10537136Musculoskeletal Anatomy for the Massage Therapist
Course Information
Description
This course introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems of the body. Students learn the names, locations, insertion points, and actions of many of the muscles of the human anatomy. Furthermore, students apply what they learn and develop the essential palpation skills to identify the bones and muscles that comprise the musculoskeletal system. Students also acquire necessary skills for practical range of motion movements.
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. Identify planes of the body
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz
    Criteria
    Name the three cardinal planes of the body
    Describe how planes intersect within the body
    Distinguish planes of the body from planes of specific body parts
    Examine the concept of an oblique plane
    Describe the non-fixed nature of planes
    Relate axes of the body to the planes and motions
    Clinical terminology is used and pronounced accurately

  2. Describe the major muscles of the body
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, workbook, flashcards
    Criteria
    Identify name and action of muscles
    Describe muscles as they relate to joints
    List muscles in a given muscle group (e.g., hamstring, etc.)
    Identify attachment points of major muscles of the body
    Correlate attachment points to muscle function or joint movement
    Clinical terminology is used and pronounced accurately

  3. Locate the bones and bony landmarks of the body
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz, workbook
    Criteria
    Identify name and landmarks of bones
    Define bones in relationship to joints
    Describe types of bone articulation
    Describe the function of specific bony landmarks
    Clinical terminology is used and pronounced accurately

  4. Demonstrate major motions of the body
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz, workbook
    Criteria
    Describe joints of the body
    Describe motions at each joint of the body
    Correlate a motion to the correct plane
    Demonstration is performed safely
    Clinical terminology is used and pronounced accurately

  5. Use palpation skills to identify the bones and muscles of the musculoskeletal system
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz
    Criteria
    Locate a target muscle region
    Discern a muscle from adjacent musculature and other soft tissues
    Discern the borders of the target muscle from the adjacent muscles and other soft tissues
    Identify attachments of the target muscle
    Choose an action to engage the target muscle
    Create an isolated contraction of the target muscles
    Identification is completed efficiently within instructor-specified timeframe
    Palpation is completed thoroughly (entire muscle including attachment points)
    Clinical terminology is used and pronounced accurately

  6. Demonstrate skills for practical range of motion movements
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz
    Criteria
    Demonstrate muscle stretching
    Distinguish between passive and active range of motion
    Muscle stretch is performed safely
    Stretch doesn’t violate client’s range of motion
    Consider client’s individual tolerance
    Movement is completed efficiently within instructor-specified timeframe
    Clinical terminology is used and pronounced accurately