TMAS 120 - Therapeutic Massage Training I

1. Identify and describe the anatomical organization and general physiological principles of the human body (E 1.1 I)
2. Identify and describe the physiological effects of touch and specific massage or bodywork techniques (E 1.2 I)
3. Identify and describe potential emotional effects of touch and specific massage or bodywork techniques (E 1.2 II)
4. Identify specific indications, contraindications and precautions to touch, massage and bodywork, considering pathologies and various populations (E 1.2 III)
5. Use healthcare and bodywork terminology to communicate treatment finds and therapeutic results (E 1.3 I)
6. Describe the purpose of assessment and data collection (E 1.6 I)
7. Develop a safe and effective initial session and on-going treatment plan, based on client goals, assessment findings, and understanding of effects of massage and bodywork (E 1.7 I)
8. Write clear, concise and accurate notes of client treatment sessions (E 1.7 II)
9. Communicate the plan and rationale for a treatment session to the client (E 2.1 I)
10. Obtain informed consent from the client prior to beginning a treatment session (E 2.1 II)
11. Modify the plan and therapeutic approach used during a treatment session based on client response (E 2.1 III)
12. Manage time within a treatment session (E 2.1 IV)
13. Identify and apply principles and protocols for massage and bodywork sessions (E 2.2 II)
14. Identify and practice appropriate methods of sanitation and personal hygiene in the performance of massage and bodywork sessions (E 2.2 V)
15. Describe and demonstrate standard precautions (E 2.2 VI)
16. Demonstrate safe and effective use of equipment (such as massage tables, massage chairs, bolsters) and supplies (such as linens, lubricants, gloves) (E 2.3 I)
17. Define and describe the effect of centering, focusing, grounding and breathing on the performance of massage and bodywork techniques (E 3.2 II)
18. Identify and demonstrate biomechanical skills necessary for the safe and effective performance of massage and bodywork techniques (E 3.2 III)
19. Define and discuss transference and countertransference (E 4.2 V)
20. Describe techniques for establishing and maintaining safe and respectful boundaries with clients (E 4.2 VI)
21. Discuss and demonstrate the use of draping during treatment as a professional boundary (E 4.2 VII)
22. Identify and describe the purpose of a code of ethics (E 4.3 I)
23. Identify and describe the purpose of Standards of Practice specific to massage therapy and bodywork (E 4.3 II)
24. Identify confidentiality principles related to massage therapy and bodywork practice, including requirements for HIPAA compliance (E 4.3 III)
25. Describe the history of massage therapy and bodywork (E 6.1 I)
26. Identify the role of professional associations for massage therapists and bodyworkers (E 6.1 II)
27. Demonstrate a professional image for massage and ability to work within the medical and health care community.
28. Identify and palpate basic superficial bony landmarks, muscles, origins, insertions and actions.

Basic massage techniques:

• Effleurage
• Rocking
• Petrissage
• Tapotement
• Friction
• Vibration
• Compression

Massage indications/contraindications

Physiology and effects of massage

Professional dress

Proper SOAP Note documentation

Session documentation

Scope of practice

Use of standard precautions

Body mechanics

Client positioning

Draping techniques

Endangerment sites

Full body Swedish relaxation massage sequence

Informed consent

Session preparation and safety considerations for clients

Basic Range of Motion
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)