Neuromuscular Therapy and Trigger Point Therapy Massage – 60 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.
Acupressure
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 the particular Ki flowing at its maximum at 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 agerelated concern 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 in order 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.