Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Course Descriptions - Massage Therapy Diploma Program

#101 - Massage Therapy: Theory and Technique - 133 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: None

In Massage Therapy: Theory and Technique, the student is introduced to beginning and intermediate concepts of Massage Therapy and their practical application. Classes consist of theory lecture, demonstration, and paired practice. Occasionally, there may be a guest lecturer. During the supervised practicum section of the course, students will have a chance to both give and receive massage in order to master the techniques taught.

Topics include:

Directional Anatomy - Understanding direction in the human body.

Kinesiology and Muscle Action - Understanding how muscles move.

Draping and Support Bolstering - Making clients as warm, comfortable, and secure as possible during massage treatments.

Client Assistance - How to assist clients safely on and off the treatment table.

Benefits of Massage - Why massage is beneficial to health and how it affects each system of the body.

Indications and Contraindications for Massage - Health conditions: when it is beneficial or harmful to massage.

The Use of Oil/Lotions/Lubricants/Supplies - Treatment tables, oils, lotions, and other massage supplies are discussed.

Tai Chi and Self Care for the Therapist - Techniques a therapist can do to increase personal health and flexibility. Tai Chi is practiced in class by students.

Body Mechanics/Ergonomics for Career Longevity - The study of body posture for increased physical endurance and safety.

Professional Development and Ethics- Students will explore concepts of professional ethics and image, scope of practice, sexual issues, informed consent, right of refusal, and transference and counter transference issues. Emphasis is placed on the proper handling of situations as they present themselves.

Hygiene/Sanitation/Safety - The study of germs and pathogens where students will learn techniques to minimize and or eliminate the spread of illness. Universal precautions and CDC guidelines are explored. Safety precautions for client and therapist including fall hazards and fire safety are discussed.

The Swedish Strokes and Their Variations - Including Effleurage/Gliding strokes, Petrissage/Kneading strokes, Compression, Vibration, Percussion/Tapotement, and Friction Strokes. Students learn the basic strokes that comprise a Swedish massage. Students will also be given a one hour full body Swedish routine to allow them to begin to massage as soon as the routine is learned.

Hydrotherapy/Hot-Cold Therapy - The use of hydrocollators, hot and cold packs for spasms and injury, and contrast applications are discussed.

Medications and Massage - How different medications may augment or interfere with massage.

Seated Chair Massage - The study of the use of an ergonomically designed massage chair and accompanying techniques that allow students to perform massage to employees of companies right in the workplace.

The Massage Consultation and Client/Patient Assessment - Students learn to do an in-depth health history intake, a visual assessment, a palpatory assessment, and range of motion assessment to allow them to develop treatment plans for their clients. Students also learn and practice standard medical documentation/charting procedures.

Massage Adjunct Modality Exploration- Students explore the theory of a variety of Eastern and Western modalities. History of massage is also discussed.

Infant Massage (students will massage infants in class) - Students learn and practice a basic infant massage routine.

Introduction to Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage (students will massage pregnant women in class)- Students learn and practice a basic prenatal massage routine.

Introduction to Animal Massage (students will massage their pet dogs in class)- Students learn the basics of canine anatomy and learn and practice principles & techniques of animal massage.

Handicapped, Geriatric, and Special Needs Massage - Students learn how massage can benefit the handicapped, geriatric, and special needs client. Students also learn about indications and contraindications of massage for this population of clients.

#102 - Supervised Practicum Lab - 50 Clock Hours

Prerequisite - Must be taken concurrently w/ Massage Therapy: Theory and Technique

Students are given the opportunity to practice techniques they have learned in Massage Therapy: Theory and Technique class. Emphasis is places strictly on practice and students should expect to both give and receive massage during this class

#103 - Small Business Management for Massage - 30 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: None

Students are introduced to the basics of small business management and identify the necessary steps in establishing a Massage Therapy Practice. Emphasis is placed on business planning, budgeting, bookkeeping, résumé development, and marketing skills.

#104 - Basic Aromatherapy - 10 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: None

Students will explore the properties of essential oils and their application during aromatherapy treatment. Students will also compound their own essential oil blend and use Hot Stones to massage the oils into the body.

#105 Introduction to Reflexology: 10 Clock Hours

No Prerequisite

Students explore foot anatomy, zone therapy, and the concept of reflex points. Students are given an introduction to the basic application of foot reflexology techniques.

#106 - Introduction to Shiatsu and Eastern Technique - 10 Clock Hours

No Prerequisite

Students are introduced to the concepts and application or Oriental Massage Techniques that utilize the Eastern philosophies of Yin/Yang and the Five Elements. Students are taught a basic Shiatsu routine to incorporate into their bodywork sessions.

#107 - Sports Massage Basics - 10 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: Massage Therapy: Theory and Technique

Clinical sports massage techniques will enhance an athlete's performance, prevent trauma, and promote recovery time. Specific injury applications as well as pre- and post- event massage will be addressed. Students are taught a basic sports massage routine.

#108 - Corrective Muscle Therapy Techniques - 94 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: Massage Therapy: Theory and Technique.

In this course, the student is introduced to more advanced concepts in corrective muscle therapy techniques. Classes consist of theory lecture, demonstration, and paired practice. Occasionally, there may be a guest lecturer. During the supervised practicum section of this course, students will have a chance to both give and receive massage in order to master the techniques taught.

Topics include:

Positional Release and Strain-Counterstrain Techniques- By utilizing a position of comfort, this technique, which has been referred to as "muscle melting", teaches the student a painless way to release deep tissue restrictions. Based on the work of Dr. Lawrence H. Jones, DO.

Advanced Soft Tissue Release Techniques- Students learn and practice more advanced corrective tissue muscle therapy techniques, such as Myofascial release and connective tissue massage (CTM).

Active Isolated Stretching- Students learn and practice the technique of client assisted stretching techniques using the Aaron Mattes method.

Range of Motion and Joint Mobilization- Students learn and practice the technique of active and passive range of motion and joint mobilization.

Muscle Energy Techniques- Students learn the theory and practice the techniques of reciprocal inhibition, pnf stretching, and post-isometric relaxation.

Trigger Point Therapy- Students learn to identify and treat trigger points in the muscle tissue and also how to read and interpret trigger point charts. Based on the work of Dr. Janet Travell, M.D. and Clair Davies.

Medical Massage Techniques- Students are introduced to and practice beginning classic medical massage techniques, such as CTM.

Postural Assessment- Students learn to assess normal and abnormal posture and gait as well as the possible causes of such abnormalities.

Introduction to Manual Lymphatic Drainage- Students are introduced to Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques and theory and practice basic drainage strokes.

National Certification Review- Students are given an opportunity to sit for a mock National Board Examination. Question and answer period will follow.

Touch for Health I and II- Students will learn specific hands-on techniques that will: Accelerate recovery from illness and injuries; Reduce or eliminate many different kinds of pain: headaches, backaches, stomach aches, etc; Prevent future health problems; Increase energy and counteract fatigue; and show immediately which foods are undermining a client's energy. Touch for Health Kinesiology balances the body through muscle testing/monitoring to improve posture and stimulate the body's own healing ability. Students receive Levels I and II Touch for Health certification through the International Kinesiology College of Zurich, Switzerland.

#109 - Muscle Identification, Palpation and Kinesiology - 40 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: Must take concurrently with Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology for Massage

Students learn about the origins and insertions of muscles in the body, the action the muscles perform, and techniques to locate each muscle. Students build muscles in clay using the Maniken system.

#110 - Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology for Massage: 148 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: None

Students are given a thorough and comprehensive study of all of the human body systems as well as the major pathologies associated with each so as to determine possible massage intervention, indication, and contraindication for massage. Classwork includes lecture, workbook, and video cassettes.

Topics include:

Medical Terminology/Directional Anatomy- 12 hrs

Cells and Tissues/ Basic Chemistry- 8 hrs

Integumentary System- 12 hrs

Skeletal System and Joints- 20 hrs

Muscular System- 20 hrs

Nervous System- 16 hrs

Endocrine System- 8 hrs

Cardiovascular System & Blood- 16 hrs

Respiratory System- 4 hrs

Urinary System & Water- 8 hrs

Lymphatic System & Immunity-8 hrs

Digestive System & Nutrition- 8 hrs

Reproductive System & Genetics- 8 hrs

#111 - First Aid/CPR/HIV Awareness - 12 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: None

First Aid & CPR/HIV Awareness provides an overview of emergency treatment of injuries and/or sudden illness in a variety of situations. It also presents methods of prevention to reduce or eliminate potentially dangerous situations. Major topics include the dispelling of myths and rumors around HIV, injury evaluation, standard CPR and First Aid procedures. Students who demonstrate skill proficiency and pass the written tests ( 80% ) pertaining to the skills, will receive a Community CPR and First Aid certificate through the American Red Cross (this includes standard CPR skills for the adult, child and infant as well as standard First Aid skills ).

#112 - Clinical Rotations for Massage - 40 Clock Hours
(Student performs 25 Massage Treatment Sessions)

Prerequisite: Approval from Massage Instructor

Students receive hands-on experience with the general public by treating 25 clients with Massage Therapy in the Student Clinic. Students receive practice in technique, client scheduling, client service and communication skills, bookkeeping, and business management

Electives: Students choose one of the following:

#113 Reiki I / Intuitive Techniques - 13 Clock Hours

Prerequisite: None

Students learn the ancient Japanese healing system of Reiki and are given the attunements that allow them to become a 1st degree Reiki Practitioner. Additionally, students explore intuitive healing methods such as meditation and breathwork, radiesthesia (dowsing), crystal work, creative visualization, and intuitive energy work.

#114 - Basic CranioSacral Therapy / Myofascial Release Techniques - 13

Prerequisite: Permission From Instructor

Students receive an introduction to work with the craniosacral system. Restrictions in this system have been shown to cause many problems ranging from headaches to learning disabilities. By releasing restrictions in the dural tube, normal craniosacral function can be restored. Students are given theory and practical application techniques. Students are also introduced to the human connective tissue system also known as the Myofascial system. Connective tissue pathology is explored as well as Myofascial release corrective techniques to restore freedom of motion and to reduce pain.

Next Page: Electives

 

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