Massage/Body Work

Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects in massage therapy. The course will be variable credit of one to three depending on the course content and number of hours required. This course may be repeated for up to six credits.

Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects in massage therapy. The course will be variable credit of one to three depending on the course content and number of hours required. This course may be repeated for up to six credits.

Medical terminology is used by physicians, nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors and those involved in the numerous allied health professions. The same terms apply to anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and every other endeavor pertaining to the human body. The focus of this course is to demystify the highly specific and daunting vocabulary of the "secret language" used in these professions. Rather than rote memorization of long, unwieldy words, students will develop the knowledge and skills to decode, decipher, and discover the meaning of virtually any new scientific term.

Learn normal psychosocial and physiological developmental concepts related to the geriatric client. Explore common pathologies found in this age group and find out for which conditions or pathologies massage is indicated and contraindicated. When massage is indicated, discover the benefits, what type of techniques are appropriate for each individual client, and whether or not the student has the necessary training to perform those techniques or should refer the client to other professionals.

Learn to treat skeletal muscle immobility and pain using myofascial release by relaxing contracted muscles through both the superficial fascia and deep fascia, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulating the stretch reflex in muscles.

Hot stone massage is a restorative stone thermotherapy and an adjunctive therapy which can be used with all styles of massage therapy. This course will explore types of stones, their optional uses and placement, proper sanitation, and how to incorporate hot stones into multiple massage modalities.

Students will learn the various strokes and techniques used in sports and athletic massage, what effect each has on the tissue, and when to use them. Additionally, the course will cover sports-specific routines, sports injury prevention and treatment, nutrition conducive to athletes, as well as psychology of the athlete as it pertains to interaction with the massage therapist.

This course is designed to enhance students' skills and understanding of the concepts of deep tissue and neuromuscular therapy. Students will learn how to safely integrate deep tissue and neuromuscular techniques into their massage routine in prone, supine, seated and side-lying positions. Students will be shown proper body mechanics for administering these techniques and will practice what they learn in class on one another.

Learn facilitated stretching techniques and muscle energy techniques (MET), including Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), which is used for the rehabilitation of neurologic and soft tissue disorders. Explore ways to incorporate these techniques into massage to help counteract muscle hypertonicity and spasms, improve flexibility and range of motion, and restore muscle strength.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils as an adjunct therapy in combination with multiple styles of massage therapy. Identifying the need and purpose of the modality is addressed as well as when to practice the technique based on indications and contraindications from the client's health history. Aromatherapy is practiced to enhance the therapeutic and relaxation properties of massage therapy. The therapeutic uses of 18 essential oils are explored and the students are provided the opportunity to practice blending the oils to enhance therapeutic benefits and induce a deeper relaxation response for the client.