Therapeutic Massage Program

700 hour Therapeutic Massage program

Anatomy & Physiology: (261.0)

Systems Anatomy & Physiology: (69.75)

Detailed structure and function of all the systems of the human body as they pertain to therapeutic massage. Coursework will include lecture and written tests.

Osteology: (11.25)

Gross anatomy of bones. Identification of bones of the human skeleton and their related landmarks. Coursework will include lecture, lab, and tests with emphasis on palpation.

Myology: (67.50)

Identification of significant muscles, origins, insertions, functions and palpation. Coursework includes lecture, lab and tests.

Case Studies: (36.0)

Focus on common musculoskeletal injuries/pathologies and treatment protocol or referral.

Biomechanics: (15.75)

An in-depth study of interrelationships between joint, joint structures, and muscles as movement and activity occur. Both efficient and aberrant movement will be considered. Coursework includes lecture and hands-on techniques.

Muscle Testing: (18.00)

Use of assessment techniques to aide in determining treatment protocol. Coursework includes lecture and hands-on technique.

CPR: (4.50)

Pathology: (38.25)

An outline of normal and abnormal physiology of the systems and a specific look at the affects of massage on commonly encountered conditions. Coursework includes lecture, case-studies and quizzes.

Massage Theory & Practice: (171.0)

Swedish Massage Techniques Introduction: (36.00)

Proper posture and draping as well as Swedish stroke techniques.Coursework includes hands-on practice/application of techniques.

History, Research & Analysis: (13.50)

Includes history of massage, research project and introduction to client evaluation and charting.

Intro. to Treatment Oriented Massage: (27.00)

Use of specialized techniques to build foundation for Advanced Modalities. Coursework includes hands-on techniques and evaluation.

Hydrotherapy: (13.50)

Use of water in the treatment of disease. Includes introduction to various spa applications. Coursework includes lecture, hands-on techniques and off-campus field trip.

Neuromuscular Therapy: (15.75)

Treatment based on principles of ischemia, trigger points, nerve entrapment/compression, and postural distortion. NMT interrupts the pain-spasm-pain cycle.

Other Modalities: (45.00)

• Seated Massage - technique and marketing of chair   massage

• Infant Massage - theory & practice of massage on infants

• Pre-natal Massage - theory & practice of massage on expectant mothers

• Lymphatic Massage - uses physiology of the lymphatic system to evaluate swelling by applying special techniques to the skin in order to alleviate swelling and inflammation

• Eastern Medicine - introduction to eastern health philosophies including: chi, yin and yang, meridians, acupressure points, and eastern tissue manipulation techniques

Statutes, Laws & Certification: (9.0)

Focus on laws and regulations governing massage as they relate to Tennessee . Prepare students for licensure/national applications process.

Spa Modalitites: (11.25)

Advanced Modalities: (76.50)

Human Relations & Communication: (24.75)

Communication principles and skills necessary to enable healthy professional client/therapist relationships. Coursework includes lecture, discussion and role playing. (Includes 12.00 hours of Ethics)

Fascial Spreading: (15.75)

Focus on evaluation of client posture and performing techniques to the myofascia of a client to decrease postural compensations and increase client self-awareness. Coursework includes lecture, dissection work, and hands-on techniques.

Sports Massage: (4.50)

Specific use of massage techniques to aide athletes in achieving and maintaining optimum performance. Coursework includes lecture, hands-on techniques.

Assisted Stretching: (13.50)

Students perform and assist in stretching exercises to improve client flexibility. Emphasis on proper movement and isolation on the muscle being stretched. Coursework includes lecture and hands-on technique.

Clinic Specific: (18.0)

Business of Massage: (51.75)

Introduction to business practices as they relate to the massage profession. Students will develop marketing tools, PR skills and a complete business plan. Coursework includes lecture, field trips, professional panels and business plan presentations.

Self Care Through YOGA: (18.00)

Use of stretching postures and breathing to develop self-awareness and maintain good balance throughout massage. Coursework includes lecture and physical practice of various YOGA postures.

Integration Week: (22.50)

Program completion week. Coursework includes guest lectures, final massage evaluation, final trade-out massage, completion day and graduation.

Intern Clinic/Community Outreach: (100.0)

Off-campus volunteer work at medical center and student clinic time. Introduce and practice clinic related skills.

Textbooks

1. Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, Sandy Fritz

2. Structure & Function, Thibodeau

3. Trail Guide to the Body, Andrew Biel

4. A Massage Therapist Guide to Pathology, Ruth Werner