Medical Massage Therapist - 200 Hrs

Cost: $2,750*

This program consists of these classes**: For specific dates and time for these classes, see workshop schedule.

• Medical Massage (64 hrs) Medical Massage includes 8 classes with techniques to address specific medical conditions. Learn to use various modalities such as Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, deep Swedish, and orthopedic testing to work with specific debilitating problems. Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training.
Medical Massage - Lower Back (8 hrs) Anatomy of the lower back will be reviewed and we will learn application of orthopedic medical evaluation tests for nerve involvement as well as technique. Be as effective as possible for clients with low back pain.
Medical Massage - Thoracic Outlet (8 hrs) Anatomy of the shoulder and neck will be reviewed. Learn application of orthopedic medical evaluation tests for Thoracic outlet as well as technique.
Medical Massage - Whiplash (8 hrs) This class explores the mechanics of whiplash, the anatomy of the neck/upper back and how massage can effectively address the signs and symptoms of “whiplash.” You will learn orthopedic tests for nerve involvement, RPM testing for specific muscles, and application and integration of several modalities in the treatment of this condition.
Medical Massage - Upper Body (8 hrs) Anatomy of the upper back/shoulder will be reviewed and several modalities used to work with these conditions.
Medical Massage - Hip/Thigh (8 hrs) Anatomy of the hip/thigh will be reviewed. Learn application of orthopedic medical evaluation tests for nerve involvement as well as technique. Medical Massage - Knee/Ankle (8 hrs) Anatomy of the knee/lower leg/ankle will be reviewed and we will learn application of orthopedic medical evaluation tests as well as technique. Medical Massage - Carpal Tunnel (8 hrs) Anatomy of the forearm and carpal tunnel will be reviewed. Learn the application of orthopedic medical evaluation tests for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as well as technique.
Medical Massage - Headaches (8 hrs) Anatomy of the head and neck and causes for headaches will be reviewed. Learn the application of orthopedic medical evaluation tests for cervical nerve involvement as well as technique.
• Any Lymphatic Massage Class (16-24 hrs)
  Lymphatic Facilitation (16 hrs) The techniques presented in this class were developed combining both European (Vodder) and Australian (Casley-Smith) to enable the practitioner to be effective at the end of the class. We will look at application for Lymphatic Facilitation for upper and lower extremities and general application for specific post surgical/traumas. This class is a must for those therapists desiring to develop a “medical massage” practice. Prerequisite: None.                       
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  Lymphatic Massage for Detoxification (16 hrs) This class will explore the concepts developed by Vodder, Foldi and Casley-Smith to facilitate the lymphatic system. Although lymphatic therapy is most commonly used today for the treatment of Lymphedema, we will explore how to adapt these techniques for assisting your clients in detoxification. Detoxification is a popular focus for many spas and health care professionals, and you will learn how to expand your practice into this market. This technique is non-invasive and easy to use by the therapist. It requires only a light pressure and easily adopted body mechanics. Lymphatic detoxification can be used to assist in many body system cleanses such as colon, liver, and spleen. It can also address systemic cleanses for heavy metals, nicotine, environmental chemicals and aid in detoxification for substance abuse. Many clients who have experienced relief from chronic fatigue/Fibromyalgia and other non-specific body pain. Prerequisite: None.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (16 hrs) Is a blanket term describing an approach to muscle/fascial work that uses the client’s “muscle energy” to make changes in ROM and reduction of pain. This technique is very easy to learn and integrate into any massage session. We will explore the physiology of muscles and their relationship with fascia. The connection of the nervous system and proprioceptors imbedded in the muscle is a component we will spend time learning. This type of work will make all of your other techniques more effective and you will not have to work as hard. Be a therapist that works smart, not hard. Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training.

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• Stretching (8 hrs) We will examine the physiological mechanics of soft tissue as it relates to stretching and apply appropriate techniques to facilitate change. The values and effects of static, ballistic, PNF, AIS, Muscle Energy Techniques and Pin and Stretch, will be discussed and we will practice application of all these techniques to the major muscles of the body. This class is a must for the therapist who is interested in empowering clients to take care of themselves. Prerequisite: None.
• Anatomy and Physiology for Bodyworkers (50 hrs) This lecture class offers an in-depth study of the organ systems of the body and their specific functions. The class will help you learn to “see” into the body and be more effective as a therapeutic practitioner. The class is taught system by system, and covers the chemical and structural processes of the body and the physiological effects of your massage strokes. It matches the physiological effects of your massage strokes to the changes needed in the organ systems. Your understanding of the functioning of the human body will be enhanced and it is an important class for massage therapists looking to take the national certification exam. Prerequisite: None.
• Assessment for Massage (8 hrs) This workshop will introduce you to adhesion and scar tissue release work. Old and new adhesions can cause long term myofascial pain and dysfunction, and postural distortion. You will learn client analysis including visual range of motion assessment and client verbal description of pain felt in the body. You will learn how to properly palpate and identify healthy and unhealthy fascia. You will learn how to isolate and release the adhesions and gain an understanding of how and why the body creates this dysfunctional situation. Various techniques will be used including orthopedic massage for joint work, myofascial release using cross fiber technique, neuromuscular re-education including trigger point-release, and facilitated stretching to bring the tissue back to its original mobile state. Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training.
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• Postural Analysis (8) Learn what the body’s position in space can tell you. Use your eyes to truly understand where the body pain is coming from so you can treat the cause and not the symptom. You will not only learn how to see the position, but also to determine which muscles are being utilized. This class is a “must” for anyone doing clinical massage or any kind of structural bodywork. Prerequisite: None.
• Insurance Billing (3 hrs) Medical massage is a rapidly growing industry. If you already have the training and experience for this facet of massage but are unsure of how to do the billing, then this class is for you! This workshop will cover a step-by-step process for completing and filing all the necessary paperwork to ensure that you get compensated properly and in a timely manner. Learn how to bill for the two most common types of insurance: Workers’ Compensation and Med-Pay (Auto Insurance). This is not a techniques course. Prerequisite: None.

• Stretching (8 hrs) We will examine the physiological mechanics of soft tissue as it relates to stretching and apply appropriate techniques to facilitate change. The values and effects of static, ballistic, PNF, AIS, Muscle Energy Techniques and Pin and Stretch, will be discussed and we will practice application of all these techniques to the major muscles of the body. This class is a must for the therapist who is interested in empowering clients to take care of themselves. Prerequisite: None.
• Myofascial Massage (18 hrs) Learn how to palpate and treat the fascia using gentle, non-intrusive technique. Sustained stretches will release patterns of strain and limitation. The technique is easy to learn and to do, and complements many different bodywork styles. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training.
• Myofascial Bodywork (8 hrs) The latest fascial research will be presented as the basis for interacting with fascia. We will look at this new information with the intent of exploring how this tissue effects the muscular and nervous systems. The mechanics of communication through this medium and the significance of the role fascia plays in disease are also a focus of this class, We will “play in fascia” and develop your palpation skills to identify areas of restriction and how to elicit change. Prerequisite: None
• Trigger Point Therapy (20 hrs) Trigger Point Therapy is a great addition to any bodyworker’s toolbox of techniques. In this course we will learn what Trigger Points are, how they are formed, the effect they have on a muscle, their many ways of referring and where they are located in muscles. Lots of hands-on time will be spent with learning how to accurately palpate and identify TPs. With this information we will learn proper ways of applying specific types of pressure and several ways of stretching to complete the release of the TPs. We will focus on the locations of TPs in the major postural muscles in the client’s body. Strong emphasis will be placed on proper application of technique, client communication, indications and contraindications. Prerequisite: 100 hours of massage training.
• Connective Tissue Therapy-Bindegwebsmassage (24 hrs) This class will explore the concepts developed by Elizabeth Dicke in the 1930s. Bindegwebsmassage is perhaps best described as a type of “reflexive” bodywork that can allow a massage therapist to effect change in viscera and connective tissue. This technique is one of the most prescribed therapies in Germany and is used in many hospitals and clinics as part of standard rehabilitation protocols. Sessions generally take about 30 minutes and can be done with your client in a massage chair or on the massage table. You will learn the A & P of the nervous system, as it applies to Bindegwebsmassage, and the protocols for addressing a wide array of pathologies. This technique is non-invasive and easy to use by the therapist. It requires only a light pressure and easily adopted body mechanics. Prerequisite: None.
• Neuromuscular Therapy - Pelvis (20 hrs) An in-depth look at the pelvis and its mechanisms. Discover why it is often the center of other body pain and dysfunction. Learn the secrets of unlocking it and assist your clients to improved function. Understand the stages of Rehabilitation and how to enforce them. This is the first in a series of NMT classes that will allow you to offer very effective structural bodywork to your clients. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training.
• Neuromuscular Therapy - Shoulders & Extremities (20 hrs) Structural evaluation and neuromuscular technique will be taught to release such conditions as thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, planter fasciaitis, and shin splints. You will learn to release all of the muscles involved and their pain patterns and begin rehabilitation. Also covered will be the forearms, hands, legs and feet. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training.
• Neuromuscular Therapy - Neck & Upper Torso (20 hrs) Structural evaluation and neuromuscular technique to release the Upper Torso and Cervical area will be taught. Assess how one part of the body will continue to cause problems in other areas. Highly specific work to fully release each area worked on. Spine, intercostals, abdominal and chest and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, will be addressed. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training.
• Microfascial Massage & Scar Tissue Therapy (8 hrs) This class will look at the anatomy of the fascial system and the physiology of the healing cycle. Bringing this information together to allow the practitioner to integrate client friendly techniques to address the micro fascia to reduce healing times and reduce scar tissue formation to a minimum. We will also practice how to address existing scars and help to reduce them and increase flexibility thru reduction of fascial restrictions. Prerequisite: 100 hrs massage training
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• Adhesion & Scar Tissue Release (16 hrs) This workshop will introduce you to adhesion and scar tissue release work. Old and new adhesions can cause long term myofascial pain and dysfunction, and postural distortion. You will learn client analysis including visual range of motion assessment and client verbal description of pain felt in the body. You will learn how to properly palpate and identify healthy and unhealthy fascia. You will learn how to isolate and release the adhesions and gain an understanding of how and why the body creates this dysfunctional situation. Various techniques will be used including orthopedic massage for joint work, myofascial release using cross fiber technique, neuromuscular re-education including trigger point-release, and facilitated stretching to bring the tissue back to its original mobile state. Prerequisite: 100 hrs of massage training.