Course | Madison College Outline of Instruction

31537340Therapeutic Massage 1

Course Information

Description

Introduces students to the field of touch therapies and provides students with basic instruction in therapeutic massage theory and technique. Topics covered include: (1) the development of the massage professional; (2) the therapeutic relationship; (3) the history of massage; (4) educational and legal requirements; (5) professional standards and ethics; (6) sanitation and safety procedures; (7) proper draping techniques; (8) proper body mechanics; (9) massage session preparation; (10) Swedish massage techniques; and (11) chair Massage. Many learning activities support students to develop mindfulness skills and increased body awareness.

Total Credits

Course Competencies

Acquire increased relaxation skills

Assessment Strategies

by demonstrating relaxation skills and mindfulness meditation practices

Criteria

you participate in daily mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises

you use proper body positioning for relaxation

you demonstrate breathing techniques

you reach a state of relaxation
Cultivate self-awareness

Assessment Strategies

by administering massage techniques

by receiving a massage

by writing journal entries

Criteria

you give and receive constructive feedback

you recognize how the client’s body responds to your massage techniques

you keep a journal of personal learning and reflection

you define personal boundaries
Demonstrate proper body mechanics

Assessment Strategies

by giving massages

Criteria

you demonstrate the technique of "centering"

you develop strength and flexibility in the hands

you perform strength and flexibility exercises

you safely position client’s body to effectively perform therapeutic massage
Create a mission statement

Assessment Strategies

by submitting a written assignment

Criteria

you examine concept of "intentions" as it relates to touch

you examine concepts of wellness

you discuss personal and professional values

you establish personal goals
Exhibit effective social interaction

Assessment Strategies

through participation in classroom activities

Criteria

you recognize individual differences in personal boundaries

you show mature attitude in interpersonal interactions

you appreciate differences in human physique, background, and experience

you participate in group discussions

you exhibit effective listening skills
Summarize the value of touch therapies

Assessment Strategies

on a written exam

Criteria

you cite the importance of touch to life

you classify the qualities of various kinds of touch

you describe professional touch therapies

you examine the therapeutic purposes of massage

you cite current research that validates therapeutic massage
Outline the history of massage

Assessment Strategies

on a written exam

Criteria

you summarize the history of therapeutic massage from ancient times to present

you examine recent trends in the field of therapeutic massage

you explore how trends impact career and employment of the therapeutic massage professional
Examine educational and legal requirements

Assessment Strategies

on a written exam

Criteria

you describe the scope of practice for massage therapists in Wisconsin

you explain educational requirements and registration requirements for massage therapists in Wisconsin

you study legal requirements for massage in other states

you compare benefits of joining professional massage organizations

you describe the eligibility requirements for the national licensure examination

you examine license revocation, license cancellation, and license suspension

you accept responsibility for obtaining informed consent before administering massage therapy
Conform to a high standard of professional ethics

Assessment Strategies

through participation in classroom discussion

through contribution to a group project

while giving and receiving massage

on a written exam

Criteria

you discuss the importance of personal hygiene and health habits

you summarize ethics, ethical conduct, and good ethical practices

you discuss the importance of communication skills

you review how to build a professional image

you adhere to personal boundary limits of client and self
Select massage supplies and equipment

Assessment Strategies

on a written exam

design a massage treatment room to present to the class

Criteria

you compare massage tables and massage chairs

you compile list of other needed supplies

you identify therapeutic design elements in a therapeutic massage office and treatment room
Demonstrate the preparation procedures before beginning the massage

Assessment Strategies

through participation in classroom activity

in a role play situation

Criteria

you adjust table height to proper height for optimum performance

you arrange linens, blanket, and bolsters on massage table for client's comfort

you assemble needed supplies

you follow proper handwashing guidelines

you create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for client
Demonstrate proper draping procedures

Assessment Strategies

in classroom setting

in role play situation

Criteria

you explain to client the purpose of draping

you identify and apply the correct draping method for each individual client

you demonstrate draping using the proper procedures as outlined in the technique manual
Apply massage lubricant

Assessment Strategies

in role play situation

Criteria

you select appropriate lubricant

you use proper technique for applying lubricant

you apply proper amount of lubricant depending upon the individual client and the technique performed
Analyze the six classifications of Swedish massage movements

Assessment Strategies

on a written exam

Criteria

you describe each of the six major massage classifications

you classify the effects of each of the massage strokes

you determine which stroke to use
Demonstrate the principles of Swedish massage

Assessment Strategies

in role play situation

Criteria

you apply massage strokes following superficial to deep principle

you apply massage strokes deep to superficial when leaving an area of the body

you vary pressure according to client's needs

you vary speed and rhythm to produce a different outcome

you apply deep strokes to drain tissues

you maintain contact with client throughout the massage

you develop routine for ending the massage
Apply basic Swedish massage strokes

Assessment Strategies

through instructor observation of application of the skill on classmates

Criteria

you apply resting stroke/check in properly

you apply compressions properly

you apply gilding strokes properly

you apply kneading strokes properly

you apply friction strokes properly

you apply percussion strokes properly

you apply joint movements properly

you apply passive stretches properly
Demonstrate a chair massage routine

Assessment Strategies

in the classroom

in a supervised public demonstration

through a practical performance on an instructor

Criteria

you prepare massage chair for client

you demonstrate proper chair massage procedures as outlined in the technical manual
Demonstrate a therapeutic massage sequence

Assessment Strategies

through instructor observation of application of the skill on classmates

through practical performance on a massage instructor

Criteria

you apply massage sequence to client's anterior legs and feet