Course Descriptions

Massage Therapy Program:
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

The following information gives a brief description of the curriculum within the Professional Massage Therapy Program & Bodywork Therapy Training. Each day is dedicated to one of the four program divisions and will often address a number of subjects in an effort to satisfy specific state requirements while ensuring that the integrity of the information stays superior.

Anatomy and Physiology
The objective of Anatomy and Physiology is to enable the student to most effectively design massage therapy techniques through an understanding of the human body. This course includes Anatomy and Physiology I and II, presented on separate days.

Anatomy and Physiology I
Body Systems and Pathology
Participation in this class will introduce the student to the body’s major systems. A great deal of attention will be placed on the structure (anatomy) and functionality (physiology) of the human body. Attention is also given to common pathologies of each system and its impact on appropriate massage protocol, as well as contraindications to massage. Discussions on how each system functions individually, with special emphasis on its relevance to the practice of massage therapy will be integrated into the lecture.

Anatomy and Physiology II
Functional Anatomy
The objective of this course is to provide the student with academic and tactile knowledge of the body planes, bony landmarks, and muscular and skeletal systems. Through PowerPoint presentations, engaging lectures, supervised palpatory trades, and demonstrations, class participants will become enthralled with an extensive study of movement.

Swedish Massage and Allied Modalities
The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the basis from which most forms of massage derive from. The student will learn how massage is important and effective through engaging discussions of the history and theory of massage and by experiencing the beneficial value through hands-on table work. Each student will learn the classical 1-hour massage routine commonly used in spas and resorts and how to effectively employ all of the fundamental strokes. Further instruction will lead the student into a more creative and intuitive massage that represents their individuality. This class will cover Western modalities, introducing students to several massage techniques beyond Swedish massage. Additional topics covered are Hydrotherapy, Special Populations, Ethics, NC State laws, rules, and Business Practices of the Professional Massage and Bodywork Therapist.

Clinical / Medical Massage Therapy and Myo-Structural Bodywork
The objective of this course is to introduce the clinical aspect of massage therapy and bodywork as it pertains to this program. The subject matter of Clinical Massage and Structural Bodywork focuses on postural imbalances and faulty body mechanics that introduce or perpetuate conditions within the body as well as pain management and reconditioning for sustained injuries. This course will provide each student with the ability to identify and treat postural distortions and muscular imbalances that often result in faulty and restricted movement patterns that can eventually lead to debilitating pain cycles. The eager student will flourish with knowledge gained under the guidance of carefully chosen instructors who were selected for their excellence in presenting the subject matter in a dynamic and informative manner. The skills learned within this class are invaluable as the demand for pain intervention becomes a more prevalent necessity within today’s society.