650 Therapeutic Massage Career Program – Program Content

Spa Tech • July 19, 2013

This is an in-depth and well-constructed course of study that prepares you for working in medical settings, clinics, with athletes and with people recovering from injuries. An excellent curriculum taught by experienced, professional therapists who have received extensive teacher training, ensures effective and efficient learning. This is one of the top programs in the country for people looking for professional success in therapeutic massage.

Program Curriculum

  • Swedish Massage – Covers the basic Swedish massage techniques including all major strokes, contraindications, and how to establish a complete session. Includes focus on the relationship of the client and practitioner in the therapeutic environment.
  • Basic Anatomy & Physiology – Foundational orientation in western anatomy and physiology taught in a highly experiential format to ensure maximum learning. The classes cover basic terminology and movement terms with an introduction to the skeletal and muscular systems.
  • Intermediate Massage including deep tissue and other techniques – More focus on advanced Swedish technique with additional work with trigger point and deep tissue work. Also includes learning the therapeutic benefits, postural analysis and ways of focusing on a client’s particular needs.
  • Positional Release – Students learn a simple technique of positioning the body in such a way that the cycle of the pain of a trigger point can be interrupted.
  • Foot “pressure point” techniques – All areas of the body can be addressed through deep tissue release work on the feet. Understanding the basics of deep tissue pressure points assists in understanding the inter-relatedness of all systems of the body.
  • Range of Motion – Learn proper manipulation techniques to mobilize muscles and joints through assisted stretching techniques.
  • Chair Massage – An excellent way to reach new clients where they work or live. Effective techniques that are safe and efficient.
  • Deep Tissue Therapy – New techniques, including the use of knuckles, forearms, and elbows, are taught which help students gain skill and confidence in performing massage strokes at a deeper physical level.
  • Stretching Techniques – Learn how to teach clients proper stretching techniques to support the continued benefits of their sessions.
  • Myofascial Release – The fascia system of the body is the main connecting tissue that holds everything together. Many pains and tensions are stored in the fascia. Myofascial stretching gently relaxes the fascia to release the tension that causes the pain.
  • Event Sports Massage – Prepares students to do pre and post massage at sporting events. Includes in-depth information about identifying potential hypo and hyperthermic conditions of the athletes.
  • Hydrotherapy – The application of heat and cold is both critical to protect injuries, as well as heal injuries. Also adds value to the quality of massage and assists in relaxing tension.
  • Advanced Anatomy & Physiology (Muscles) – Covers the musculoskeletal system in greater detail along with pathologies of these systems. Learning the structure of the body in detail assists in more effective technique, as well as more confidence and understanding of massage. Prepares students for the anatomy and physiology component of the National Certification Exam.
  • Advanced Anatomy & Physiology (Systems) – Covers the systems of the body and their pathologies excluding the skeletal and muscular systems. Prepares students for the anatomy and physiology component of the National Certification Exam.
  • Business Skills – The overall goal is to help students establish the business container that will support a successful professional bodyworker long-term. The specific goal is to help students define and set up a basic business plan, go over marketing and quality control.
  • Professional Development and Empowerment Training – Bringing professionalism to the next level, the goal is to define the student’s mission and vision, create brochures and offer the student in-depth client empowerment through upholding clear, professional ethics.
  • In Class Clinics – Evaluation of professional skills in a clinical setting is invaluable for learning to hone skills as a therapist.
  • Integration – Integrates the many techniques into a comprehensive session strategy for best results.
  • Advanced Integration, Evaluation, and Professional Communications – Very detailed evaluation of technique, communications skills and professional demeanor designed to give you the highest levels of success.
  • Student Clinic Experience – Provides an optimal experience for the practice of bodywork, communication, and business skills under supervision at the School clinic. The clinic is open to the public and will provide the student with a diverse practice base.

For additional consumer information please visit  https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/  and search on this and other schools.