Anatomy & Physiology (A&P), Pathology & Myology I
A&P is a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body. In A&P I, students are introduced to the body and its various levels of organization through topics that include: cellular chemistry, cytology (cell structure), and histology (tissues); the skeletal, muscular, and integumentary systems and their mechanisms of action as it relates to maintaining homeostasis (balance). The skeletal system is also explored with regards to movement, posture, structure, and important ‘bony’ landmarks.
Pathology is the scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences. In Pathology I, students study various pathological conditions for each system and how they relate to the study of massage therapy. They also learn medical terminology, disease classifications, the direct and indirect causes of disease, the nature of the inflammatory process and its role in all phases of injury recovery.
In Myology, the scientific study of muscles, instruction includes the study of muscle tissue and muscular injuries. The major axial and appendicular muscles of the body are covered, along with their origin, insertion and actions. The implications in massage therapy are explored with each new subject area, and the indications and contraindications for massage are highlighted as it applies.
Anatomy & Physiology (A&P), Pathology & Myology II
In A&P II, the comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body continues with the circulatory / cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems being covered. Each systems respective homeostatic mechanisms of action are also reviewed in depth.
Students continue their study of pathology, focusing on the changes in body tissues and organs that cause, or are caused by, various disease states.
In Myology II, students continue their study of the major muscles, along with their origin, insertion, action, and nervous enervation.
Kinesiology I
An introduction to human movement from both anatomical and mechanical perspectives. Neuromuscular physiology, muscle roles, types of muscles, muscle contractions, muscle attachments, and muscle fibers will be studied. Biomechanical principles and laws will be discussed as well as the types of simple machines and examples of these found in the human body. A detailed study of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand will include; the anatomical structures (bones, bony landmarks, ligaments, musculature, and nervous innervation of each muscle), muscle testing, and mechanical analysis of all movements of each joint. Related neuromuscular pathologies as well as common sports injuries and their implications for massage therapy are discussed.
Kinesiology II
A continuation of Kinesiology I in which a detailed study of the hand, temporomandibular joint, neck, trunk, pelvic girdle, hip, knee, ankle, and foot will include; the anatomical structures (bones, bony landmarks, ligaments, musculature, and nervous innervation of each muscle), muscle testing, and mechanical analysis of all movements of each joint. Student will also learn to analyze proper and improper postural alignments. Related neuromuscular pathologies for each joint studied as well as common sports injuries and their implications for massage therapy are discussed.
Neurology I
An extensive study of the nervous system including the anatomy, organization, and pathophysiology of nervous tissue, the physiology of a nerve impulse, and the role of neurotransmitters in signal transmission. Also covered in detail is the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, spinal nerves, nerve plexuses, meninges, ascending / descending tracts, and terminal nerve pathways. Other topics include: Perception, pain, proprioception, posture, and neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system.
Neurology II
This class builds on Neurology I’s extensive study of the nervous system, which includes exploring the levels and components of sensation – including the principle structures for and the generation of the five senses, perception, pain, proprioception, and posture. Students will examine the pathways that convey somatic sensory nerve impulses from the body to the brain and, in turn, the pathways that convey motor impulses from the brain to the skeletal muscles.
A comparison will be made of numerous integrative functions, such as wakefulness and sleep, and learning and memory. This also includes an analysis of the autonomic nervous system and the effects massage therapy has on it.
Neuro-Pathology I
This is an extensive study of pathologies associated with Chronic Degenerative Disorders of the Nervous System and Nervous System Injuries. This course will cover the definition, demographics, etiologies, signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatment, prognosis and massage therapy interventions associated with these disorders.
Neuro-Pathology II
This is an extensive study of pathologies associated with Infectious Disorders of the Nervous System and Psychiatric Disorders as well as Miscellaneous Disorders of the Nervous System. This course will cover the definition, demographics, etiologies, signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatment, prognosis and massage therapy interventions associated with these disorders.
Swedish Massage Theory & Technique
Swedish massage refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure and manipulating them against deeper muscles and bones. Students will learn the strokes, hands-on, and communication skills used, as well as the proper safety, hygiene, and universal precaution techniques. Topics covered include: draping and bolstering techniques; the benefits, indications and contraindications for this type of massage; basic strokes – effleurage (gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading movements), tapotement (rhythmic percussive movements), vibration, friction, and range of motion (ROM) techniques as well as the history of massage therapy.
In order to reduce mechanical strain and the potential for injury, students study the fundamentals of body mechanics, correct wrist / hand alignment, and self-care and stretching exercises. Before the end of the course, students will learn to perform a full body relaxation massage incorporating all the strokes and techniques listed above.
Shiatsu I
An introduction to Oriental medicine and philosophy. Students study the pathways of the twelve primary meridians and the major points along the meridians. Students study the fundamentals of body mechanics, proper placement of the body to access the meridians, as well as stretches, transitions and protocols for each element. Students become familiar with the order of infiltration and evaluation areas of the Hara, and the back zones.
Students will be able to perform a full body Shiatsu sequence. Students will also learn the Conception Vessel and Governing Vessel. Students study the Five Element Theory. They will learn the basic associations and patterns of disharmony and relationships within the generation and control cycles. Students will utilize the Five Element Theory, Hara diagnosis, and back evaluation to structure a one hour Shiatsu session.
Shiatsu II
This course is a continuation of the basic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shiatsu that were learned in Shiatsu I. Students will learn various TCM diagnostic procedures including expanding the Hara Evaluation, Back Point Diagnosis, the Eight Principles of Diagnosis as well as Disharmonies and Imbalances of Vital Substances. Students will utilize Case Studies in order to be able to formulate Shiatsu treatment plans that are specifically tailored to each client’s needs and diagnosis. Students will also learn Basic Tongue, Facial & Observational Diagnosis Techniques.
Foundations of Medical Massage
An introduction to the concepts of Orthopedic and Medical Massage. This course focuses on the proper body mechanics and application of the specialized strokes utilized in Medical Massage. Students will also learn postural analysis as well as various other assessment techniques.
Medical Bodywork
This course is designed to follow Swedish Massage Theory and Techniques. Students are taught various techniques that allow them to work on soft tissue dysfunction in specific areas of the body, apply massage to specific muscles, affect and relieve the body’s fascial sheets, palpate (examine or explore) muscles more clearly, work in different directions with regards to the muscle fibers (transversely and longitudinally), and to work on different levels of the musculature itself. The new techniques introduced include myofascial release, trigger point work, neuromuscular therapy, and orthopedic massage. Students also learn and gain practical experience doing postural analysis and assessment techniques.
Myofascial Release
The fascia is a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures to provide space, structure and support to the bodily components. Pathological changes within the fascia play a major role in the development of somatic (body) pain and dysfunction. Students of Myofascial Release learn to address these changes though the use of slow, sustained movements that restore normal function while providing the client with a sense of relief, balance and improved well being.
Modified Swedish Massage for Cancer Survivors
This class is designed to teach students already proficient in Swedish Massage how to modify their techniques for a client who is at least two months post-treatment for cancer (treatments may include surgery, reconstruction, radiation, and/or chemotherapy). Students will learn to effectively address such issues as communicating with physicians, their client’s sensitivity to possible hair loss, and others.
Trauma and Bodywork
As a massage therapist, chances are that our students will encounter a survivor of trauma at sometime in their professional career. Trauma can occur in numerous ways, and can be physical, mental, or a combination of both. For example, it can stem from the application of external forces, such as a disfiguring accident, or involve the internal struggles of a patient who suffers with anorexia / bulimia.
This course focuses on the recognition and respectful treatment of previously traumatized, abused and/or neglected clients. Students will learn the skills necessary to discover and maintain their own personal boundaries / comfort zone, communicate effectively with this special population, assess the patients needs, and apply their skills through hands-on practice.
Business, Ethics & Practice Management
Business, ethics and practice management are essential skills whether you are self-employed, or work for someone else. The student will design a business plan, resume and other important documents in preparation for successfully entering the job market. The school maintains a placement directory that the student may use upon graduation, and post-graduate advice is always available.
Professional Development I
This is an extensive study of proper hygiene, sanitation and safety practices associated with the practice of massage therapy. The application of both Universal and Standard Precautions are discussed in detail. Precautions necessary for working with immune-compromised patients (cancer, HIV/AIDS, the elderly) is an important aspect of this course. Students will also discuss boundary issues associated with the client-therapist relationship. Aspects of transference and counter-transference will be covered, as well as sexual misconduct and issues around the intimacy of massage.
Professional Development II
Students will be instructed on the effects of various massage therapy products their proper uses and contraindications. Aromatherapy is taught along with the uses and contraindications associated with various essential oils. Students will be instructed in the proper formulation and use of massage lotions, oils, creams, body washes and scrubs associated with the practice of massage therapy. Proper hygiene, safety and sanitation in the use of these products will be discussed in detail.
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid (CPR)
Training includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aid to choking victims and other emergency procedures.
Student Clinic & Massage Technique Practice
Clinic provides students with an invaluable opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a supervised clinical setting. While enhancing their hands-on massage skills, students gain experience in working with a variety of body types and physical conditions. Clinic has also proven to be a tremendous confidence builder in working with the general public. Students must complete a minimum of 122 clinic hours of Swedish Massage and 32 hours of Shiatsu Massage.
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