Massage Theory

Massage Theory Outline for massage therapy school

I. General History of Massage

II. Equipment, facilities and supplies

III. Practitioner self-care

A. Body Mechanics

B. Meditation

C. Hygiene

IV. Massage Procedures

A. Assess/determine clients needs

1. Interview –obtain client history

2. Observation-postural assessment

3. Palpation

4. Range of motion and strength testing

5. Establish goals and plan

B. Client positioning/supports

C. Draping and turning

V. Triggerpoint therapy

A. Causes and effects of triggerpoints

B. Basic alignment

C. Body reading

D. Integration of structure and function

E. Effects of Gravity

F. Effective and appropriate responses to clients needs VI. Basic Massage techniques-techniques and effects of each stroke

A. Demonstrate general techniques and identify physiological effects

1. Gliding

2. Kneading

3. Compressions/friction

4. Percussion

5. Vibration/jostling

6. Range of motion/remedials and movements

B. Integration of strokes, modalities and intent(pressure, rhythm, contact, pacing, and transitions)

C. Identify major modalities

1. Swedish

2. Deep tissue techniques/myofacial

3. Energy techniques

4. Triggerpoints/tender points

5. Reflexive/zone

6. Oriental/eastern

7. Lymphatic/circulatory

8. Neuromuscular re-education/body awareness

9. Other- Zentherapy, Feldenkrais, Rolfing, Hellerwork, Soma,

VII. Hydrotherapy

A. Introduction to hydrotherapy

1. Define basic terminology

2. Identify properties of water

3. Define and identify physiological effects of hot and cold

a. Local, systemic, and reflexive effect

b. Indications and contraindications

B. Demonstrate hydrotherapy techniques and procedures

1. Cold applications and equipment

2. Hot applications and equipment

C. Hydrotherapy relative to stages of healing and massage modality

VIII. Impact of Massage on health and pathologies

A. Applications of techniques and modalities based on desired physiological effects

B. Selection of relevant techniques and modalities based on pathophysiology, indications and contraindications

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Massage Theory Resources and Books

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