MTH-MTH7022 - Massage Therapy II

Course Description

The 657-hour Massage Therapy Program offers a comprehensive education, preparing students for productive careers in massage and bodywork. Central Piedmont currently offers a traditional day-time program in therapeutic massage and a supervised, student-run clinic. The program is divided into three modules focusing on body-oriented therapies, anatomy, kinesiology, and business practices.

To take this course, students must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have an official transcript on file showing the graduation date from that institution (high school, GED, or college/university)
• Be eligible to take ENG 111
• Have a valid state issued picture ID        

Course Outline

Module II - 223 hrs

Anatomy & Physiology II  - 45 Hours

Cardiovascular System: Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

1. List basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system and describe characteristics of blood and mechanisms of the heart.
   • Blood Vessels, Paths of Blood Circulation, and Cardiovascular Pathologies
2. Discuss blood vessels and paths of blood circulation.
3. Describe cardiovascular pathologies and state their massage modifications.

Respiratory System and Pathologies

1. List anatomic structures and the physiologic process of the respiratory system and describe specific structures of the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
2. Discuss breathing, respiration, and reflexes that affect breathing.
3. Name types of pathologic conditions of the respiratory system, giving massage modifications for each one.

Lymphatic System and Pathologies

1. List anatomic structures; describe the physiologic processes of the lymphatic system; and discuss lymph, lymphatics, lymph movement, and lymphatic organs.
2. Discuss the body’s resistance to disease, including nonspecific and specific mechanisms, immune dysfunctions, and lymphatic/immunologic pathologies, while stating their massage modifications.

Endocrine System and Pathologies

1. List anatomic structures and physiologic processes related to the endocrine system and describe its hormones and hormonal regulation systems.
2. Identify specific endocrine glands, their hormonal secretions, and the effects of these hormones.
3. Name types of pathologic conditions of the endocrine system, giving massage modifications for each.

Digestive System and Pathologies

1. List anatomic structures and physiologic processes related to the digestive system, and discuss layers and sections of the GI tract and their secretions.
2. Describe accessory organs and glands of the digestive system and their secretions.
3. Describe gastrointestinal pathologies and state their massage modifications.

Urinary System and Pathologies

1. List anatomic structures and physiologic processes of the urinary system and describe the kidneys and nephrons.
2. Discuss ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, urine formation, urine, urination, body fluids, and fluid balance in the body.
3. Name types of urinary pathologies, giving massage modifications for each one. 

Reproductive Systems and Pathologies

1. Anatomy and Physiology of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
   • List basic anatomic structures and describe physiologic processes of the reproductive system and identify structures of the male and female reproductive systems. 
2. Reproduction, Genetics, and Reproductive Pathologies
   • Discuss sexual intercourse, fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation.
   • Describe reproductive pathologies and state their massage modifications.

Kinesiology II - 45 Hours

1. Define kinesiology and bony markings, and identify bones and relevant bony markings of the upper extremity, the lower extremity, and the axial skeleton.
2. Identify skeletal muscles and their origins, insertions, and actions with palpation and movement
   • Muscle of Hip and Knee Movement
   • Muscles of Ankle and Foot Movement
   • Muscles of Elbow and Radioulnar Joint Movement
   • Muscles of Wrist and Hand Movement
   • Muscles of Neck and Facial Movement
   • Muscles of Respiration

Client-Therapist Relationship - 21 Hours

1. The Relationship of Therapist and Client 
   • Define professional boundaries and describe types of boundaries.
   • Dual Relationships
   • Preventing Transference and Countertransference
2. Discuss sexual misconduct
   • List steps to take when making ethical decisions.

Massage Therapy - 72 hours

1. Working Deeper - Deep Tissue for Relaxation
   • Describe, define and demonstrate tools for deeper pressure
2. Sports Massage 
   • Describe the benefits of sports massage
   • Perform therapeutic observations and palpation
   • Identify endangerment sites
   • Address client posture and perform alignment assessments
   • Describe the on-site pre-event, inter-event, and post-event purpose and function
   • Describe athlete recovery, remedial and rehabilitative needs
   • Describe acute versus chronic conditions
3. Hydrotherapy
   • Define hydrotherapy, discuss documentation and explain properties of water
   • Discuss clinical application of of cryotherapy, its beneficial effects and uses, contraindications and adverse effects and various application methods
   • Discuss clinical application of of thermotherapy, its beneficial effects and uses, contraindications and adverse effects and various application methods
4. Stretching and Joint Mobilizations
   • Describe and define range of motion; passive and active and joint mobilizations. 
   • Demonstrate passive range of motion techniques
   • Demonstrate joint mobilizations
   • Demonstrate how to incorporate stretching and mobilization techniques 
   • into massages
5. Spa Applications; Techniques and Treatments
   • Working with Hot Stones
   • Discuss hygienic practices within the Spa environment, client communication 
   • and time management.
   • Explore techniques in exfoliation, wraps and hydration
   • Explore value add of sound and smell to massage sessions
6. Chair Massage
7. Introduction to Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Release

Clinic II - 40 Hours

1. Integrate experience from Massage I and II in a live clinical setting with public clients.
2. Model professional work setting including schedule, set up and breakdown of supplies and equipment. 
3. Model professional ethical behaviors and practice in accordance with best practices and state law.
4. Analyze and examine client intake forms with support of licensed faculty members.
5. Generate with increasing proficiency session charting notes in SOAP format.

Learner Outcomes

Our objective is that each student of Central Piedmont Community College’s Therapeutic Massage Program will come to the practice of therapeutic massage and bodywork therapy with a creativity firmly rooted in education and experience. Graduates of the program will be trained to practice massage and bodywork therapy in diverse settings. To prepare graduates for employment in a variety of settings, the program strives to offer a massage and bodywork therapy education that provides:

Provides students with the principles and techniques to apply, with increasing confidence, a variety of classical and clinical massage and bodywork therapy modalities

Apply Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to provide safe and beneficial treatments

Utilize efficient  body mechanics to promote ease in the administration of massage and bodywork therapy techniques, while at the same time, preventing injury to themselves

Understand small business management skills to develop and operate a successful career within the laws and rules of North Carolina and other governing authorities. 

Demonstrate knowledge of psychological and ethical concepts to ensure dynamics of a professional therapist/client relationship are uncompromised. 

Integrate knowledge of health and hygiene into the practice of self-care for the massage therapist and the creation and maintenance of a safe and effective work environment

To enable students to communicate effectively with clients, other health care providers, and the community at large as to the benefits and advisability of massage.

Accrediting Associations

• NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Massage Therapy Certificate Program : Massage Therapy Program