"The human spirit responds to touch. It is our first language."
Course Description
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Massage Theory and Practice:
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This course introduces the student to the basics of Swedish massage. They learn
how to perform a full body massage as well as indications, contraindications,
and physiological effects for massage. Also covered are history of massage,
hygiene, safe draping, body mechanics, and the interview process. This class
lays the foundation which the advanced classes will build upon.
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Medical Terminology:
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This class is designed for the student to understand and become comfortable
with medical terminology used in the anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
classes. Students learn Greek and Latin derivatives and how they combine with
other prefixes and suffixes to make up the medical terminology used today. This
supports the students ability to communicate with other health care
professionals.
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Hydrotherapy/ Aromatherapy:
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Hydrotherapy is a modality utilizing the therapies of hot and cold
applications. Students learn the basic theory and practice, as well as
indications and contraindications of this modality. Several techniques will be
covered including local and contrasting applications.
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Deep Tissue:
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This class delves deeper into the concepts and applications of bodywork. It
looks at several applications of deeper structural work and the deeper postural
muscles and fascia. Trigger point work, myofascial release, and postural
release work will be included. Students will also learn how to focus their
intention to create an overall experience as well as effective treatment
massage session.
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Clinical Applications:
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In clinical treatments the theories and applications of several pathologies and
specific conditions are covered. Students learn assessment and treatment of
each condition, with the signs and symptoms of each being addressed. Included
are hydrotherapy applications and range of motion testing. Other treatments
covered are Cyriax cross fiber friction, Muscle Energy Technique, and passive
positional release methods.
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Pregnancy Massage:
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This class covers the basics in giving a safe and comfortable and relaxing
massage to pregnant mothers. The benefits, indications, contraindications, and
specific considerations for each trimester will be covered. Students will have
the opportunity to experience a massage in both side lying and semi-reclining
positions.
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Seated Massage:
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In this course the student will learn how to give a 15 minute on-site massage
utilizing their basic Swedish massage techniques and pressure point work.
Students also learn how to create a successful on-site business and have the
opportunity to use their skills while working with the public.
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Human Behavior:
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In this course, the emphasis is on the relationship and communication skills
between client and therapist. The development of good communication and
listening skills is vital. Also covered is the psychology of pain and the
emotional component to bodywork.
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Business Practices:
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Students will learn the basics in planning, building, managing, and growing a
successful massage practice. Included are marketing strategies, basic
accounting, resume writing, insurance billing, presentation and interview
process, and building a clientele.
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Ethics and Professionalism:
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This class covers the Washington State Law for Massage Therapy and it's
licensing standards. The student will also learn theories of ethical principals
and standards that apply to practicing massage therapy.
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Anatomy and Physiology:
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This is a comprehensive course in the structure and function of the human
body covering ten major systems of the body with their structure and
function. Also covered are related topics of massage indications and
contraindications.
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Kinesiology:
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This course looks at the specifics of the musculoskeletal system with the
student learning and gaining an understanding of various muscles, ligaments and
joints and how they relate to each other in movement of the body. Also covered
are pathologies, assessment of movement, range of motion testing, and
documentation.
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Chart Noting:
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This class follows along the "hands on" classes to teach the basics and
structure of massage documentation for insurance billing. It provides a
foundation for documenting treatment sessions and professionalism with other
health care professionals.
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Other classes required for completion are a 4 hour HIV/AIDS course and a First
Aid/CPR certification course. There will also be several guest speakers
teaching topics ranging from:
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage
On Site Massage
Polarity
Shiatsu
Sports Massage
Reflexology
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Eastern Philosophy:
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The Denton Massage School incorporates various eastern philosophies of bodywork
and healing into its program. This part of the curriculum draws on principals
of Chinese medicine and utilizes the meridians of the body found in many style
of bodywork. It includes thirty-two hours of Shiatsu and Polarity amd can be used as an introduction to the
Shiatsu Certification program.
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