Curriculum
The courses we designed will give you a full spectrum of the professional massage world. When you are done you will be fully prepared to sit for the Washington massage license certification exam. Read on to find out more about our specific courses you will take during the program.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
The goal of this course is to provide the massage practitioner with a solid base of understanding and the necessary resources to expand their knowledge. This course is structured to present anatomy and physiology in an interesting, concise, and stimulating manner. Throughout the course, students gain a thorough and applicable understanding of all the major systems of the body in relation to massage, health and healing.
Pathology
Common pathologies for each body system are studied including origins, signs and symptoms, and are studied in conjunction with the related anatomy and physiology subject matter. Appropriate delivery of specific massage techniques is addressed for a multitude of pathologies. How massage is indicated or is contraindicated for each disease or injury is an integral part of the class.
Swedish Massage
Skills acquired in this class build a solid foundation on which all subsequent hands-on coursework is based. The Swedish massage strokes and their physiological effects are thoroughly covered. The student learns to use the strokes to create an individualized massage for relaxation and health. Self-care and proper hygienic methods are emphasized.
- Body Mechanics – This portion of the program is introduced in our Swedish Massage Class and continues throughout the program. Students will learn useful skills to help protect their own bodies from injury. Students gain an understanding of basic centering, postural stance, energy awareness and movement in relation to practicing massage and in everyday life postures.
- SOAP Charting – SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) charting is a standard format for documenting treatment sessions in the health care field. Students begin learning their charting skills in Swedish Massage and continue throughout the remainder of the program. This ongoing instruction will teach the student how to chart simply, concisely and professionally. Upon completion students will be proficient in all stages of charting and be able to successfully communicate with other health care professionals as well as document their clients’ progress.
Special Populations
We’ll introduce massage as it pertains to the elderly, those who have been diagnosed, in treatment for and in recovery from cancer and pregnancy.
Kinesiology
This course offers a comprehensive examination of the major muscle groups including their location, origin, insertion, action and relationships to each other in movement. The function and movement of each type of joint is thoroughly examined. Classroom lecture, palpation skills and movement oriented exercises are combined to make this class enjoyable and invaluable in understanding the body’s mechanics of motion in respect to human anatomy.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue massage uses slow and steady pressure to access and positively affect the deeper layers of the body’s tissues, locating and treating areas that may be compromised. This course will introduce observation of postural imbalances, and will address factors leading toward tissue impairment, including injury and habitual posturing. Students will learn how to lengthen and potentially release holding patterns in the most effective and energy efficient way. The majority of this course is hands-on experience. Deep Tissue is more about accessing the deeper tissues in a mindful way as opposed to deep, hard pressure.
Clinical Treatments
This course covers the physiology of traumatic and overuse injuries, and appropriate massage treatments. We will examine stages and physiology of inflammation; healing stages; appropriate interviewing and charting for injury clients; observation and assessment of injury sites through visual assessment, range of motion, palpation and other assessment techniques. Postural assessment, introduced in deep tissue, will be examined on a more comprehensive level. Treatment techniques include Swedish strokes, deep tissue, cross fiber friction, and myofascial release. Types of conditions to be addressed include: sprains/strains, hypertonicities, repetitive stress syndrome, tendinosis/tendinitis, and neurovascular compression.
Professional Practices
The best hands-on technique in the world can fall flat if a professional demeanor is not developed with your client at the onset. These lectures offer the tools necessary to become the consummate professional in your bodywork practice. Areas of focus include marketing, business management, state and local laws, hygiene and record keeping. Before graduating, students will be guided through the steps required to take the Washington State exam.
Professional Ethics & Communication
This course is a key portion of our professional practices curriculum. The coursework is designed to improve the student massage practitioner’s awareness and abilities in communicating with their clients, other health professionals and their community at large. Verbal and non-verbal communication, client interaction, human behavior, boundaries, and the ethics of touch will be covered in this thought-provoking course.
Student Clinic
Student Clinic is an opportunity for each student to provide massage to the public under the supervision of a Licensed Massage Practitioner. Clinic provides a supportive atmosphere, preparing students for the transition from school to professional work as an LMT. Student Clinic occurs twice during the program. All the techniques learned may be integrated into massages during these clinics.
Elements of Eastern Philosophies and Practices
This course is an experiential introduction to theoretical and practical Eastern modalities; including the concepts of ki/qi/prana, yin & yang, basic meridians, chakra theory, shiatsu stretches, 5-Element and 8-Principle theories, treatment strategies, and demonstrations of other modalities. Discover how to activate acupressure points. Explore these centuries-old methods of keeping one’s ki/qi/prana, or life force, alive and well, and learn how to integrate elements of these philosophies into your bodywork practice.
Sports Massage
This course is an introduction to sports physiology, massage strokes, and sports injury assessment and treatment. The physiology component includes learning about changes that occur in a human body as a result of aerobic and strength training. The massage portion covers sports massage strokes and the application of these strokes to muscle groups to achieve specific results. The injury portion covers the assessment and appropriate treatment of many common sports injuries.
Hydrotherapy
This exciting, hands-on course covers the use of hot water, cold water and ice as useful complements to therapeutic massage. The physiological effects of hot and cold applications, as well as indications and contraindications for use will be taught.
On-Site Massage
On-site massage is the most accessible modality of massage used today. It is often the first type of massage ever received by the public, creating the perfect vehicle for public education about the benefits of massage. In this course, the student will learn how to give a healthful massage while seated in either a massage chair or at a desk. Students will be introduced to basic concepts in marketing, ethics, professionalism and documentation in managing an on-site business. Skills learned in this class may be used throughout the year in school-sponsored events which may include community outreach and public massage events.
Table Thai
This class teaches a selection of steps from the full (Traditional Thai Massage) form that can be done on the floor or taken to the massage table. Many of these Thai techniques can easily be integrated into any style of bodywork.
Integrative Techniques
At the culmination of the Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and Clinical Treatment coursework, the student explores how to incorporate the techniques they’ve just learned into a one-hour bodywork session based upon what the client requests. This takes the student out of the “routine” and helps to create a tailor-made session for each individual person.
Public Massage Event
Students will travel to an off-campus location to deliver on-site chair or sports massage to the public in an organized, supervised event. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with the public and gain confidence and experience in a supportive setting.
