Anatomy & Physiology (A&P), Pathology I
A&P I continues to advance the student's knowledge of cellular chemistry, cytology, histology, and the skeletal, muscular, integumentary, circulatory / cardiovascular, and urinary system.
Pathology I delves further into the study of various disease states, with the emphasis being their etiology, pathophysiology, assessment, prognosis, mechanism / disease process, medical treatment, and the role of massage in the treatment program.
Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology II
A&P II continues A&P I's systematic review, including the nervous, endocrine, immune / lymphatic, respiratory, and digestive. Metabolism, fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance are also covered, extending the student's knowledge of the body's homeostatic mechanisms.
Pathology II presents various diseases of the body's systems, including their etiology, pathophysiology, assessment, prognosis, and mechanism / disease process. Allopathic (Western) medical treatments will be discussed as well as the role of massage in the treatment program.
Myology & Kinesiology I
A detailed study of neuromuscular structure, biomechanics, and movement based physiology for the articular system, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. For each area covered, the focus will be to differentiate various muscle / fiber types, the mechanism of muscular contraction, joint structure / function, and the impact of different forces on the human body. The bones, bony landmarks, ligaments, and tendons for each area are identified as well as the origin, insertion, nervous innervation, and action of each muscle. Also covered are various methods for testing muscular function, strength, and the mechanical analysis of joint movement.
With this information, students will be able to adjust their approach to treatment, based on the presence of proper and improper postural alignments. Related neuromuscular pathologies for each joint are studied, as well as common sports injuries and their implications in massage therapy.
Myology & Kinesiology II
A continuation of Myology and Kinesiology I, students will study in detail the neuromuscular structure, biomechanics, and movement based physiology for the articular system, head, neck, trunk, pelvic girdle / hip, knee, ankle, and foot. For each area covered, the focus will be to differentiate various muscle / fiber types, the mechanism of muscular contraction, joint structure / function, and the impact of different forces on the human body. The bones, bony landmarks, ligaments, and tendons for each area are identified as well as the origin, insertion, nervous innervation, and action of each muscle. Also covered are various methods for testing muscular function, strength, and the mechanical analysis of joint movement.
With this information, students will be able to adjust their approach to treatment, based on the presence of proper and improper postural alignments. Related neuromuscular pathologies for each joint are studied, as well as common sports injuries and their implications in massage therapy.
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.
Eastern Bodywork, Shiatsu & Clinic I
An introduction to the theories, philosophies, practical roots, and ancient traditions of Far Eastern healing that includes Shiatsu. Shiatsu itself, which originated in Japan, is the application of sustained pressure with thumbs, hands, elbows, knees and feet to the meridians (energetic pathways) and tsubo (acupoints).
In Shiatsu I, students will study the pathways of the twelve primary meridians and the major points that are situated along them. Also explored are the fundamentals of body mechanics, proper body placements needed to access the meridians, and the stretches, transition and protocols for each element. In order to perform a full body Shiatsu sequence, students will become familiar with the order of infiltration, evaluation areas of the Hara, and the back zones.
Eastern Bodywork, Shiatsu & Clinic II
In this continuation of Shiatsu I, students review the 12 meridians and their affiliated points, further develop their skills in proper body mechanics, and continue to learn the stretches, transitions and protocols for each element. New material covers the Five Element Theory, Conceptions and Governing Vessel, the basic associations / patterns of disharmony, and the relationships within the generation and control cycles. Students will utilize all of the aspects of both classes to structure a one-hour Shiatsu session.
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.