MAS 101 - Massage Therapy Principles/Procedures 1

 
Description
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of professional massage therapy.  Group discussions include the history of massage from ancient to modern times, professional communication skills, informed consent and client intake, scope and standards of practice, legal and ethical issues, professional boundaries and the therapeutic relationship.  Discussions also include examining the benefits and precautions for massage, identifying endangerment sites, creating self-care plans to increase career longevity and exploring the role of the massage therapist in various employment settings. Client screening, intake and informed consent precede the application of hands-on techniques. The laboratory portion of this course includes the safe, sanitary and efficient use of massage equipment and supplies, demonstration of proper body and table mechanics, application of a system of structured strokes, touch, pressure and movement of the soft tissues of the body and the performance of Swedish massage in varying amounts of time to enhance the health and well-being of the client.  Writing clear, concise and accurate treatment notes conclude hands-on sessions. This course requires a per credit health career fee; check the tuition and fee schedule for the current rate.

1. Analyze the history of massage therapy in relation to the profession.
2. Define procedures a massage therapist may legally and ethically provide within scope of practice.
3. Summarize professional standards of practice in massage therapy.
4. Describe the role of the massage therapist in various employment settings.
5. Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain the therapeutic relationship with clients.
6. Implement strategies to address challenging client-therapist interactions and maintain ethical relationships.
7. Identify psychological and physiological effects of massage on human body systems, indications and contraindications for massage.
8. Create strategies of self-care to reduce stress, improve personal wellness and increase stamina in the delivery of massage therapy.
9. Demonstrate the proper, safe, sanitary and efficient use of massage equipment and supplies.
10. Display appropriate personal hygiene, safety and sanitation in the massage environment.
11. Demonstrate safe and effective body and table mechanics in the delivery of therapeutic massage.
12. Implement appropriate draping methods to ensure client warmth, comfort and privacy.
13. Execute the five basic Swedish massage strokes and elements in the application of a therapeutic massage.
14. Perform a full-body Swedish massage in varying amounts of time.
15. Write clear, concise and accurate treatment notes.

1. History of massage
2. Scope and standards of practice
3. Certification and licensure
4. Boundaries and professional, therapeutic relationships
5. Client communication, intake and informed consent
6. Legal and ethical considerations in massage
7. Benefits and effects of massage
8. Indications, cautions and contraindications
9. Equipment and supplies
10. Infection control, safety and sanitation
11. Professionalism, appearance and personal hygiene
12. Self-care strategies
13. Proper body mechanics for massage therapists
14. Draping methods
15. Swedish massage techniques
16. Massage session documentation

• Communication
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

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