Massage Therapy Curriculum

Students complete an intensive study of the systems, organization, structures, and functions of the human body relevant to multiple manual therapy practices. This course provides the anatomy and physiology knowledge needed for clinical decision-making in the practice of various manual therapies and for communication with other health care professionals.

Students are introduced to massage through a review of its history as well as an examination of the benefits and effects of massage. Through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice students attain competency in delivering a full body massage utilizing traditional strokes including gliding, kneading, percussion, friction, and vibration. Body mechanics, ergonomics, injury prevention, and healthy self-care techniques that focus on longevity, effectiveness, and career fulfillment are presented and practiced. Students are introduced to posture and movement pattern analysis with strong consideration of how the effects of gravity, compensatory patterns, and emotional and mental trauma can influence posture in themselves and their clients. Additional topics of study and emphasis include professional and legal standards for hygiene and physical safety, massage therapy research methodology and results, client communications, endangerment sites, contraindications to massage, proper draping techniques, session documentation, and sexual misconduct. This class also includes a survey of various bodywork modalities and an exploration of alternative, complementary, and holistic therapies.

Students learn a holistic approach to lifestyle and self-care practices. A holistic wellness model is discussed and students are encouraged and given tools to develop and implement self-care regimens with the goal of wellness as well as career fulfillment and longevity. Movement therapies and fitness are explored and practiced.

Students begin to explore why they want to be a massage therapist, and what responsibilities come with the profession. Students participate in mental and physical exercises to encourage exploration of goals, and intentions with regard to their new career.

Students are introduced to trigger point therapy as well as myofascial release theory and techniques.  They learn how to identify and treat neuromuscular pain cycles and common postural imbalances. Class time includes hands-on practice integrating these new techniques into a therapeutic treatment that focuses on postural correction and pain reduction.

This course includes additional study of muscle physiology, posture, and movement. Students learn and practice client assessment techniques using the HOPRS protocol as well as advanced stretching techniques. Emphasis is on developing comprehensive plans of care including assessment, treatment, and client self-care. The class also covers connective tissue injury assessment and treatment for the forearm, ankle, and knee.

Students are introduced to advanced western massage techniques with an emphasis on assessment and focused work for specific areas of common pain/dysfunction such as the neck, shoulder girdle, and lower back. The class also covers connective tissue injury assessment and treatment for the ankle and the knee. Class time includes hands-on practice integrating all of the specific techniques they have learned into a comprehensive and therapeutic treatment that is specifically tailored to meet an individual client’s specific needs. The class also covers advanced draping techniques, aspects of working with special populations, as well as dealing with difficult and challenging client situations. Additional self-care techniques for the massage therapist are presented and practiced.

This course involves the study of substantive aspects of ethics and professionalism that are critical to the success and longevity of the massage therapy profession and practitioner. Students are introduced to concepts and conditions relating to the emotional and psychological aspects of bodywork. They learn to recognize indicators of emotional and or mental stress in their clients as well as themselves, understand the emotional and psychological contraindications for massage, and respond professionally and appropriately to these situations. There is a strong emphasis on diplomatic, thoughtful, and creative communication skills with regard to interacting with clients and dealing with challenging situations. Case profiles and other experiential exercises are used to demonstrate ethical principals and communication skills.

Students are introduced to hydrotherapy and its effects on the body. They learn and practice the proper application of a variety of specific treatments as well as identify the indications, contraindications, and considerations for hydrotherapy applications.

Students are introduced to the study of human disease, and begin to gain an understanding of the body’s response to aging, trauma, and disease. Students begin to recognize common pathologies in their clients and will develop the skills to determine if massage is indicated or contraindicated and whether referral to other health care practitioners is appropriate. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the medical model and the importance for communication with their client and other medical professionals providing care to the client.

Students are introduced to the concept of movement therapy and enhancement via functional taping methods. It includes a review of the current literature supporting the theory of kinesiology taping for the purposes of rehabilitation, edema/swelling management, neuropathic pain, scar mobility, and postural management.

Students are introduced to the technical as well as the tactical applications of CranioSacral Therapy. The class details the anatomical infrastructure of the CranioSacral system and the rhythms generated by it. Students have class time to explore their awareness as a therapist and as a client. Students have the ability to discuss as well as describe the similarities and differences of both the mechanical and dynamic side of CranioSacral work. We venture into the fluid nature of multi-therapist sessions in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The class focuses on clinical application, personal integration, and refining palpation.

Students provide massage therapy to the general public in a supervised professional clinic setting. Client interview, treatment session documentation (SOAP Charting), client assessment with regard to pathologies, soft tissue dysfunction, and contraindications, and treatment planning skills are cultivated. Students also provide massage therapy to the general public via a supervised community service event.