MTPY 103 - Advanced Massage Therapy, Theory, Techniques and Practice

5 Credits: (3 lecture, 4 lab)

Course Description
The study of advanced massage techniques utilizing chair, table, alternate positions, and procedures preparing the student for entry level practice as a massage therapist. Information concerning professional issues and contemporary practice techniques of massage therapy will be discussed with emphasis on various practice settings for massage therapy in the community. Major concerns and trends of the profession will be presented and include ethics, licensure, personal safety, client safety, and continuing education. Knowledge and skills essential in developing and marketing a massage practice, preparing a budget, a business plan, reimbursement, quality assurance, and job readiness topics will be covered.

Prerequisite MTPY 102.

A. Perform advanced massage techniques utilizing chair, table and alternate positions.

B. Discuss information concerning professional issues and contemporary practice techniques of massage therapy.

C. Discuss various practice settings for massage therapy.

D. Describe major concerns and trends of the profession.

E. Explain ethical behaviors.

F. Discuss licensure, safety, and the purpose of continuing education.

G. Complete employment portfolio.

Content
A. Advanced massage techniques

B. Professional issues

C. Contemporary practice techniques

D. Practice settings

E. Concerns and trends of the profession

F. Job market

G. Ethics

H. Licensure

 I.  Safety

 J. Continuing education

 K. Employment portfolio

Student Evaluation
The student will be evaluated on written examinations, laboratory competencies, laboratory practicals, presentation on advanced technique, and employment portfolio.

Bibliography
Ashley, Martin. Massage: Massage a Career at Your Fingertips, 3rd ed. Carmel: Enterprise, 1999.

Beck, Mark. Milady’s Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, 4th ed. Albany: Milady, 2006.

Behrens, Barbara, and Susan L. Michlovitz: Physical Agents: Theory and Practice for the Physical Therapist Assistant. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis, 1996.

Budilovsky, Joan, Eve Adamson, and Bernie S. Siegel. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Massage. New York: Alpha Books, 1998.

Fritz, Sandy. Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1999.

Mitchell, Stewart. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Massage: A Step-by-Step Approach to the Healing Art of Touch. Boston: Element Books, 1997.

Purtilo, Ruth. Ethical dimensions in the Health Professions, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 1993.

Rothstein, Jules, Serge Roy, and Steven L. Wolf. The Rehabilitation Specialist’s Handbook.

Philadelphia: F.A. Davis, 1991.