment, sanitation, atmosphere and attitude
• Record keeping: client condition analysis and assessment forms
• Client preparation: cleanliness, positioning, draping, oils and lotions
• Exercise and stress management for both the massage therapists and the public.
• Working with special populations.
• Standard first aid and personal safety.
• Regulation of massage locally and nationwide.
• Student clinic: students will participate in a clinical setting to gain experience working on the general public.

Performance Expectations

• Determine/Identify ethical and non-ethical conduct.
• Identify contraindications of massage.
• Recognition of massage regulation locally and nationwide.
• Define a proper working environment.
• Demonstrate competent record keeping skills.
• Demonstrate proper body mechanics.
• Comprehension of special population’s needs and how this affects the massage practice.
• A solid knowledge of first aid and personal safety.
• Student clinic: proficient and comfortable in the clinical setting. Ready to set up their own practice.