Curriculum
Instruction Pack I: Massage Therapy Introduction
Students learn about the demand for massage therapy and the many business opportunities for the massage therapist. They learn about the common bodywork approaches and the importance of ethics in the therapeutic setting. In addition, students begin their study of anatomy, physiology and body movements. From the respiratory system to the musculoskeletal system and every system in between, students learn how each body system works and the diseases and disorders of each. Students will learn how to identify major muscles, bones and bony landmarks.
Instruction Pack II: Assessment Skills I
Students learn about the shoulder girdle and arm. After exploring safety precautions, students learn about Swedish massage theory and techniques. In addition, students learn about safety precautions for the practitioner and the client. Students learn about movement and support for the forearm, hand, head and neck.
Instruction Pack III: Assessment Skills II
After exploring the movement and support of the torso, students learn the principles of Chinese medicine and how to integrate this knowledge into their massage practice. Students continue their study of conditions and assessment skills, focusing on the pelvis, thigh, knee, leg and foot. Students learn how to create a client-centered therapeutic setting and how to create and chart client records. Students also learn about energy techniques and theory. They also learn about hydrotherapy techniques and its purpose and benefits.
Instruction Pack IV: Massage Techniques
Students learn theory and techniques for neuromuscular, deep tissue and sports massage. Massage contraindications and cautions, as well as safety precautions for the therapist and client, are also covered. Students are taught basic first aid and about HIV and AIDS. Students also learn about the common disorders that massage therapists treat. Finally, legal issues for the massage therapist are covered.
Hands-On Training:
The course concludes with an on-site hands-on training program in which students master their massage skills under the supervision of certified massage therapy instructors. The 200 hours of hands-on training are required to graduate and is condensed into 4 weeks of onsite training at our Fort Collins, CO school. We generally hold between 6-8 sessions of hands-on-training per year.
