Courses
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Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology: Sem 1 – 72 hours; Sem 2 – 32 hours
Semester 1 covers the structure and function of the ten major systems of the human body. The class includes an introduction to Pathology. Semester 2 reviews the systems with emphasis on pathologically related conditions, the inflammatory response, and tissue healing. Massage indications and contraindications are addressed.
Business Practices: 24 hours
This class covers the basics of planning, building, and managing a successful massage practice. Topics include professional ethics, WA State Massage Laws and Licenses, business planning, marketing, billing for insurance claims, and financial record keeping. Interviews, presentation, and communication skills are also covered.
Clinical Treatments: 64 hours
This course surveys the pathology, assessment and treatment of conditions commonly seen by massage practitioners. In this part of the program, we prepare for Student Clinic by integrating massage and hydrotherapy skills into treatment work; study visual and palpatory assessment; and learn additional clinically-oriented techniques, including myofascial and positional release, trigger point work, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Active Isolated Stretching, and cross-fiber friction treatment.
Craniosacral Therapy Introduction: 8 hours
This course explores the anatomy and physiology of the craniosacral system and its relationship to health and illness. Students experiment with the subtleties of light touch, palpate craniosacral motion, and practice various tissue release and mobilization techniques. The emphasis is on learning to ”listen” through touch, and the body mechanics and internal stillness needed to do this. Students will learn a short protocol that can be incorporated into their massage practice.
Deep Tissue: 40 hours
This course focuses on identifying and releasing structural tension and imbalances. Deep postural muscles and fascial structures are accessed through slow, penetrating contact of the hands and forearms. Body mechanics, breath, movement self-care are highlighted to support efficient and effective techniques. The emotional and energetic aspects of deep tissue will also be addressed.
Hydrotherapy: 8 hours
This class covers the theory and practice of hot and cold applications in their various forms. Discussions will cover physiological effects, benefits of hot and cold, indications, contraindications, and possible reactions. This is a hands-on class in which specific techniques and their uses are demonstrated and practiced.
Integrated Massage: Sem. 1, 42 hours
This course is designed to synthesize the knowledge gained in the anatomy, kinesiology, and massage courses. Hands-on work will be the primary mode of learning. Issues to be addressed will include palpation skill enhancement, practitioner body mechanics, practitioner self care, and massage skill refinement.
Integrated Massage: Sem 2, 48 hours
This course is designed to augment and reinforce techniques presented in Clinical Treatments and Kinesiology 2. Assessment tests for conditions and appropriate treatment modalities are included.
Kinesiology 1: 72 hours;
The aim of this course is to gain an understanding of the human musculoskeletal anatomy and movement as it pertains to the massage profession. This class includes identification of superficial and deep muscles acquired through theory, demonstration, and palpation.
Kinesiology 2: 60 hours
This course primarily addresses joint structure and function, muscular movement of synovial joints, range of motion and special tests for pathological conditions, and postural assessment. It includes an assortment of modalities that can be used in conjunction with clinical treatment work. Kinesiology 2 interfaces with Clinical Treatments to address pathology and dysfunction.
Lymphatic Drainage: 12 hours
This class teaches techniques to manually drain the lymphatic system to aid toxin removal and decrease swelling in extremities. It is preparatory work for effective pathology treatment.
Massage Theory and Practice: 68 hours
In this course the student learns a complete full body massage as well as theory and physiology of Swedish Massage techniques. Indications and contraindications for massage, positioning, draping, and hygiene are covered. This course prepares the students for the advanced courses in Semester 2.
Medical Records: 10 hours
This class covers the basic components of documenting and maintaining client records. Information gathering for health histories, use of medical (SOAP) charting, writing Status and Progress Reports, and injury treatment charting are addressed.
On Site Seated Massage: 8 hours
This class teaches a 15 minute on-site routine using a combination of Swedish strokes and pressure points. Students learn the ingredients necessary to start a successful on-site practice. Later they will have an opportunity to give chair massages to the public.
Polarity: 20 hours
Polarity combines diet, exercise, gentle “hands-on” techniques, positive thoughts and attitudes, and being connected to “love” energy. Polarity promotes deep relaxation, revitalization, and a sense of well being. This course teaches techniques to balance the head, neck, shoulders, hips, feet, and back.
Pregnancy Massage: 8 hours
This course offers an introduction to giving a safe and effective massage to a pregnant person. Benefits, contraindications, and considerations for each trimester of pregnancy are covered. Students will practice massage in both side-lying and semi-reclining positions.
Professional Ethics and Client Management: 20 hours
Establishing and maintaining good client relationships is a cornerstone of a successful practice. This course will highlight the nature of the therapeutic relationship, professional ethics and client management skills. Simple and effective communication skills are taught. Topics include personal and professional boundaries, the psychology of pain, and human sexuality and its influence in the massage context.
Sports Massage: 16 hours
This course covers pre-event, post-event, and training massage. Techniques taught will include stretching and mobilization, ROM testing, PNF and Cryotherapy as they apply to both prevention and rehabilitation for sports injuries. Students will later attend a track meet to work with athletes.
Student Clinic: 80 hours (50 hours hands on massage and 30 hours admin)
Student Clinic provides students with a structured, supervised, hands-on experience in a public clinic. Students refine skills of marketing, interviewing, assessing, charting, and applying appropriate massage and hydrotherapy techniques.
Also included:
emester 1: Orientation, Study Skills, Medical Terminology, and Foot Reflexology; 20 hours. Semester 2: introduction to other modalities, and final written and practical exams; 20 hours.