Anatomy & Physiology (A&P), Pathology & Myology I
A&P is a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body - in this case, as it relates to massage therapy, personal training, and shiatsu. 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.
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.
Foundations of Medical Massage
An introduction to the concepts needed to learn Orthopedic and Medical Massage Therapy. 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 (NMT), and orthopedic massage therapy. Students also learn and gain practical experience doing postural analysis and assessment techniques.
Business, Ethics & Practice Management
Business, ethics and practice management are essential skills whether you are self-employed, or work for someone else as a massage therapist, personal trainer, or shiatsu practitioner. 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.
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 Therapy how to modify their techniques for a client who is at least two months post-treatment for cancer (oncology 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.
These classes are taught at all 6 New Jersey based Massage School locations / campuses, including hospital based settings, for participants in our massage and bodywork, personal training, and shiatsu program. They are designed to give a strong foundation for those students who want to learn how to become a massage therapist, personal trainer, or shiatsu practitioner.