We will begin to introduce body mechanics and assist students in developing and nurturing their own style. The intimate size of the group provides opportunity for generous instructor attention. There are no pre-requisites for these classes.

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The Art of Massage and Quality of Touch

This course develops sensitivity, presence, and quality of touch, which are incorporated throughout the program. Students are introduced to the art of touching prior to learning any specific techniques. This touch awareness will carry through their work as specific massage techniques are incorporated.

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Anatomy/Physiology/Kinesiology

These classes will provide an interactive approach to the essential background and functions of the musculoskeletal system and basic physiology of the human body. In addition to lecture, there will be hands-on palpation, visualization and interactive exercises.

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Specific Injury Technique

SPIT focuses on techniques for hands-on treatment of soft tissue injuries. Emphasis will be on palpatory skills, postural analysis, movement study, and neuromuscular theory. An understanding of injury onset, the body’s response, and the healing process will be applied with these techniques.

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Modified Strain and Counter-Strain

This often-used physical therapy technique developed by Lawrence Jones, D.O., has been modified to use as trigger point, chronic and acute pain relief during massage. It is a non-invasive and effective way to erase that pain.

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Movement and Body Awareness

The primary purpose of this class will be in avoiding practitioner burn-out through awareness and techniques. Proper use of body mechanics, ergonomics, body awareness, learning to listen to your intuition and ways to follow your own health needs will be covered in this class.

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Ethics

We will focus on ways to communicate with your clients professionally and compassionately. We will explore how to determine when a situation is beyond the scope of the massage therapist’s practice and how to make referrals to outside help. We will also discuss how to deal with a variety of potentially difficult client situations.

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Business Skills

We will cover basic business management which will concern your massage practice. Creating resumes, business cards, choosing an office, attracting a clientele, insurance billing, and a brief overview of relevant laws will be covered. We will discuss successful ways to promote and run your own business.

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Prenatal Massage

An introduction for students to working with the special massage needs of pregnant women.

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Foot Reflexology

This exciting modality explores how working directly on the foot can benefit the whole being. Study will include theory, technique and practice.

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Shiatsu

Shiatsu is an Asian style of bodywork based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), traditionally performed on a padded floor mat, with the client remaining fully clothed.  Students will be introduced to basic concepts of TCM, as well as learn the locations of the 12 meridians of energy flow in the body, their emotional and psychological correlations, and how to address them using acupressure techniques, joint range-of-motion, and big stretches, to create a dynamic experience for both giver and receiver.

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Allied Modalities

The introduction of these modalities is designed to help support, diversify, and individualize the basic massage. Exploration of these various modalities is provided for exposure, creativity and fun, and not intended for mastery. It is our hope to present students with a variety of approaches to help them stylize their work, and find their path and passion for further exploration.

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On-Site Chair Massage

Students will be given an overview of the art of on-site chair massage, including a basic chair routine, specific treatment techniques for the chair, and tips on how to market and build a successful chair massage business.

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Practicum

The practicum is designed to help ease students with the transition from school work to professional work. The in-house clinic, work with a professional mentor of their choice, and community outreach will begin to give the student a taste of a career in massage therapy. NOTE: All practicum hours will be held OUTSIDE of scheduled class times.

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Hydrotherapy, Hygiene, and Professionalism

These classes will provide a holistic approach to your practice. Hydrotherapy will include applications of ice, heat and other water therapies. Hygiene and professional practices will cover all safety and ethical protocols not covered in the basic ethics class to ensure that both the client’s and therapist’s highest good is always factored in.