Trimester 1
Students are introduced to the theory and history of massage. Swedish massage, as synthesized by Pehr Henrik Ling, stands as the foundation for modern Western massage, and students will learn to use the basic Swedish techniques of effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, tapotement and Swedish movements/gymnastics, individually and in combination to create a full-body massage. Students will be taught proper body mechanics, draping methods, indications and contraindications for massage, introductory evaluative techniques, charting, and SOAP method note taking. In addition to class sessions, students are required to engage in practice massage sessions outside of scheduled class hours.
This is the foundation course in systems-based human anatomy and physiology. Students will learn the structure and function of each of the major systems of the human body, how they inter-relate, and how they are affected by massage therapy. Students will also learn basic medical terminology, including roots, prefixes, suffixes, and combining vowels. Laboratory time will include observation of prosected human cadavers.
This course discusses the scientific application of water, in all three of its physical states, for therapeutic purposes. Students will learn and practice the correct use of hot and cold temperatures in a variety of applications.
Students will learn disease prevention and hygiene. This course serves as the introduction to the wellness model. Wellness is defined as an active process employing a set of values and behaviors that promote optimal health, function, and quality of life. Students will be presented with a set of tools that can be utilized for both self-care and to teach clients to be active participants in the optimization of their own health and well-being.
Students will learn the role of balanced nutrition in the wellness model. Both western and oriental approaches to general nutrition and the therapeutic use of food will be discussed.
This is the introductory course in the fundamentals of business and the ethics of professional touch. Students will build a business plan, learn basic business management tools, and learn to interview and be interviewed. State massage therapy laws will be reviewed and discussed. Students will learn key principles for ethical practice.
Trimester 2
This course is a continuation of AM0101, with a detailed study of the effects of massage therapy on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, an exploration of fascia, and special emphasis on the skeletal and muscular systems and their role in human movement. Students will extend their knowledge of muscle origin, insertion, action, refine palpation skills, and will be introduced to the oriental anatomical model.
Neuromuscular therapy introduces the student to basic principles and techniques to address pain at specific muscles and is a powerful set of tools for use in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: All Tri 1 Classes or be an LMT
This is the first class designed to deepen and broaden therapeutic skills. Myofascial therapy is an elegant system for opening tissues to deeper work and to engender flexibility, balance, and postural alignment. This course will provide the student with the fundamental tools for this approach to bodywork.
Prerequisites: All Tri 1 Classes or be an LMT
Eastern Modalities focuses on the technique of Acupressure. Acupressure utilizes touch therapy combined with the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. This course will introduce the students to an in-depth study of the meridian lines as well as provide them with a detailed sequence for a client session.
Prerequisites: All Tri 1 Classes or be an LMT
This is the second of two courses in the fundamentals of business and the ethics of professional touch, with emphasis on effective communication, marketing, and creating a sustainable practice. The importance of developing a referral network of DCs, DOs, MDs, L.Acs, and other healthcare professionals will be discussed and a plan for implementation will be developed.
Prerequisites: All Tri 1 Classes or be an LMT
Students provide massage therapy treatment to the public in the School of Massage Therapy Intern Clinic, under the supervision of specially licensed School faculty. Students will perform client intake, full-body massage therapy, exit interviews and documentation (SOAP note format) for each session. Students will participate in case conferences and learn client check-in and check-out procedures.
