Course

10537137 Kinesiology for the Massage Therapist
Course Information
Description
Building upon foundational knowledge from musculoskeletal anatomy, students deepen their understanding with an emphasis on muscle groups used to perform specific actions. Furthermore, students directly apply this knowledge through the practice of ROM, postural and gait assessments to identify muscles involved in specific injuries. Finally, students learn how to integrate assessment techniques into a treatment plan for a more comprehensive approach to patient care.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Apply the fundamental principles of mechanics to motion of the body
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Define force and the consequences forces acting on an object
    Define and calculate torque
    Relate the concepts of force and torque to motion of the body
    Analyze Newton’s three laws of motion
    Differentiate between linear and rotational motion

  2. Explain the basic interaction of the muscles and joints in relation to motion and posture
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Explain how muscles move and stabilize joints
    Explain how joints allow and restrict motion
    Demonstrate how muscle control and joints are related to range of motion
    Examine the relationship between structure, muscle tone, and posture

  3. Explain the role of the nervous system in relation to motor control and pathology
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Explain normal structure and functions of the neuromuscular system
    Explain the difference between small and large motor units
    Describe the effects of muscle spindles and GTO on the muscles
    Identify characteristics of motor control

  4. Apply principles of kinesiology to client assessment and treatment
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Demonstrate how massage influence range of motion
    Describe the benefits and limitations of massage treatments
    Explain how massage can influence posture
    Analyze various client assessments

  5. Demonstrate application of biomechanical principles to effective massage delivery
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Analyze critical factors affecting stability and mobility of the body
    Explain how torque influences joint forces
    Demonstrate proper mechanics to minimize stresses during massage
    Explain how the concepts of force, pressure, and stress relate to massage
    Describe how proper mechanics can improve efficiency of massage delivery

  6. Relate biomechanical deficiencies to musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Describe how muscle tone relates to posture
    Explain how poor biomechanics can lead to overuse injuries
    Explain how injuries can affect movement and posture
    Address common compensation patterns

  7. Assess upper limb joints and muscles
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Perform functional assessment of thoracic and lumbar joints and muscles
    Identify actions of muscles and different planes
    Describe how to stretch each muscle
    Describe when muscles work as antagonists, agonists, and/or stabilizers
    Explain how joints and ligaments allow and restrict range of motion
    Identify common pathologies of the upper limb

  8. Assess lower limb joints and muscles
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Perform functional assessment of thoracic and lumbar joints and muscles
    Identify actions of muscles and different planes
    Describe how to stretch each muscle
    Describe when muscles work as antagonists, agonists, and/or stabilizers
    Explain how joints and ligaments allow and restrict range of motion
    Identify common pathologies of the lower limb

  9. Assess functions of spinal joints and muscles
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Perform functional assessment of thoracic and lumbar joints and muscles
    Identify actions of muscles and different planes
    Describe how to stretch each muscle
    Describe when muscles work as antagonists, agonists, and/or stabilizers
    Explain how joints and ligaments allow and restrict range of motion

  10. Assess postural and gait deficiencies
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test, homework assignments
    Criteria
    Identify affected muscles
    Describe benefits and limitations of postural assessments
    Create treatment options based on correlated muscle imbalances