Course Curriculum

PHYSICAL THERAPY AND MASSAGE

Physical Therapy and Massage

Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history and was one of the earliest tools people used to relieve pain.

The term “massage therapy” includes many techniques. The most common form of massage therapy in Western countries is Swedish or classical massage; it is the core of most massage training programs. Other styles include sports massage, clinical massage to accomplish specific goals such as releasing muscle spasms, and massage traditions derived from Eastern cultures, such as Shiatsu and Tuina.

COURSE CURRICULUM

The healing touch of massage is one of the best gifts you can give your body. It has been used in human societies for thousands of years as one of the principal therapies for both mind and body healing. Massage is not only an aid for relaxing away stress and tension and stimulating healing, it also boosts circulation and helps tired bodies to rejuvenate themselves, ready for the rigours of everyday life.

The course consists of 24 Lessons, as follows, with a total of 196 brief videos to help facilitate the practical learning of massage techniques.

LESSON 1 – Introduction to Massage – preparing to massage, hand exercises, cautions, and contradictions – includes 2 videos.

LESSON 2 – Essential Oils – choosing and blending oils, applying oils, various oils and their effects, lotions, creams, and powders – includes 2 videos.

LESSON 3 – The Power of Massage – key benefits, massage sequence, stroking, fan stroking, circle stroking, circling thumb stroking, raking, kneading, wringing, rolling – includes 3 videos.

LESSON 4 – Percussion – pummelling,  hacking, plucking, cupping, shaking, rocking – includes 10 videos.

LESSON 5 – Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massage – basic anatomy, deep effleurage of the chest, spine, and shoulder, petrissage of shoulder, neck, and lower back – includes 4 videos.

LESSON 6 – Leg and Arm Massage – basic anatomy, massage to clear lymph, effleurage of the shoulder, biceps, arm, and palm, petrissage and compression techniques – includes 3 videos.

LESSON 7 – Abdomen and Rib Massage – basic anatomy, ribs, and diaphragm, and specific techniques for the abdomen – includes 2 videos.

LESSON 8 – Hand and Foot Massage – check the hands and feet, colour, temperature, skin condition, tension, moisture, the flexibility of joints, condition of nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, different massage techniques – includes 2 videos.

LESSON 9 – A Professional Approach – setting up in business, easing muscle soreness, understanding anatomy and physiology of the various bodily systems – includes 4 videos.

LESSON 10 – Self Massage – face and scalp, neck and shoulders, leg and feet, abdomen and lower back, arms and hands – includes 2 videos.

LESSON 11 – Swedish Massage – terminology, effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, tapotement (percussion), passive and active movements – includes 20 videos.

LESSON 12 – Manual Lymphatic Drainage – how it works, when to use it, treating a partner, pump and scoop, rotary movements – includes 4 videos.

LESSON 13– Beauty Massage – Face massage is the most relaxing and, the most beneficial of all massage – includes 2 videos.

LESSON 14– Pregnancy, Baby, and Children Massage – massage can be a positive boon that calms tension and reduces pain during pregnancy – includes 5 videos.

LESSON 15 – Massage for Health Part 1 – therapeutic massage for all – includes 40 videos.

LESSON 16– Massage for Health Part 2 – therapeutic massage for all – includes 40 videos.

LESSON 17 – Sports Massage – examines the benefits of sports massage – includes 20 videos.

LESSON 18– Massage and the Elderly – examines the benefits of massage for the elderly – includes 4 videos.

LESSON 19 – Chinese Massage – Chinese massage is a form of deep tissue massage with many benefits – includes 3 videos.

LESSON 20 – Indian Massage – examines Ayurvedic Indian massage for stress relief – includes 1 video.

LESSON 21 – Indian Head Massage – relax and soothe or invigorate and stimulate – includes 3 videos.

LESSON 22 – Thai Massage – one of the oldest forms from the 3rd century – includes 4 videos.

LESSON 23 – Shiatsu – has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine helping to stimulate qi through the meridans – includes 6 videos.

LESSON 24 – Reflexology – Reflexology is based on the theory that applying pressure to specific areas on the feet and, less commonly, on the hands and ears can affect internal organs and body systems, and therefore promote good health. Includes 12 videos.