COURSE SYNOPSIS

MASSAGE THEORY AND PRACTICE 
This course will begin with lecture and discussion pertaining to the history of ethics and massage laws, benefits and contraindications of massage. The students will be required to give a 30-minute oral and practical class presentation accompanied by a type written paper. The subject of the presentation must be a bodywork topic not covered in this school. The practical portion of the course will contain the fundamental techniques of chinese massage including joint movement and range of motion. The student will first be taught how to address specific body segments with these techniques, leading to the incorporation of all the Chinese techniques for a full body massage. When this segment of the course is complete the student will be required to perform 45 one-hour student massage sessions. Ethics and communication skills will be included in this course. The practical part of the course will include all of the following Chinese techniques and eclectical topics:

1. CHINESE MASSAGE STROKES 
Practical application and incorporation of the following strokes: Effleurage, petrissage, kneading, friction, vibration, and percussion. Also included will be an introduction to application of honey facials.

2. JOINT MOVEMENT AND RANGE OF MOTION 
Practical application to all major joints and muscles of the body.

3. STRETCHING TECHNIQUES 
This course includes passive, the practical application of active, strain counter strain. 

4. DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUE 
This course includes the practical application of deep tissue techniques to include an in-depth presentation of trigger point work.

5. ETHICS 
This course will include a broad based discussion on establishing proper ethical business and moral practice.

6. FULL BODY MASSAGE PROCEDURE 
Practical application of various massage techniques. to allow the student to develop their style of full body massage.

7. PRACTICAL FULL BODY MASSAGE TEST OUT 
Required of each student prior to beginning student massage appointments with clients

8. SPINAL MUSCLE MASSAGE AND ADJUNCTIVE TECHNIQUES 
This course teaches a variety of techniques to address the spinal and other adjunctive muscle groups.

9. SPORTS MASSAGE 
This course begins with the basic techniques used for pre-event and post-event massage. The course then progresses to common injury treatment; covering why injuries happen, when they happen and how to help correct or prevent them.

10. INJURY ASSESSMENT - MANUAL MUSCLE TESTING 
The purpose of this course is to understand the basis for soft tissue injuries and how to differentiate the muscles involved. This is not intended to be an extensive manual muscle testing course, rather it is a means to screen certain muscle groups. The emphasis will be placed on testing prime movers in relation to the principal joints of the body. We will address several prevalent injuries and how to recognize their signs and symptoms. It is important to have a basic understanding of how certain muscle weaknesses can limit a persons functional ability, and where a massage therapist fits in the continuum of care.

11. BABY MASSAGE 
The baby massage segment focuses on the benefits of baby massage for both the caregiver and the baby. Such issues as massage techniques, environmental considerations, relaxation strategies and emotional bond unique to baby massage will be emphasized. 

12.ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 
Studies will be taught in the structures and functions of all systems of the body. Emphasis will be placed on the muscular, skeletal, nervous and circulatory systems. Additionally, hands-on Anatomy and pathologies treated by massage therapy are included. Medical terminology in reference to massage therapy will be covered in depth.