Middle Georgia School of Massage, LLC
Course Catalog 2024-2025
800 Hours
Historical Overview of Massage – 2 hours
The history of the ethical and professional application of structured therapeutic touch is studied from ancient Greek and Roman times to the 21st Century. Various techniques and the roles they have played in the development of modern massage therapy practice are detailed. Progression to the current practice of therapeutic touch benefiting soft tissue health, movement, posture and neurological patterns is outlined.
Requirements for the Practice of Therapeutic Massage – 2 hours
To be a knowledgeable and professional massage practitioner requires understanding and practicing within their scope of practice. Requirements for obtaining a license to practice massage therapy and the various local and state laws are discussed. Continuing education requirements for renewing licensure and reasons for revocation or suspension are covered. Additionally, Research literacy standards are taught to enhance the therapist’s ability to look up and evaluate the validity of research quality.
Professional Ethics for Massage Practitioners – 20 hours
Practicing professional ethics protects the client, the profession and the therapist. This class teaches ways to create a safe environment for everyone involved. Good ethics help to gain the respect of the medical community and the general population. Techniques to establish personal and professional boundaries in a therapeutic relationship and a client-centered relationship adherence to ethical standards of practice and conflict resolution techniques are discussed. Ethics are the basis for standards of acceptable and professional behavior by which a person or business conducts business. This course defines the meaning of professional ethics and explains how the practice of good ethics helps build a successful massage practice. Professional boundaries are the foundation of ethical practices. Instructors will provide a copy of the official AMTA code of Ethics for review. Instructors will go into detail about the boundaries that need to be established between clients and therapists including physical, emotional, intellectual and sexual boundaries. The eight major areas to consider when establishing professional boundaries are also discussed. The eight major areas are appearance, self-disclosure, language, touch, time, money, location of service and interpersonal space. Instructors will discuss terms used to describe a therapeutic relationship such as power differential, transference and countertransference. Students learn how to keep communication with their client clear by stating how, where and what forms of touch will be used in the massage session.
Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology – 3 hours
This class is designed to give the therapist an explanation of why it is vital that they have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. The physiological and psychological effects of stress, disease and pain are discussed. Instructors will discuss the healing functions of the body in terms of inflammation and tissue repair and detail how massage can help stop the pain-spasm-pain cycle. The basics of medical and anatomic terminology are discussed.
Anatomy and Physiology: Structure and Function – 3 hours
Anatomical structures, regions, cavities and parts of the body are discussed in this class. Knowledge of the regions of the body is important to a massage therapist because it helps to pinpoint a particular area for specialized work. The levels of complexity of living matter are covered from atoms to organisms. The structure and function of cellular organelles and the five states of mitosis are covered in this class. Additionally, the four main categories of tissue (epithelial, connective, muscular, nervous), anatomical planes of the body and body cavities/organs are discussed in detail.
Integumentary System – 3 hours
The skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as an interface with the environment and provides protection for the body. This class details the principal functions of the skin, the structure and nutritional needs of the skin, and the benefits of massage for the skin. Structural changes of the skin are discussed, as well as the appendages associated with the skin, including hair, nails and glands.
Skeletal System – 15 hours
This class details the body framework of the human body, including the bones, cartilage and ligaments. The five main functions of the skeletal system are covered in detail. The bones of the axial and appendicular system are discussed in detail with particular attention paid to the bony landmarks that serve as origin or attachment sites for muscles/ligaments/tendons. Bone classifications, bone tissue, histology and formation of bone, and joint articulations are also covered in this class.
The Muscular System: Overview – 4 hours
The muscular system’s main organ is muscle! Muscles comprise approximately 40 to 60 percent of a person’s total body weight. The skeletal muscular system has over 600 muscles in it. This course describes the three types of muscular tissue, the characteristics of muscular tissue and the components of muscle fibers. The ability of a muscle to change chemical energy into mechanical energy is discussed in detail. Common dysfunctions and diseases of the muscular system are detailed. The different types of muscular interactions are divided up into several categories, which include prime mover, antagonist, synergist and fixator, are discussed.
The Muscular System: Muscles of the Upper Body – 30 hours
An in-depth look is made at all the muscles in the upper body. Muscles that are included are found in the head, face, neck, shoulder, chest, upper back, arm, hand, and vertebral column. An overview of the muscles in each region is discussed. Individually, each muscle is examined closely to discover its origin, insertion and action. Pain referral areas and other associated areas that need to be examined are discussed. Manual therapy techniques for each muscle are demonstrated by instructors and practiced by students.
The Muscular System: Muscles of the Lower Body – 30 hours
A continuation of the first class, this course is an in-depth look at all the muscles of the lower body. Muscles that are included are found in the low back, abdomen, pelvis, thigh, leg, ankle and foot. An overview of the muscles in each region is discussed. Individually, each muscle is examined closely to discover its origin, insertion and action. Pain referral areas and other associated areas that need to be examined are discussed. Manual therapy techniques for each muscle are demonstrated by instructors and practiced by students.
Circulatory System (Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems) – 15 hours
The circulatory system controls the circulation of the blood and lymph throughout the body. There are two divisions to the vascular system: The blood vascular system (cardiovascular system) and the lymph vascular system (lymphatic system). Both systems are intimately linked to each other and are discussed in detail during this course. The two systems involved in circulation, pulmonary and systemic, are focused upon.
The Immune System – 4 hours
The focus of the immune system is to keep people safe from a variety of “foreign” invaders and diseases. Lymphocytes play a major role in the immune response. Two types of lymphocytes, B-cells and T-cells are discussed in detail. Phagocytosis, natural immunity and acquired immunity are also covered during this course. Protective functions of the immune system, such as fever and inflammation, are introduced to the student. HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 are discussed, and the most current research is reviewed.
The Nervous System – 20 hours
The nervous system controls and coordinates the functions of all the other systems of the body enabling them to work harmoniously and efficiently. This course details the functions of the nervous system and how massage can affect its functioning. The Central Nervous System (the brain and spinal cord) and the Peripheral Nervous System (autonomic nervous system and somatic nervous system) are discussed in detail.
The Respiratory System – 3 hours
The cells of the body require a continual supply of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide. This exchange is accomplished by the respiratory system and the mechanics of which are discussed in this course. Students will learn the differences between external, internal and cellular respiration.
The Digestive System – 3 hours
The main functions of the digestive system are converting food into substances that can be used by the cells for nourishment and the process of transferring the nutrients from the intestines to the blood or lymph vessels so that they can be transported to the cells. The alimentary canal and accessory digestive organs are discussed in detail during this course. Students will become familiar with the path of digestion and the effects of massage on the digestive system.
The Urinary System– 2 hours
The organs of the excretory system are the kidneys, liver, skin, large intestine and lungs. Their role in eliminating and excreting metabolic waste, as well as undigested food from the body is discussed in detail during this course. Students will learn the vital importance of ridding the body of metabolic waste that has the potential to poison the body.
Endocrine System – 4 hours
The endocrine system is made up of a group of specialized glands that affect the growth, development, sexual activity and health of the entire body, depending on the quality and quantity of their secretions. This course describes the major functions of the endocrine system and how it assists the nervous system in the regulation of body processes. Endocrine and Exocrine glands are described in detail.
The Reproductive System – 3 hours
This class details the functional components of the male and female reproductive systems, including accessory glands and organs. The different physiological stages of pregnancy are reviewed and set the basis for continuing education in Pre-natal Massage work.
Preparations for the Practitioner: Self-care part one – 5 hours
This class focuses on the development of good self-care practices that enhance the therapist’s ability to perform multiple massages, while reducing the chance of injury to themselves. Proper stances and body mechanics are taught to guard against burnout and repetitive strain injuries. Exercises are taught to increase strength and flexibility while maintaining stamina and energy.
Swedish Massage
Effects, Benefits (5 hours) & Indications and Contraindications of Massage (5 hours)
An understanding of the effects, benefits and indications of massage will help the therapist promote the massage therapy field to the public and healthcare industry. The understanding of when a massage is indicated or contraindicated is the basis for designing a safe protocol that is unique to each client and each therapy session. This class breaks down the effects and benefits of massage on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Additionally, the psychological effects of massage are detailed. The six most common massage contraindications are discussed in detail.
Classifications of Massage Movements – 2 hours
This class details the four forces that deform tissue for therapeutic gain and the seven major categories of massage methods. Students gain practical hands-on application of the fundamental movements for the seven major categories of massage methods 9intention, direction, speed, length, duration, rhythm and pressure).
Procedure for Complete Swedish Body Massage – 41 hours
All hands-on therapies use physical contact as the primary modality. Swedish massage is generally regarded as the most common form of massage. It combines a combination of five basic strokes and concentrates on the muscles and connective tissues of the body. The continuous interaction of the client and therapist, the purpose of the session and the intent with which each manipulation is delivered affect the outcome of the massage. Swedish massage improves circulation, promotes relaxation, gives pain relief and in important in the overall health maintenance and well-being of the client. This course introduces the major categories of massage movements and explains Swedish massage techniques. Instructors explain and demonstrate rhythm and pressure, as applied to therapeutic body massage. Instructors will also demonstrate a Swedish routine of massage, various draping techniques and personal body mechanics that will become the basis of all other massage modalities taught at this school. Students will perform and perfect the basic Swedish routine in a supervised classroom environment.
Swedish & Deep Tissue Hands-on Practice – 40 hours
At the instructor’s discretion, the student will be allowed to start student massage practice sessions with classroom volunteers. The student will be responsible for obtaining a client intake form, consent to student massage form and for completing SOAP notes on the session.
Each Student will be able to practice techniques and skills inside of class only. A total of forty hours of massage will be logged in their records before they will be able to start on their Student Clinical Massage. Students are not allowed to practice massage techniques off campus. Massage techniques and any hands-on related skills are only to be completed on the school grounds and under the direct supervision of a licensed massage therapist on staff.
Medical Terminology – 5 hours
Medicine has a language of its own. This course gives an overview of current medical vocabulary terms built from Greek and Latin word parts. Some of these words were first used by Hippocrates and Aristotle more than 2400 years ago. By learning important word roots, suffixes and prefixes, a massage therapist will be better equipped to discuss medical conditions with their clients and other medical practitioners. A thorough understanding of medical terminology is necessary for a massage therapist to make decisions regarding indications and contraindications for massage.
Consultation and Documentation – 3 hours
Proper consultation techniques that allow the therapist to assess the needs of the client while screening for potential contraindications is discussed. Consistent and professional documentation skills are taught giving the therapist a better way to communicate with members of a healthcare team and with insurance companies. This course details the significant importance of the interview process that helps determine the course of treatment and sets the tone of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client. Effective strategies for understanding verbal and nonverbal communication between the therapist and the client are discussed. Instructors will discuss the various types of Client Intake forms and explain the necessity of including policies and procedure information on them.
SOAP Notes – 2 hours
The importance of SOAP charting is detailed during this course. The initial consultation chart containing Subjective, Objective, Assessment & Application and Planning categories are discussed. Various software and online services for SOAP note charting are reviewed.
Clinical Massage and Deep Tissue Massage – 80 hours
Practitioners of clinical massage have a strong background in pathology, disease, illness and injury. A thorough knowledge of contraindications of specific massage techniques relating to various medical conditions is necessary. This class is based on the three principles: the individual is a whole organism therefore everything is connected and related, shortened muscle tissue can do no work and the soft tissues of the body respond to touch. This means that the clinical massage therapist is one who approaches persistently shortened soft tissues and uses direct manipulation of the soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation, while keeping the whole client in mind. Instructors will focus on the relationship of agonist and antagonist muscle pairs because it is reflected in clinical problems. Posture assessment, gait assessment and range of motion tests are described in this course and students are taught basic techniques to infer indications of muscular imbalances and structural deviations.
Deep-tissue massage utilizes slow strokes, direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep-tissue massage works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains. Its main purpose is to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles. Fascia is the most pervasive type of tissue in the body and serves many functions. In-depth palpation skills are taught in this course. Several specific techniques will be taught by instructors, like skin rolling and myofascial release, dealing with differing approaches to fascial work. Instructors will demonstrate techniques that are directed specifically toward hypertonic and hypotonic muscles with techniques such as gliding techniques, cross fiber friction, ischemic compression, positional release techniques and muscle energy techniques.
Equipment, Products and Environment – 2 hours
This course gives the student the skills necessary to open their own practice or to work for another. A checklist of supplies and equipment that could be needed for therapeutic massage is given. Instructors describe various products and their uses for massage. Table selection, lighting, music choices and overall experience enhancements are discussed in detail.
Infection Control and Safety Practices – 3 hours
This class describes the path of infection for common pathogens. The importance of cleanliness for the therapist and their surroundings to protect against the transmission of disease is discussed. Current CDC and State Health department guidelines will be covered in detail with particular importance to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Business Practices – 10 hours
Instructors will help the students to create a strategic business plan. Realistic goals are ser, and possible employment situations are discussed. The differences between operating as a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation are highlighted in this course. Additionally, startup costs, accounting practices, licensing, insurance needs and tax records will be discussed.
Hydrotherapy/Cryotherapy – 5 hours
The application of heat or cold to a normal body temperature of 98.6 F causes certain physiological changes to occur. The nature and extent of those changes depends on the temperature and duration of the application, as well as the size of the area being treated. This course details the sources of several different types of heat application including dry heat, moist heat and diathermy. Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic application to the body of water in any of its three forms: water, solid or vapor. Cryotherapy is the application of cold agents for therapeutic purposes. Its primary goal is to reduce the tissue temperature and is beneficial on painful, inflamed and swollen areas. It acts as an analgesic to reduce pain and causes vasoconstriction. Instructors in this course outline the benefits of cryotherapy, hydrotherapy and alternating application methods. Bath accessories such as bath salts, oils, soap and effervescent tablets are also discussed. Benefits of cool bath, saline baths and hot baths are also contrasted so that the massage therapist can determine which is appropriate for their client. If used properly, hydrotherapy and cryotherapy can be used to assist in the healing process of damaged tissues.
Pathology – 60 hours
Pathology is the study of disorders and diseases. The textbook for this class, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology: Critical Thinking and Practical Application, was written by Ruth Werner. The course is designed to give students and practitioners the tools to make appropriate choices about bodywork so that they can work within their scope of practice toward the best possible outcome for their clients.
This class is built on the foundational knowledge learned in the Anatomy and Physiology classes. A specific emphasis is placed on the Integumentary (4 hours), Skeletal (7 hours), Muscular (7 hours), Circulatory (7), Immune (5 hours), Nervous (5 hours), Respiratory (5 hours), Digestive (5 hours), Urinary (4 hours), Endocrine (7 hours) and Reproductive (4 hours) System pathologies. This information is provided as reference material only. A massage therapist is not legally allowed to diagnose disease but should be able to recognize various symptoms and determine if a client needs to be referred to another practitioner. An in-depth knowledge of pathology is necessary for a therapist to develop a safe and appropriate treatment plan for their clients and to be able to work with other healthcare practitioners. The effects, benefits, indications and contraindications of massage for specific pathologies are discussed.
Yoga and Stretching: Self-care part two – 10 hours
Restorative and Flow yoga styles and routines are taught by a certified Yoga Instructor with specific emphasis on restoring muscles to proper functionality from overuse syndromes. Static, dynamic and ballistic stretches are reviewed.
Neuromuscular Therapy and Trigger Point Therapy Massage – 54 hours
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT):
This class builds upon the skills learned in the Swedish, Clinical and Deep Tissue Massage Therapy classes. Neuromuscular Massage Therapy requires advanced palpation skills to locate and assess hypersensitive nodules that are located in hypertonic, dysfunctional and painful muscle tissue. NMT massage is effective at eliminating trigger points, restoring muscles to their normal resting length and reducing fibrosis. Massage Therapists will learn how to vary their pressure according to the texture and sensitivity of the target tissue being sought. Instructors will teach students how to find the optimal therapeutic pressure needed to elicit the maximum therapeutic response without triggering an autonomic defensive reaction from the client. This course will cover specific conditions, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Torticollis, Tennis Elbow, TMJD and Sciatica. Instructors will demonstrate targeted massage therapy routines to alleviate the associated pain symptoms with each.
Trigger Point Therapy:
Trigger points occur in the place where contractions occur in muscle fiber called a sarcomere. Millions of sarcomeres contract in your muscles to make even the smallest movement. When sarcomeres become over stimulated, they become unable to release their contracted states and trigger points form. This course focuses on locating and deactivating central trigger points, satellite trigger points and attachment trigger points. Instructors will also focus on trigger point causes and persistence. This course will follow The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook written by Clair Davies and his methods for overcoming soft-tissue pain.
Massage in Medicine – 10 hours
The growing acceptance of massage as a part of mainstream health care is discussed. Alternative and complementary medicine modalities are detailed, as well as the patient’s role in medicine. The importance of record keeping and documentation in the integrative setting and insurance practices are highlighted.
Massage in the Spa – 30 hours
This term refers to several types of treatments generally performed in resort and day spas. Some of these include mud wraps, body scrubs, sea salt scrubs, paraffin treatments, scalp treatments, and herbal and seaweed body wraps. This course focuses on one of the biggest challenges of a spa massage which is to create a sense of timelessness within the very strict time structure necessarily imposed in the spa setting. Instructors will focus on teaching the spa therapist to slow down, internalize timing and focus on the movement being offered. The importance of remembering that each client is unique, and that each treatment should be slightly different and geared to that client’s needs is also addressed in this course. Instructors will demonstrate specific routines to encompass any number of modalities that a therapist might be required to perform in a spa setting including, body wraps, exfoliations, clay, mud and seaweed treatments. Aromatherapy is commonly used in almost all spas in one form or another. Many essential oils that are derived from plants, herbs, flowers and roots have beneficial therapeutic qualities. Instructors in this class will demonstrate a step-by-step procedure for aromatherapy massage. The top ten essential oils that are used in spas are discussed denoting their derivation, effect/note, uses and contraindications.
Other Therapeutic Modalities: 23 hours
Chair Massage
Chair massage is a growing and highly visible branch of professional massage. Its origins can be traced to the earliest history of bodywork. It is a great way to introduce your services to potential clients. Chair massage is generally administered onsite at varying locations. It is not uncommon to find seated massage at airports, shopping malls and in the workplace. Chair massage allows bodyworkers to interact with their community in a broader and more spontaneous way. Instructors for this course will demonstrate a 20-minute routine for seated massage and then demonstrate ways to vary the routine depending on the client’s needs and location.
Cold/Hot Stone Massage
Stone massage has become extremely popular. Instructors in this class will demonstrate the proper use of hot stones including how to choose what type of stone, whether to use hot or cold stones and what type of massage is effective with the stone application. Safety and sanitation methods are discussed in-depth.
Accupressure
Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history. Instructors in this class will delve into the history of Eastern massage and contrast it to Western forms of health care. This class will discuss the philosophical influences of Chinese medicine. The inherent and widely known theories essential to the practice of Chinese medicine are the theories of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements both of which spring from the underlying concept of Tao. This course will discuss those theories, as well as, considering Ki energy pathways, Yin Yang medical theory, Ki’s cyclical flow including causes of imbalance and the Kyo-jitsu Theory. The Meridians are certain defined pathways where Ki flows in a more concentrated manner. This course will discuss, in detail, the functions of the meridians including the associated element and Yin/Yang aspect. The Chinese clock cycle is also discussed with attention paid to how a particular Ki flows at its maximum during certain times of the day or night.
Reflexology
Reflexology and Shiatsu share certain similarities of techniques and theories in that both utilize pressure on the body and use the idea that the internal organs can be affected by stimulation of reflex areas or points distant from the organs themselves. Instructors will demonstrate this technique that is based on a system of points on the hands, feet and ears. These areas are different from the meridians of acupuncture and acupressure. Some Reflexologists call their work “Zone Therapy” because the body is divided longitudinally into ten zones which then correspond to five zones on each foot.
Massage for Special Populations: 20 hours
Pre-Natal/Pregnancy Massage
During pregnancy a woman’s body experiences many changes to accommodate for gestation and delivery of a baby. Prenatal, or pregnancy, massage uses gentle techniques to help alleviate some of the ailments associated with pregnancy, including lower back, neck and shoulder pain, fatigue, joint tenderness, and stretch marks. Instructors will demonstrate a prenatal massage routine that encompasses positioning considerations. This course will also detail special considerations and contraindications that are specific to prenatal massage.
Infant Massage
The history of Infant massage is discussed. Techniques, benefits of massage and specific contraindications of infant massage are explored in detail. A Simplified Infant Massage routine is demonstrated by instructors and practiced on a life size doll.
Toddlers to Older Adult Massage
Each age has different benefits and contraindications to consider when contemplating massage work. Differences to traditional routines are discussed and practiced in class. Geriatric massage involves treating the elderly and addressing their special needs related to aging, depression and illness. The instructor will demonstrate a geriatric massage routine that is generally shorter in duration to other massage modalities. Geriatric massage involves the application of gentler hands-on techniques that facilitate pain relief and relaxation. Frail elderly people may have fragile bones and very sensitive skin; however, gentle massage may still be beneficial. Infant and child massage is beneficial to both their physical health and can aide in their development. Infant massage has been shown to relieve colic, induce sleep, promote relaxation, improve sensory integration and enhance neurological development. Regular massage can help build the bond between babies and their parents. Instructors will demonstrate an infant massage routine that will teach the necessary skills to deliver a beneficial therapeutic massage. Special age-related concerns and contraindications are discussed in detail.
Massage for clients with Disabilities
The differences between disability and impairment are discussed. Auditory and visual impairments are examined. The limits of mobility are unique for each client. Physical and psychological factors are addressed from temporary limited mobility to full paralysis, including massage techniques for clients with prosthetics and amputees.
Massage for the Critically Ill (including Cancer Massage)
The purpose, benefits, considerations and precautions and specific techniques are discussed, demonstrated and practiced in class for a variety of critically ill clients. Stages of cancer treatments are discussed and what is necessary to learn for hospice care massage protocols.
Sports Massage – 30 hours
Sports massage is the application of massage techniques that combine sound anatomical and physiological knowledge and an understanding of strength training and conditioning to enhance athletic performance. Sports massage therapies are both preventative and therapeutic. They are used for athletes during warm-ups, training and competition to treat and/or aid in the prevention of injuries. Sports massage helps improve flexibility, range of motion and performance. Instructors in this course will demonstrate effective massage techniques that incorporate a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and the biomechanics of “overload” training techniques. Most professional sports teams employ professional sports massage therapists. The techniques of sports massage will be demonstrated including compression strokes, deep pressure, cross fiber friction, shaking and jostling and active joint movements. Pre-Event and Post-Event routines are demonstrated.
CPR/First Aid Certification – 8 hours
Each class will make a field trip to a location that teaches Red Cross First Aid and CPR and become certified. This training meets the OSHA Guidelines for First Aid Programs and combines lectures, interactive video demonstrations that feature emergency scenarios that are likely to occur in a variety of environments. This hands-on training will teach the participants lifesaving skills. In the First Aid class the participants will learn to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies, such as burns, cuts and scrapes, sudden illnesses, head, neck and back injuries, and heat and cold emergencies. The Adult CPR class teaches participants how to perform CPR and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults. The CPR Child and Infant class teaches participants how to prevent, recognize and respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies in infants and children under the age of 12.
*If the in-person classes have not resumed, the online Red Cross Class will be taken for certification.
Introduction to the Fundamentals of Nutrition – 10 hours
This course highlights the basic role of nutrition in overall health and wellbeing. The science of nutrition is the study of nutrients and how the body handles those nutrients. The roles of nutritional assessments and nutrition’s role in the prevention of disease are discussed. Digestion, absorption and transport of nutrients and their effects on the circulatory, vascular, lymphatic and muscular system are discussed in detail, as well. Other topics include nutrition’s role in energy balancing and weight control, water soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins, trace minerals and fluid and electrolyte balance. Fitness levels and physical activities are discussed in relationship to nutrients and body adaptations. The special nutrition related problems of athletes are discussed as well as the use of glucose and ATP during regular physical activity and how that affects the muscle-spasm-pain cycle. Instructors will also address nutritional deficiencies in relationship to disorders such as reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernias, diabetes, hypoglycemia, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, HIV, AIDS and ulcerative colitis.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome Massage – 5 hours
Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome characterized by pain amplification, musculoskeletal discomfort and systemic symptoms. In fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain, the superficial fascia is often “stuck” feeling. In this layer of fascia, there is a great potential to store excess fluid and metabolites. In chronic myofascial pain the local tissue changes are very similar to mechanically induced muscle damage. In the acute states, the changes are accompanied by edema and in chronic forms by local fibrosis. Chronic myofascial pain can be found body wide. In this course, instructors will detail the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and CMPS. Coexisting conditions are discussed, as well as “fibro-fog” and other cognitive deficits relating to FMS and CMPS. Instructors will demonstrate bodywork that clients can be taught to perform themselves and beneficial breathing and stretching exercises.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage – 5 hours
The techniques of lymphatic drainage massage are gentle, slow, rhythmic and in a somewhat circular movement to encourage the flow of lymph into and through the lymphatic capillaries and eventually toward the lymph nodes that drain the area being massaged. Lymphatic Drainage Massage was developed by French physician Bruno Chikly. Instructors for this course will demonstrate the proper sequence of movements that are required to perform LDM.
Introduction to Anatomy Trains: Fascia and Biomechanical Regulation – 5 hours
Myofascial release deals with the fascia of the body. The fascia is interconnected to every other part of the body, and helps to support the body’s very structure, including the musculoskeletal system. When injury, inflammation, or physical or emotional trauma occurs, the fascia can become tight and cause pain and/or restricted range of motion. Instructors will demonstrate a routine for Myofascial release that encompasses gentle stretching and elongation of the connective tissues in and around the muscles. Particular attention is paid to areas that have trigger points. Myofascial Release Massage restores balance, health and elasticity while relieving muscular pain. The numerous ways that Myofascial Release Massage can help with many acute and chronic conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related illnesses, are discussed.
Licensing Board Review – 56 hours
In-depth question and answer sessions will review all the material studied at the Middle Georgia School of Massage in preparation for taking the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Effective study habits and learning strategies will be discussed throughout the entire course. Study session goals will employ an interweaving study strategy. Test Prep Books for the MBLEx study Guide 2022-2023 will be issued and all practice tests completed. Comprehensive reviews will help to find areas that need to be practiced again and the information clarified.
Supervised Clinic Hours – 100 hours
At the instructor’s discretion, the student will be allowed to begin their supervised clinic hours.
Students are not allowed to practice massage techniques or participate in clinic hours off campus. Massage techniques and any hands-on related skills are only to be completed on the school grounds and under the direct supervision of a licensed massage therapist on staff.