31537344Specialized Techniques for Therapeutic Massage
Course Information
Description
In this course, students acquire more in-depth treatment planning, documentation and time management skills to prepare for their clinical experience.  Students also learn how to adapt therapeutic and stress reduction massage techniques to clients with special needs including: pregnant clients, the elderly, oncology patients and individuals with particular health challenges. Students learn clinical approaches to therapeutic massage such as trigger point therapy and sports massage and explore spa therapies such as hydrotherapy, hot stone and aromatherapy massage. Students gain a foundational understanding of eastern bodywork theory and technique and examine a variety of modalities with an emphasis on career exploration.
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. Demonstrate a full body therapeutic massage
    Assessment Strategies
    in the full body massage assignment
    on a performance test
    Criteria
    prepare area for massage
    interview client and assesses client's condition
    instruct client in preparation for the massage
    drape and position the client
    follow established procedures for a one hour full body massage
    complete client's records, including SOAP charts
    clean-up work area
    complete a peer-evaluation, self-evaluation and required paperwork

  2. Examine hydrotherapy when used as an aid to therapeutic massage
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written quiz
    Criteria
    identify the use of heat and cold in body treatments
    summarize the three forms in which water is used in hydrotherapy treatments
    summarize the effects of hot water treatments
    summarize the effects of cold water treatments
    summarize methods of administering heat treatments
    summarize methods of administering cold water treatments
    identify contraindications to hydrotherapy treatments
    identify safety precautions when using hydrotherapy treatments
    examine various treatments and equipment used in spas and healing centers
    examine when hydrotherapy is appropriate as an aid to the massage
    summarize how to use simple hydrotherapy treatments in the massage setting

  3. Explore hydrotherapeutic techniques: aromatherapy and hot stone massage
    Assessment Strategies
    in the massage lab
    Criteria
    identify the benefits of hot stone massage
    identify the contraindications for hot stone massage
    identify the benefits of aromatherapy massage
    identify the contraindications of aromatherapy massage
    demonstrate basic hot stone massage techniques
    adapt relaxation massage techniques using aromatherapy

  4. Summarize the benefits of massage for the athlete
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written exam
    Criteria
    summarize the four basic applications of athletic massage and the goals of each
    summarize massage techniques commonly used in athletic massage
    explain the major benefits of athletic massage
    explain the causes of muscle fatigue
    explain contraindications for athletic massage
    explain the importance of warm-up exercises and massage to the athlete's performance
    identify aspects of being an athletic/sports massage therapist

  5. Adapt massage techniques to meet the requirements of clients with special needs
    Assessment Strategies
    in a role play situation
    in the massage clinic and/or long term care facility
    under the direction of the instructor
    on a written exam
    Criteria
    examine contraindications to massage for the pregnant woman, geriatric client, oncology patient, children, and individuals with special needs
    identify areas to avoid when massaging a pregnant woman, geriatric client, oncology patient, and individuals with special needs
    adapt positioning, pressure, and length of session for a pregnant woman, geriatric client, oncology patient, children, and individuals with special needs
    exhibit increased sensitivity to modesty issues when massaging children and individuals with special needs
    exhibit increased sensitivity with clients who are psychologically challenged or have experienced trauma

  6. Integrate lymphatic massage techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written exam
    in a role play situation
    Criteria
    define elements of the lymphatic massage
    explain benefits of lymphatic massage
    demonstrate techniques used in lymphatic massage
    adapt a full body massage using lymphatic techniques for an individual with a history of cancer

  7. Analyze the theory of Eastern healing methods
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written exam
    Criteria
    analyze the philosophy and key elements of Eastern healing methods
    identify common Eastern healing techniques
    describe meridians and acupressure points

  8. Analyze complimentary bodywork techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written exam
    in a PowerPoint Presentation
    Criteria
    interview a massage practitioner about the topic of interest
    give a PowerPoint presentation on a modality of interest
    provide a 2-3 page hand out which follow the requirements listed on the rubric
    presentation must be no more than 10-15 minutes long
    presentation must include the requirements listed on the rubric provided
    presentation may include the use of visual aids

  9. Translate client health information and records into a treatment plan
    Assessment Strategies
    using the SOAP folder assignment
    in the full body massage assignment
    on a performance test
    Criteria
    assess client health information
    analyze chief complaint of client
    document SOAP categories with accuracy
    develop a treatment plan based on subjective and objective findings
    communicate treatment plan and recommendations to the client
    complete all required paperwork as listed in the assignment

  10. Integrate trigger point techniques into a full body massage
    Assessment Strategies
    in the full body massage assignment
    in the massage lab
    on a performance test
    Criteria
    assess client need for trigger point therapy
    explain active and latent trigger points
    identify trigger point referral patterns
    locate trigger points accurately
    adjust pressure to meet client preference
    discern tissue response to trigger point technique
    determine when trigger point therapy would be contraindicated