Course Descriptions

"Raising the Standards in Massage Education"

Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage

(12 hours) MAS 2111

This course is designed to train therapists in approaches to working the deeper levels of tissues. Deep tissue is an educated approach to therapeutic massage and does not mean "Hard". Upon completion of this course the student should be able to safely address a client's deeper tissues.

Body Mechanics

(8 hours) MAS 2103

This course teaches proper movement and self-care for the therapist. The emphasis is on strengthening and stretching, proper stances for floor and table massage, and proper client positioning and adaptive techniques to avoid repetetive motion injuries and improve efficiency of massage application.

Prenatal Massage

(8 hours) MAS 2108

The process of pregnancy, labor, and delivery is one of the most miraculous and traumatic experiences for a woman. Mothers experience a wide variety of physiological and psychological stresses during this time of change. Properly applied, massage can be a wonderful aid in relief of their discomfort and help women enjoy the experience of pregnancy, the miracle of birth, and the joy of motherhood. Learn safe and effective techniques to aid the health of the mother and baby during gestation, birth, and after.

Infant Massage

(4 hours) MAS 2120

Infant massage is best shared between parent and child. This course is designed to teach the therapist how to instruct parents to share this awsome experience with their child. Massage nurtures, builds bond, includes siblings, and stimulates development. Learn to teach parents to bond and grow with their child.

Chair Massage

(6 hours) MAS 2109

As corporations are recognizing the need to lower stress and increase moral in the work place, massage therapists are being invited to provide on-site seated massage in the work place. Chairs are highly mobile, space friendly and provide modest clothed massages in your shop or on out-call. Learn this highly marketable skill to enhance your existing practice or begin a new out-call based practice.

Marketing Me

(6 hours) BUS 2101

This advanced business practice course is designed to teach effective and ethical practice building skills and promotional ideas. Emphasis is on interpersonal communication skills and understanding the market.

Professional Ethics & Standards of Practice

(6 hours) BUS 2102

Students will learn expectations and standards of acceptable, ethical, and professional conduct. Topics include: Professionalism, Legal and Ethical Requirements, Confidentiality, Business Practices, Roles and Boundaries, Scope of Practice, and Prevention of Sexual Misconduct. This course fulfills the NCBTMB continuing education requirement of 6 hours in Professional Ethics.

Kinesiology

(50 hours) ANA 2200

The study of mechanical principals, movements, and actions applied to the human body; and kinesiology (the study of movement that combines the fields of anatomy, physiology, physics, and geometry, and relates them to human development). The course includes a neuromuscular anatomy review, and an introduction to kinesiology, postural analysis, and gait patterns. The course will focus on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems of the body and will build a deeper understanding of body movements, muscular tensions, and imbalances that arise as a result of various body stresses.

Structural Balancing

(60 hours) MAS 2200

Clinical massage begins with a solid understanding of the body and its functions. We must understand a variety of basic and advanced modalities in order to make the appropriate choices for treatment based on individual client needs. The best results come about by an educated approach to bodywork designed for the individual. We will begin with a presentation of theory, physiological laws, and postural analysis. The course covers various modalities and their applications, including deep tissue, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitated Stretching, Myofascial Release, neuromuscular therapy, positional release, and concepts of cranio-sacral therapy.

Introduction to Lymphatic Drainage

(20 hours) MAS 2104

The lymphatic system, much to our demise, is often overlooked in our healthcare regimes. It is our greatest asset in prevention of illness, fluid retention, edemas and cancer. This silent system only moves 2-20% of the fluids and toxins in our bodies, but is so powerful that if it shuts down, death may occur within 24-48 hours. This course teaches gentle techniques in moving this very powerful system to regain health, maintain health and prevent disease. Students should be able to competently incorporate these gentle techniques into their practice upon completion of this course.

Myofascial Release

(60 Hours) MAS 2105

Fascia lines our bodies inside out from head to toe. From the sheaths of each muscle fiber to the skin on our arms, fascia effects every movement we make. Students will be able to relieve pain and many restrictions in movements by gently releasing adhesions and stretching collagen fibers. It is important to understand that even the gentlest techniques can have a very potent effect on the body.

Pathology

(20 hours) HLT 2106

Pathology is the study of the processes underlying disease and other forms of illness, harmful abnormality, or dysfunction. It means specifically the study and diagnosis of the structural and functional changes in molecules, cells, tissues and organs that underlie disease. Students will learn indications, contra-indications and caveats for massage for specific diseases, injuries and types of massage. Learn when and how to safely interview, assess and apply proper techniques for specific pathologies.

Asian Bodyworks

(20 hours) MAS 2102

Students will learn traditional eastern approaches to bodyworks and energy meridians, 5-element theory, Yin and Yang, direction of Qi and beginning Shiatsu. Training in eastern modalities will better hone the therapist skills, focus, and insight.

Reflexology

(8 hours) MAS 2106

According to reflexology theory, the body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones. It is based on the principle that specific points can be manipulated to bring about a therapeutic effect in other areas of the body. Student will be able to experience reflexologies powerful effects and feel confident sharing this skill with their clients (Note: NOT available for Texas state CEU's.)

PNF Stretching

(8 hours) MAS 2110

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitated Stretching is an excellent therapist tool in addressing overly restricted muscle groups and individual muscles. PNF stretching will help bring your clients into a more normal range of motion than traditional stretching techniques.

Sports Massage

(8 hours) MAS 2107

Sports massage is designed to direct the student's understanding of muscle use and strain patterns developed in a variety of different sports. This course will address pre-event and post-event massage and help build confidence in working with this very specific area of practice.

Aromatherapy

(12 hours) HLT 2101

Often misunderstood as "smell pretties", essential oils are very powerful therapeutic aids. This course will teach essential oil history, individual oil properties, safe use, distillation processes, proper diffusion methods, selection of quality oils, types of application, blending techniques and more.

Balneology, Scrubs & Muds

(20 hours) HYD 2101

Balneology is the science of the therapeutic use of baths or bathing. The use of water as a restorative agent is a powerful one. From ancient times to present day therapeutic modalities, water has long been one of our most potent allies in assisting the body's healing process. This course will cover the properties of various products that may be used in spa applications. Learn techniques that will compliment your practice with minimal cost and effort.

Hot Stone Massage

(12 hours) HYD 2103

Hot Stone and Cold Stone Massage is one of the fastest growing modalities in the massage field today. Learn to apply this modality as a therapeutic tool as well as for stress relief and energy balancing. Proper stone selection, cleaning and storage, hot and cold stone theory and application will be covered.

Body Wraps

(12 hours) HYD 2102

Body wraps can yield many different results. Learn how to relax and rejuvenate, smooth and tone skin surfaces and cellulite appearance, reduce inches and detoxify the body. We will use the sauna, wet rooms and dry rooms for these applications.

Facial Massage Treatments

(8 hours) HYD 2104

Facial treatments applied by a massage therapist vary from those of an esthetician. In this class, learn the differences for safe and legal application of facial massage treatments. Focus is on massage and toning of the face. These treatments are similar to any that may be applied to the body but specially designed for the delicate tissues of the face.

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Massage Therapy Instructor Training

Teaching Adult Learners

(30 hours) EDU 3100

This course is designed for the therapist who desires to advance the art of massage through teaching others, and fulfills the "Course on Teaching Adult Learners" requirement for the Texas Department of State Health Services, Massage Therapy Instructor License. This session will cover basic education theories, characteristics, motivations, and instructional strategies for teaching the adult learner. An emphasis will be given to learning styles, lesson plan development, use of audiovisual equipment, and class presentation for the adult classroom. Also covered will be effective presentation and demonstration techniques, lesson planning, scope of practice, ethical guidelines and boundaries, and managing and pacing of the technique classroom to effectively complete all skill objectives. (Available for Texas CEU's only.)

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