Massage Therapy Program

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

TERM 1:

Anatomy 1 (Objectives):

• Understand medical terminology in relation to the position and actions of the body.
• Understand and gain functional knowledge of the musculoskeletal system.
• Know the basic outline of the arterial, venous and lymphatic systems.
• Gain a basic comprehension of the nervous system.
• Understand the structure and function of the joints of the body.

Assessment 1 (Objectives):

• Learn the basic principles of assessment required for massage therapists according to the CMTO’s Standards of Practice.
• Learn the standards of medical records.
• Learn the principles of gait and postural assessments.
• Learn the principles of neurological assessment.
• Learn the basic principles of joint assessment and other assessments.

Massage Theory and Techniques (Objectives):

• Learn proper positioning, draping and pillowing for all massage treatments.
• Practice appropriate hygiene procedures.
• Learn basic massage manipulations.
•  Understand and practice professional boundaries.
• Learn proper posture and ergonomics while performing massage treatments.
• Learn how to perform a relaxation massage.
• Learn appropriate self-care strategies.

Physiology 1 (Objectives):

• To provide a general level of understanding of the normal functions of the body systems, with particular emphasis on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
• To provide a basic understanding of the interrelationship of various body systems and the nature of homeostatic mechanisms.
• To enable the student to conceptualize the application of massage techniques and modalities to the body and its effects.

Therapeutic Relations: Ethics and Professionalism (Objectives):

• Learn Professionalism and the Ethical Role of the Health Care Professional.
• Develop self-awareness and keen assessment skills.
• Learn Critical Thinking and Effective Communications.
• Understand CMTO standards of practice related to abuse prevention.

TERM 2:

Anatomy 2 (Objectives):

• Understand and gain functional knowledge of the musculoskeletal system.
• Know the basic outline of the arterial, venous and lymphatic systems.
• Grasp a basic comprehension of the nervous system.
• Understand the structure and function of the joints in the body.
• Know the basic location and structure of the viscera.

Assessment 2 (Objectives):

• To learn all myotomes and dermatomes of the body.
• To learn the most common deep tendon reflexes of the body.
• To review ROM testing.
• To learn orthopaedic testing for joints, muscles and ligaments.

Advanced Techniques (Objectives):

• Reinforce and expand upon the knowledge and skills gained in the Massage Theory and Techniques course.
• To learn advanced techniques and apply them to the appropriate treatments.

Physiology 2 (Objectives):

• Grasp a general understanding of the normal functions of human body systems, with particular emphasis on urinary, respiratory, integumentary, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, muscular and skeletal system functions.
• Have a basic understanding of the interrelationship between the body systems and the nature of homeostatic mechanisms.
•  Conceptualize the application of massage techniques and modalities, and their effect on the human body.

Professional Development: Business and Law (Objectives)

• Understand applicable legislation, as well as CMTO by-laws, standards of practice and requirements.
• Acquire basic knowledge of business registration procedures; business planning; financial management, practice and requirements.

TERM 3:

Neurology (Objectives):

• Learn structures and basic functions of the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. ▪ Understand the histology of neurons and neuroglia, somatic motor and sensory pathways.
• Outline the origin and distribution of the cranial, spinal nerves and plexuses.
• Discuss dermatomes and myotomes, and nerve root testing.
• Examine various aspects of somatic sensation, include tactile sensation, temperature, pain and proprioception.
• Outline the divisions and functions of the autonomic nervous system.

Treatments 1 (Objectives):

• Learn the most common conditions treatable by massage therapy.
• Learn the principles of trigger point assessment and therapy.
• Learn the principles of assessment and treatment of chronic and subacute injuries, and soft tissue conditions.
• Learn the principles of treating respiratory conditions.
• Learn the principles of tendinitis assessment and treatment.
• Learn the principles of joint mobilisation.
• Learn the principles of combining different modalities and planning treatments.

Hydrotherapy (Objectives):

• Understand the principles of hydrotherapy using various states of water, applications, mechanisms, and their effect on the body.
• Learn common hydrotherapy methods and techniques, and apply them appropriately to massage treatments.

Pathology 1 (Objectives):

• Learn different pathological conditions.
• Understand the nature of pathological processes.

Microbiology (Objectives):

• Learn structures and classification of microorganisms.
• Learn human defense reactions and the infection process.
• Learn various communicable diseases (etiology, symptoms, transmission, prevention).
• Learn public health (vaccines, health promotion and epidemiology).

Nutrition (Objectives):

• Learn basic groups of nutrients.
• Learn the standards of healthy nutrition.
• Learn diseases caused by unhealthy nutrition and prevention.

TERM 4

Treatments 2 (Objectives):

• Learn the most common conditions treatable by massage.
• Learn the principles of assessment and treatment for tendinitis.
• Learn how to combine different modalities and plan treatments.
• Learn the principles of assessment and treatment for postural deformities.
• Learn the principles of assessment and treatment for neurological conditions.
• Learn the principles of treatment for arthritis.

Pathology 2 (Objectives):

• Learn various pathological conditions.
• Understand the nature of pathological processes.

Endocrinology (Objectives):

• Learn the endocrine system and control of hormone production.
• Understand the nature of pathological processes related to endocrine system.

Remedial Exercises (Objectives):

• Learn the principles and applications of remedial exercise.
• Learn contraindications and precautions for remedial exercise.
• Learn how to design effective rehabilitation programs.

TERM 4A:

Clinical Science Review (Objectives):

• Review multiple task assessment of conditions treatable by massage therapy.
• Review treatments for conditions treatable by massage therapy.
• Review palpation skills.
• Review massage techniques.
• Prepare and practice for certification exams.

Health Science Review (Objectives):

• Review the human organ systems’ structures and functions.
• Review pathological conditions of the human body.
• Review information related to public health and nutrition.
• Study main groups of medicines, their usage, effects and side effects.

Professional Development Review (Objectives):

• Review ethics and professionalism related to Massage Therapy.
• Review relevant laws and business practices for massage therapists.