HISTORY AND PERSPECTIVE OF MASSAGE THERAPY

• Describe massage in the context of a natural healing art, and understand the traditional influences that helped to shape today's massage therapy profession.
• Define massage and describe fundamental massage techniques commonly used.
• Explain the concept of wellness, and understand how massage therapy is complimentary to Western medicine.
• Comprehend the basic terminology used to describe the various types of massage styles and techniques commonly used.

THE BENEFITS AND APPLICATIONS OF MASSAGE

• Explain the various massage techniques and the effects they have on the body, mind, and emotions.
• Identify how and when massage therapy fits into the healing process of tissue repair.
• Explain the primary effects that massage has on each of the body systems, and on the organism level overall.
• Explain how massage therapy is used in treating human pathologies.
• Understand how research literacy and the evidence-based practice is important for the massage therapy profession.
• Explain the basic massage applications for each system of the body, and how massage is used to compliment standard medical treatment in hospitals and nursing homes.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND MASSAGE GUIDELINES

• Describe the major endangerment sites of the body, which require knowledge and caution to avoid injury during massage.
• Explain the principles for general, regional, and local contraindications for massage.
• Explain the common medications and understand the implications for giving massage to medicated clients.
• Describe the major components for maintaining a professional presence, including sanitation and hand washing practices.
• Explain the primary considerations for self-care as a massage therapist.
• Describe the primary elements of massage applications, including topical substances, proper draping, safety and comfort of the client, and use of techniques.
• Explain the paramount ethical and moral considerations for the professional of massage therapy, and confidentiality as a client’s right to privacy.

WESTERN MASSAGE TECHNIQUES & JOINT MOVEMENTS

• Identify the primary manual techniques used in Western Massage, and the variations for each
• Describe the variations of each of the primary western massage techniques, and how they can provide specific effects
• Understand how to use western massage techniques appropriately in a session
• Distinguish between active and passive movements, joint mobilization techniques, and stretching
• Explain the therapeutic benefits of massage
• Understand the application of mobilizing and stretching techniques for different joints and areas of the body, as well as the guidelines for applying joint movements

CONTEMPORARY MASSAGE AND BODYWORK

• Identify three contemporary massage and bodywork systems that are popular within the industry
• Explain the basic history and physiological basis of myofascial massage
• Identify the primary guidelines, contraindications, and basic myofascial techniques used
• Explain the basic history and physiological basis of trigger point therapy
• Explain how to locate trigger points, and how they can radiate pain in predictable patterns
• Identify the primary deactivation techniques used to treat trigger points
• Explain the basic history and energetic basis of reflexology
• Explain zone therapy and the guidelines in giving reflexology sessions, including positioning the receiver and body mechanic considerations for the therapist
• Identify the primary foot reflexology techniques

INTRODUCTION TO BODY STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION

• Describe body planes, cavities, regions, and directional terms
• Define homeostasis and its importance to the human body
• Outline the levels of organization of the body, including the body systems
• Identify the structures and functions of the organelles of a typical human cell

THE SKELETAL SYSTEM

• Describe the organization of the skeletal system
• Explain the functions of bone, including its contribution to homeostasis
• Identify the anatomical structures of the skeletal system, including the major bones of the body
• Describe selected skeletal system diseases and disorders
• Describe issues and changes related to the skeletal system at different points in the lifespan

THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM

• Identify the anatomical structures of the muscular system, including the major muscles of the body
• Explain the basic concept of muscle contraction
• Describe how the muscular system contributes to homeostasis of the body
• Describe selected muscular system diseases and disorders
• Describe issues and changes related to the muscular system at different points in the lifespan

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SPECIAL SENSES

• Describe the organization of the nervous system
• Identify the anatomical structures of the nervous system and special senses and their functions
• Explain how an electrical impulse is conducted through a nerve
• Explain how the nervous system contributes to the homeostasis of the body
• Describe selected nervous system and special senses diseases and disorders
• Describe issues and changes related to the nervous system and special senses at different points in the lifespan

INTRODUCTION TO KINESIOLOGY

• Define kinesiology and explain the foundational concepts that that contribute to the study of human motion.
• Explain why the study of kinesiology has relevance in the application of therapeutic methods.
• Identify the areas of the body, positions in space, and the frame of reference for directional terminology.
• Describe basic neuromuscular concepts and therapeutic applications to improve neuromuscular patterning

THE SKELETAL SYSTEM AND JOINT MOTION

• List the structures and functions of the skeletal system.
• Identify the four primary types of connective tissue found in the body.
• Name and describe the three classifications of joints in the body.
• Define a joint and describe its function.
• Describe a synovial joint in the body, and explain range of motion, including factors that affect it.

THE NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM

• Define the muscular system and describe its main kinesiological functions.
• Explain the primary structure and function of the skeletal muscles.
• Define and motor unit and the all-or-none law.
• Define how a muscle is named and the origin and insertion of a muscle.
• Define and describe the myofascial system and the manual techniques that address it.
• Describe and compare the major divisions of the nervous system.
• Define a sensorimotor loop and describe how it works in faulty movement patterns.
• Describe the stretch reflex and a reflex arc.
• Define a trigger point and its effects and describe the process of trigger point therapy.

BIOMECHANICS, POSTURE, GAIT, AND PALPATATION

• Describe the primary biomechanical principles and concepts as they relate to massage therapists.
• Explain the various forces that act on the human body, and the effects they have on movement and posture.
• Describe several applications of biomechanics to effective and sound body mechanics for the massage practitioner.
• Define posture and describe the components of optimal upright posture.
• Explain the varying roles that skeletal muscles have in maintaining posture, as well as in creating movement.
• Describe the effects of faulty posture and the negative impact it has on the body.
• Define gait and explain the sequences of the full gait cycle.
• Describe basic gait assessment methods.
• Define palpation, and describe how palpation practiced as an art is useful in the massage therapy profession.

BONY LANDMARKS AND MUSCLES OF RESPIRATION

• Identify the three main functions of the thorax and primary function of respiration.
• List the bones and bony landmarks of the thorax, and demonstrate how to palpate them.
• Identify the four major joints of the thorax and describe their locations.
• Define and describe a rib separation and a rib dislocation.
• Identify and describe two types of rib motion.
• Identify the two primary muscles of respiration and the motion that they generate.
• Define intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and describe its role in respiration.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the primary respiratory muscles.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of each primary respiratory muscle.
• Identify the trigger points and pain referral patterns of the primary respiratory muscles.
• Describe and demonstrate the postural patterns of inhalation and exhalation fixations, paradoxical/upper chest breathing, and belly breathing.
• Define chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and name three types.
• Define hyperventilation. Describe its symptoms and what to do when it occurs.

BONY LANDMARKS AND MUSCLES OF THE ANKLE AND FOOT

• Name the 28 bones in the ankle and foot and describe the shape and location of each one.
• Name three functional parts of the foot and the bones in each part.
• List and demonstrate the palpation of seven bony landmarks of the ankle and foot.
• List the major ligaments of the ankle and foot and describe their locations and functions.
• List the three arches of the feet, identify their functions, and describe each one.
• Name and describe five major ligaments that support the vault of the arches.
• List the eight major joints of the foot and describe the structure and function of each one.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of extrinsic muscles of the ankle and foot.
• Identify trigger points and pain referral patterns of extrinsic muscles of the ankle and foot.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of each extrinsic ankle and foot muscle.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of intrinsic muscles of the ankle and foot.
• Identify trigger points and pain referral patterns of intrinsic muscles of the ankle and foot.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of each intrinsic muscle of the foot.

BONY LANDMARKS AND MUSCLES OF THE KNEE

• Name the three bones of the knee.
• List and demonstrate the palpation of 10 bony landmarks of the knee.
• Describe the menisci and bursae in the knee.
• Name and describe the two joints of the knee and seven supporting ligaments.
• Describe patellar movement and problems that occur with poor patellar tracking.
• Define the mechanical axis of the lower limb and the Q angle.
• Describe the range of motion and joint mechanics of the tibiofemoral joint.
• Name types of misalignments in the knee and describe the structural problems they cause.
• Define and contrast axial rotation and terminal rotation of the knee.
• Demonstrate the palpation of the menisci and prepatellar bursa of the knee.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the knee flexors and extensors.
• Identify the trigger points and pain referral patterns of the knee flexors and extensors.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of the knee flexors and extensors.

BONY LANDMARKS AND MUSCLES OF THE HIP AND PELVIS

• Name the four bones of the hips and pelvis.
• List and demonstrate the palpation of 14 bony landmarks of the hips and pelvis.
• Describe the coxofemoral joint, its range of motion, and its supporting ligaments.
• Describe the two femoral inclinations and how the shape of the femur creates each one.
• Describe six ways the hip can move at the pelvis and six ways the pelvis can move on the femur.
• Name three pelvic joints, their functions and classifications, and their ranges of motion.
• Name and discuss four common hip problems.
• Define the lumbar pelvic rhythm and describe efficient and inefficient rhythms.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the muscles of the hips and pelvis.
• Identify the trigger points and pain referral patterns of the muscles of the hips and pelvis.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of each muscle of the hips and pelvis.
• Identify three perineal muscles and describe their general locations and functions.
• Discuss the postural patterns that occur with chronically tight hamstrings or quadriceps.

BONY LANDMARKS AND MUSCLES OF THE SPINE

• List the three parts of the spine and the number of vertebrae in each part.
• Define and contrast kyphotic and lordotic curves and identify their locations in the spine.
• Name and describe the typical features of a vertebra.
• Demonstrate palpation of the spinal curves, spinous processes, and the lamina groove.
• Name and describe the two types of spinal joints and their supporting ligaments.
• Identify the normal range of motion in each part of the spine.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the three layers of posterior spinal muscles.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of each posterior spinal muscle.
• Identify the trigger points and pain referral patterns of the posterior spinal muscles.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the abdominal muscles.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of each abdominal muscle.
• Identify the trigger points and pain referral patterns of the abdominal muscles.

BONY LANDMARKS AND MUSCLES OF THE HEAD AND NECK

• List eight cranial bones and 14 facial bones and describe the location of each one.
• Name and describe three cartilaginous structures of the head and neck.
• Describe the structure and function of the hyoid bone.
• Demonstrate palpation of cranial and facial bones and miscellaneous structures of the neck.
• List four cranial sutures, describe their locations, and demonstrate palpation of each one.
• Describe the structure of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its range of motion.
• Describe the atlanto-axial and atlanto-occipital joints and their range of motion.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the muscles of the head and neck.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of each muscle of the head and neck.
• Identify the trigger points and pain referral patterns of the muscles of the head and neck.
• Discuss the role of the facial muscles in emotional expression and describe each one

BONY LANDMARKS AND MUSCLES OF THE SHOULDER GIRDLE

• List and describe the bony landmarks on the four bones making up the shoulder girdle.
• Demonstrate the palpation of the bony landmarks of the shoulder girdle.
• List four joints in the shoulder girdle and their classifications and range of motion.
• Name the major ligaments of the shoulder girdle and the location and function of each one.
• Describe and contrast two injuries: a shoulder dislocation and a shoulder separation.
• Describe the structure and function of the coracoacromial arch.
• Describe the neutral position of the shoulder girdle and the criteria for scapula neutral.
• Define scaption and describe how it relates to efficient arm movement.
• Define and describe the scapulohumeral rhythm.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the muscles of the scapula and shoulder.
• Identify trigger point locations and pain referral patterns for scapula and shoulder muscles.
• Demonstrate the active movement and palpation of each scapula and shoulder muscles

BONY LANDMARKS AND MUSCLES OF THE ARM AND HAND

• Name and describe the three bones in the arm and the eight carpals, five metacarpals,and 14 phalanges of the wrist and hand.
• Demonstrate the palpation of bony landmarks and primary movements of the arm and hand.
• Name the origins, insertions, and actions of the major ligaments of the elbow, wrist, and hand.
• List the four joints of the elbow and describe the structure and function of each one.
• List the seven types of joints in the wrist and hand and describe the structure and function of each one.
• Define supination and pronation and name the muscles that generate each action.
• Demonstrate the four passive movement ranges for the wrist.
• Describe the three arches and two general types of grips of the hand.
• Define the carpal tunnel and list the structures passing through it.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the muscles acting on the elbow and their trigger points.
• Demonstrate the palpation of and resisted movement for each one.
• Identify the origins, insertions, and actions of the muscles acting on the wrist and hand and their trigger points.
• Demonstrate the active movement of and palpation of each one.

Note: This program can be completed in 6 months. However, students will have online access to this program for a 24-month period.