Students will learn and master techniques for a full-body Swedish massage. Best practices are introduced in proper body mechanics, therapist self-care, session management, contraindications, and draping methods. Additional components include: the history of massage, indications and contraindications of massage, the use of oil and creams, the art of presence, grounding, and centering.

Massage terms, directional terms, and medical terminology will also be covered to facilitate professional communication. The course introduces students to safety and sanitation procedures required for client interactions, documentation skills and SOAP charting.

In addition to classroom experience, students are encouraged to engage in practice massage sessions outside of scheduled lab hours.

Students undertake a detailed exploration of muscular/skeletal anatomy. Detailed study on muscles, bones, and joints of the human body with the use of 3D models, illustration, and dissection videos. Emphasis is placed on palpation and the relationships among muscle attachments, bony landmarks, and prominent joint structures along with regions of the body with an introduction to the integral role of the nervous system.

The onsite labs will deepen students’ muscular skeletal anatomy through the inclusion of tissue palpation, drawing on the body, and comprehensive chair massage training. Advanced complimentary learning is available and includes terminology pronunciations, body awareness and self-care, critical thinking, bodywork tips and techniques, anatomy aids, muscle videos, and case studies.

This course builds on and complements the muscular and skeletal anatomy with a more advanced look into the body’s relationship to kinetic chains.

Using information gathered from the study of kinetic chains, you will explore case studies that include anatomical, joint and skill analysis for movement patterns and activities of daily living. Students further their study of skeletal muscles, their actions, and the roles they play in stability and movement. Students will analyze joint actions and define the different roles of muscles during joint movement.

There is a focus on biomechanics, posture, and gait assessment within a massage therapist’s scope of practice as well as the relationship of receptors and reflexes, and their influence on muscular actions.

Students will analyze joint actions and define the different roles of muscles during joint movement.

Students master enhanced techniques for a full-body massage, building from the knowledge base acquired in Fundamentals of Massage.

This course provides advanced rehabilitative theory and technical skills to work with clients experiencing myofascial pain symptoms of the upper and lower body. Techniques such as Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy and Cupping Therapy will be introduced and practiced with emphasis on developing upon a basic treatment protocol. Students will expand their anatomical knowledge and palpation skills in the context of rehabilitative massage.

This class is an introduction to the techniques, purpose, goals, and effects of sports massage. Also included is plenty of hands-on time for practicing the delivery of sports massage for post-event sessions. Students will also be introduced to other independent modalities or as a complement to other therapies. Documentation skills and SOAP charting skills are refined and practiced. In addition to classroom experience, students are encouraged to engage in practice massage sessions outside of scheduled class hours.

This course introduces students to the organization of the body on a chemical, cellular, tissue and system level. Integrating structures focused on the skeletal/articular, muscular, and nervous systems in detail and explores the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, integumentary, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

This course integrates the theories, principles, and techniques learned across the curriculum, from both a population and a condition perspective. The focus of the class is the critical thinking skills needed to design an individualized treatment plan to meet a client’s specific needs. Students learn and discuss the unique considerations for treating special populations, including older adults, persons with disabilities, terminal illnesses, and women in pregnancy. Special conditions are discussed with emphasis on considerations such as indications, contraindications, techniques, and adaptations.

This course identifies considerations for providing massage safely to people in a variety of ages and stages of life, as well as an understanding of some common pathological conditions seen in practice.

This class is an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medical theory and modalities specific to the field of massage therapy.

Observation and practice of modalities are required during the laboratory experience. A fundamental understanding and practical application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories of Qi, Yin/Yang, 5 elements, meridian location, acupoint locations as applied to massage therapy.

Students will learn and perform eastern bodywork such as Thai Massage and Tui Na to support the health of their clients from an eastern philosophy and integrate these techniques into their massage practice to create positive change in a clients’ condition.

Substantial attention will be paid to practitioner body mechanics and self-care techniques to ensure the practitioners’ continued well-being.

This course contains the skills and tools necessary to compete in today’s job market, develop a career strategy, and reach potential employers.

Students explore self-assessments, complete focused assignments that build upon their massage therapy goals. Students develop a clear and concise resume, cover letter, and practice effective interviewing skills.

Each student will develop an online presence, create marketing material, business planning and learn about client acquisition and retention. Additionally, students can focus on individual career tracks; either private practice; employee or blended career, practice for the MBlex examination and receive support with State certification.