Massage Therapy Program
Course Descriptions
Anatomy and Physiology: 168 Hours
Students learn the scientific language and concepts of the body systems. This in-depth course includes lectures, descriptive observation, and demonstrations. Upon completion of classes, students have a working knowledge of the components and functions of the muscular, skeletal, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, and lymphatic systems. Indications and contraindications for massage pertaining to these systems are also addressed.
Massage Practicum: 300 Hours
- Case Assessment
Students learn to use their skills in special pathological situations, incorporating many of the modalities learned in the program into comprehensive treatment. Questions and answers in specific cases are addressed.
- Cryotherapy
This class teaches the use of ice in the treatment of trauma and disease. Indications and contraindications in the use of this modality are discussed.
- Swedish Practicum
Students practice on each other to master Swedish Massage strokes. The practicum offers the students time to explore learned techniques at their own pace with an instructor present. After completing 100 hours of practicum, plus two evaluations, students are eligible to work as professional interns under the supervision of an instructor. During this time students begin their 40-hour internship. Students are able to refine their skills and develop confidence needed when they are working on their own. During the internship students also practice marketing their skills by inviting guests to pay a minimal charge for massage.
- Massage Theory
Students are introduced to the history of body massage with its indications and contraindications. The five basic movements of Swedish Massage: Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement, and Vibration are explained in detail along with their various applications and uses. Understanding the effects on the circulatory and nervous systems, lymphatic circulation, and muscle tone are important parts of this learning process.
- On-Site Chair Massage
This introductory class allows students to see how on-site massage can relieve stress and muscle tension without the removal of clothing or the use of tables or oils. Students also learn where chair massage can be utilized and the benefits of chair massage in building one's practice.
- Range of Motion
Students are introduced to the various ranges of motion in each individual joint. They are taught to consider the different factors that can limit specific movements in specific joints.
- Swedish Lab
Lab consists of structured massage classes where students are taught a basic routine pertaining to each body part. After basics, massage labs are expanded to integrate additional soft tissue modalities, theories, practices, and applications.
Multiple Modalities: 100 Hours
AI provides students with a variety of introductory classes to learn options for specialization in massage therapy. Students are introduced to many specialty fields that are divided into three sub-sections: Health, Procedures, and Professional Skills. Allied Modality classes are subject to change during each program due to availability of guest instructors who specialize in these areas. Individual modality class hours vary; however, the Allied Modalities group cannot exceed 110 hours.
Specialty classes are selected on an "as available" basis from the following list of modalities:
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Health
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
This program teaches the student how to administer adult CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, and recognize the situations where these techniques are necessary. The instructor presents students with various common situations, symptoms, and procedures surrounding the administration of these techniques.
Colon Health
Attention is directed to root causes of bowel disease with emphasis on the benefit of colon irrigation as treatment. Prevention is encouraged by drawing attention to structure and function through visual aids, digestive tract slides, and demonstration of a colon irrigation with a student receiving a treatment.
HIV/AIDS
As required by the state of Florida, Massage Therapists are initially and biennially instructed in HIV/AIDS. This program details the history, means of exposure and protection, pathology, and symptoms of the virus. Students are taught how to protect themselves from exposure and protect clients during therapy through careful disinfection procedures and other practices.
Natural Remedies
Natural health care is presented stressing the prevention of disease rather than its cure with a strong emphasis on the presence of parasites. Methods for preventing common degenerative diseases are introduced, along with simple home remedies using charcoal, aloe, garlic, and common herbs.
Field Trip to Natural Healing Center
Students may visit several facilities to observe alternate therapies and methods. The class concludes with a visit to Wild Oats Market and cafeteria for a vegetarian lunch.
Standard American Diet/Vegetarian Nutrition
These classes provide the student with practical knowledge of nutrition and food value. The body's utilization and assimilation of foods are emphasized to show the relationship between diet and health. Refined and processed foods are compared to natural foods and their resulting effects on the body. The relationship between fat, salt, sugar, and animal products and some life threatening diseases is presented.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils in a body or facial massage. Classes include instruction and hands-on training in essential oils. Essential oils are the pure lifeblood and essence of a plant, tree, or flower.
Craniosacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapists manipulate the bones of the skull and the meninges of the CranioSacral system (brain and spinal cord). This is done to treat a range of conditions from headache and ear infection, to stroke, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. Students learn to palpate and affect (with only 5 grams of pressure) the movement of cranial and sacral bones along with the meninges. The course includes an overview of theory, instructor demonstrations, and hands-on practice by students.
Ergonomics
"Stand tall and erect" and "sit up straight" take on new meaning as students learn how to use their body mechanics to their best advantage during massage treatments. To help achieve the best results client positioning is also shown.
Geriatrics
Specific care of the elderly is addressed in this class. Indication, contraindications, and correct care in handling elderly people during treatment and "on and off" the massage table are discussed. Techniques known to benefit the elderly are shown and practiced.
Medical Massage
There is an eclectic group of techniques that achieve desired results during therapy sessions dealing with specific pathologies. Techniques are presented and practiced dealing with TMJ, whiplash, lower back pain, and more.
Infant Massage
The purpose of infant massage is to help the newborn adjust both emotionally and physically during the first year of life. Students are taught to treat the importance of the primary bonding between caregiver and baby. They also learn how to acquaint the caregiver with the appropriate touch techniques used in handling a premature or full-term baby.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Drainage utilizes a light rhythmic touch, pumping excess fluid out of tissues and back into the lymphatic system. This is different from the deep sweeping strokes of Swedish Massage that increase the movement of fluid through body tissues, Students learn the benefits and special applications.
Myofascial Techniques
Restrictions of the myofascial tissues can create pain or malfunction throughout the body, sometimes with bizarre side effects and seemingly unrelated symptoms. Students are trained in a number of different techniques that allow these tissues to resume correct function.
Multiple Modalities
This class is designed to acquaint the student with various modalities that are not offered elsewhere in the program. A discussion of the theories of 25 modalities allow the student to be informed about areas of specialization within the massage profession.
Neuromuscular Techniques
Student are introduced to the clinical characteristics, symptoms, causes, mechanisms, and possible explanations of myofascial trigger points. They learn the methods of examinations and treatment, typical responses, and post-treatment supportive activities.
Postural Integration
Students have the opportunity to learn the effects of structural alignment on the body. This class teaches the use of neuromuscular soft tissue manipulation in order to achieve proper biomechanical stabilization to reduce scoliosis and to release psychosomatic-physiological syndromes.
Radiological Studies
Students visit a Chiropractic office to learn about different types of x-rays and x-ray machines. They learn how doctors assess x-rays and determine a diagnosis. A complete tour of the office allows students to become acquainted with various treatments and equipment they may encounter.
Reflexology
Students are introduced to the manual technique for manipulation of the reflex points found on the feet. Techniques are used individually or as an adjunct to other therapies.
Rolfing
This is an introduction to very deep work of the muscles, reforming structure, and reeducating the chronic patterns of tension in the body. A practicing Certified Rolfer teaches class.
Trager®
This introductory class presents a form of massage that moves the body rhythmically and gently in a rocking manner, while shaking and stretching each area of the body to create a general effect of relaxation.
Sports Massage
The increased interest in fitness awareness and improving health brings a need for therapists trained in sports-related traumas. Students learn what injuries are common to particular sporting activities. They also learn how massage can help these injuries and how pre-event massage can reduce the frequency of such injuries.
Stretching Techniques
This specialized technique is used to both lengthen and strengthen muscles. Specific stretching exercises increase the ability of the tissues to lengthen. This enables joints to move through a greater range before meeting resistance from tension and muscle contraction activated by the stretch reflex.
Structural Integration
This deep tissue therapy is the original work developed by Dr. Ida Rolf. In ten one-hour sessions the myofascial of the body is systematically lengthened. In this way the structure of the human body returns to proper vertical and horizontal alignment. Students are given an overview of procedures with intensive practical application practice.
Communication Skills
Basic human psychology and self-awareness training prepares the student to listen to their clients affectively. Students learn to understand body language and to be sensitive to their client's needs. Through role playing students learn to deal with sex, illness, and drug-related situations.
Insurance Billing
Like most practitioners in the medical field, Florida State Licensed Massage Therapists can be paid by insurance companies for treatment or therapy on patients. In this program, students learn the specific terminology, paper work, codes, and opportunities involved in insurance.
Marketing and Business Practice
Practical insights for promotion are reviewed with students. A variety of marketing approaches are examined and students evaluate creative options for flyers, business cards, and other promotional materials. Ethical standards and procedures in business are reviewed.
Personal Development
Students are challenged to consider motivation as the key to success. During this class they are encouraged to establish goals and use a written format as a tool to develop a career path.
Hydrotherapy: 16 Hours
Students learn to perform hydrotherapy procedures as a related modality for the massage profession. Water in the form of liquid, steam, or ice, has long been used for therapy with documented therapeutic results. Hydrotherapy has been successfully used to relieve pain, increase white blood cells, fight infection, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. The instructor covers the use of saunas, steam baths, whirlpools, contrast baths, and hot and cold packs. Students may have the opportunity to visit equipped spas in the area.
Statutes and Rules of Massage: 12 Hours
The Florida Department of Professional Regulation has established Chapter 480 to protect the public from unqualified massage therapists. Rules and regulations of state law are presented to acquaint students with the legal parameters of their practice.
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