10537139Pathology and Medical Terminology for the Massage Therapist
Course Information
Description
In this course, students learn the types of diseases that affect each of the major body systems and more specifically the signs and symptoms of selected pathologies and disorders that could prove to be a contraindication to massage therapy. Students will also learn the benefits of an integrative and palliative approach to manage chronic conditions and how to approach treatment planning with this in mind. Students will also gain a foundational understanding of medical terminology, a basic understanding of pharmacology and the possible interactions between medications and massage.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Use the decision tree process
    Assessment Strategies
    Role play, essay
    Criteria
    analyze a health history form
    interview a massage client
    complete a decision tree form according to instructor handout
    determine treatment plan based on decision tree
    determine whether or not massage is indicated or contraindicated
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  2. Differentiate between pathological conditions in which massage is indicated, contraindicated or has no effect
    Assessment Strategies
    Role play, case studies, exam
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    explain effects and benefits of massage on each of the major systems of the body
    examine examples of conditions that massage may be indicated
    examine examples of conditions that may contraindicate massage therapy
    examine examples of conditions in which massage therapy may have no effect
    compare and contrast local and systemic contraindications

  3. Modify treatment plan to accommodate common pathological conditions of the integumentary system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    examine the structures of the integumentary system
    identify characteristics of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
    identify characteristics of contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and neoplastic conditions
    identify characteristics of skin cancers including the five skin changes that may indicate skin cancer
    decision tree includes a description of the changes of skin
    recognize which conditions indicate or contraindicate massage therapy
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  4. Research conditions of the musculoskeletal system and modifications to treatment
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral presentation with demonstration
    Criteria
    distinguish between the structure and functions of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, bursae, cartilage, and other connective tissue
    choose and define a condition
    explain the etiology, or the cause of the condition
    explain which muscles and function are affected by this condition
    identify signs and symptoms of the condition and how they manifest
    explain common populations affected by the condition
    identify treatments for the condition, including any alternative treatments
    adapt a massage session to accommodate the condition and avoid risk
    list contraindications/indications for massage therapy
    explain adaptations to the massage plan concerning medication side effects and how massage therapy may affect medication.
    list medical treatments other than medications used to treat the condition
    cite external sources properly

  5. Modify treatment plan to accommodate common cardiovascular conditions
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    identify characteristics of myocardial infarction, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, anemia, embolism, thrombin, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, Raynauds syndrome, and aneurysm
    recognize which conditions indicate or contraindicate massage therapy
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  6. Modify treatment plan to accommodate common respiratory conditions
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    identify characteristics of bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, the common cold, and emphysema
    recognize which conditions indicate or contraindicate massage therapy
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  7. Modify treatment plan to accommodate common diseases of the lymph and immune systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    examine the main functions of the lymph system
    recognize which conditions indicate or contraindicate massage therapy
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  8. Modify treatment plan to accommodate cancer and side effects of cancer treatment
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    examine the main functions of the lymph system
    identify characteristics of cancer, lymphedema, edema
    recognize which conditions indicate or contraindicate massage therapy
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  9. Modify treatment plan to accommodate nervous system disorders
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    examine the function and structures of the nervous system
    identify characteristics of various types of headaches, cerebrovascular accidents, Bell's Palsy, multiple sclerosis, and peripheral neuropathy
    identify characteristics of depression and anxiety
    identify common medications used for treatment of depression or anxiety
    recognize which conditions indicate or contraindicate massage therapy
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  10. Modify treatment plan to accommodate diseases of the endocrine system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    summarize the function of insulin in the body
    identify characteristics of Type I and Type II diabetes, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia
    recognize which conditions indicate or contraindicate massage therapy
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  11. Modify treatment plan to accommodate reproductive system conditions
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    identify characteristics of endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease
    examine physiological changes in major systems of the body that occur during pregnancy
    explain benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy
    examine complications of pregnancy that contraindicate massage therapy

  12. Modify treatment plan to accommodate diseases of the digestive system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product (decision tree), scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    use the decision tree process
    interpret medical terminology accurately
    summarize structures and functions of the urinary and gastrointestinal system
    identify characteristics of common disorders of these systems, such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder and kidney infections, and ulcers
    recognize which conditions indicate or contraindicate massage therapy
    decision tree includes a recommendation for a referral to another health care practitioner

  13. Discern possible side effects of medication and their interaction with massage
    Assessment Strategies
    Scenario, role play, exam, quiz
    Criteria
    utilize relevant and credible pharmacology resources to inform treatment plan decisions
    utilize relevant and credible resources to access common side effects of medication
    target researched information to selected pathologies and disorders
    apply information found to treatment plan decisions
    show accurate interpretation of the information
    seek additional information if you recognize the need for more clarification or support
    identify common classifications of medications in which massage is contraindicated or cautioned