Massage Therapy (MASG)

This course will discuss therapeutic massage by exploring professional touch, the history of massage and review of scientific research into the effects of massage therapy including indications, contraindications, universal precautions, health related issues and wellness education. Professional environment. Students will learn the physiological as well as psychological effects of touch.

Through lectures, discussion, and demonstration students will learn: How to set up and adjust the massage table, proper body mechanics, effects and usage of effleurage, petrissage, and compressions, proper draping of back, gluteal, anterior and posterior legs, chest, and abdominals.

This course is a basic study of the structure and functions of the human body. It is designed to provide the fundamental knowledge of how each system functions. The anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system will be discussed. The skeletal system and the muscular system will be covered in detail. Blood, cardiovascular system, lymph system, and the digestive system will also be discussed. Disorders and medical treatments particular to each system will be highlighted.

Through lectures, discussion, students will learn the basic structure and functions of the Skeletal and Muscular anatomy of the upper and lower body. Students will learn the muscle names, origin, insertion, actions and commonalities of the muscles.

Through lectures, discussion, and demonstration students will learn: pathologies of the Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Nervous and Cardiovascular systems. In addition, students will learn the indications and contraindications for pathologies of the aforementioned systems as they relate to massage therapy.

This course presents an overview of the contemporary Massage Therapy business world, focusing on operation, finance, , planning, personnel management, client confidentiality, and client file/record maintenance. Emphasis is also placed upon licensing requirements and business ownership and entrepreneurship in the Massage Therapy practice. Basic corporate entities such as C, S, and professional corporations will be discussed. This course also acquaints massage therapy students with State and National law and ethics guidelines, ethical practices and basic personal psychology concepts. Students will also be introduced to the concepts of self-assessment and self-esteem in an effort to assist them in understanding the process involved with making the changes necessary in their lives to facilitate success in their chosen career.

Through lectures, discussion, and demonstration students will learn further techniques including how to set up and adjust the massage table, proper body mechanics, effects and usage of massage therapy, including cross fiber, friction, tapotement, and vibration.

Through lectures, discussion, and demonstration students will learn: how to set up and adjust side lying position, proper body mechanics, effects and usage of trigger point, myofascial release, and hydrotherapy.

Through lectures and discussion, students will learn the basic structure and functions of the anatomy, biomechanics and muscles types including the principles of the human movement. In addition, students will learn the neuromuscular concepts and principles. Students will also learn how these concepts apply to massage therapy.

Through lecture, discussion, and demonstration students will learn: pathologies of the lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive systems, as well as principles of cancer. In addition, learn the indications and contraindications for each pathology as they relate to massage therapy.

This is the capstone course for the Massage Therapy major and should be taken in the student's last semester. This course provides an opportunity for students to complete, present, and receive feedback on their research projects. The projects will be evaluated by peers and faculty. It also provides students an opportunity to reflect upon and integrate their course learning with their life and work experiences and to relate their learning to the massage therapy field.

Throughout this clinical internship, students will complete 100 hours of massage on clients from the public. Student will have the opportunity to apply knowledge obtained throughout the Massage Therapy program in a true therapeutic environment.