MTPY 101 - Introduction to Massage Therapy, Theory, Techniques and Practice

4 Credits: (2 lecture, 4 lab)

Course Description
An overview of the field of massage therapy including a history of Swedish massage from ancient to modern times. It includes an introduction to the different types of massage strokes such as superficial stroking, deep touch and kneading. Discussions will also include the indications (benefits), contraindications, and precautions of massage. The course will cover the role of disease in massage therapy. The study of body mechanics, positioning, draping, proper sanitation, hygiene, and safety will be covered. The course objectives are enhanced through varied learning experiences including lecture, laboratory, and readings.

Prerequisite High School Biology or BIOL 116 or BIOL 101 Corequisite BIOL 131

A. Discuss the field of massage therapy from ancient to modern times including comparing and contrasting the practices and evolution of the field throughout history. 

B. Apply the basic theory of massage therapy including the five major categories of Swedish massage strokes during client treatment. 

C. Demonstrate proper body mechanics, positioning and draping techniques. 

D. Discuss the relationship of anatomy, physiology and pathology to massage therapy. 

E. Demonstrate proper sanitation, hygiene, and safety procedures as required for massage therapy. 

F. Demonstrate the use of proper infection control methods during client treatment. 

Content
A. History of massage 

B. Description of massage 

C. Basic Swedish massage strokes 

D. Benefits (indications), contraindications and precautions of massage 

E. Relationship of disease processes in massage therapy 

F.  Proper body mechanics, positioning, and draping 

G. Sanitation, hygiene and safety procedures

Student Evaluation
The student will be evaluated on written examinations, and laboratory practicals. 

 Bibliography
Ashley, Martin. Massage: Massage a Career at Your Fingertips, 3rd ed. Carmel: Enterprise, 1998. 

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. 

Clay, James H., MMH, NCTMB and Pounds, David M., M.A., B.S. Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment. 2nd ed. Baltimore, Maryland: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008. 

Greene, Lauriann and Goggins, Richard W., CPE, LMP. Save Your Hands: The Complete Guide to Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists. 2nd ed., Coconut Creek FLS: Body of Work Books, 2008. 

Fritz, Sandy, Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby,  2008 

Fritz, Sandy, MS, NCTMB, Mosby’s PDQ for Massage Therapist: Massage Therapy Facts at Hand Practical . Detailed . Quick, 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier, 2009. 

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

Ochsner, Deborah. The Massage Therapist’s Guide to Client Safety & Wellness, Clifton Park, NY:  Milady Cengage Learning, 2009. 

Premkumar, Kalyan MBBS, MD, MSC (Med Ed.), CMT Pathology A -Z - a Handbook for Massage Therapists. 2nd ed. Calgary, Canada: Van Pub Books, 2009. 

Rothstein, Jules, Serge Roy, and Steven L. Wolf.  The Rehabilitation Specialist’s Handbook. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis, 2005. 

Salvo, Susan G., BED, LMT, NTS, CI, NCTMB and Anderson, Sandra K., BA, LMT, NCTMB. Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists. St Louis, MO: Mosby, 2004. 

Salvo, Susan G., BED, LMT, NTS, CI, NCTMB and Fritz, Sandy, MS, NCTMB. Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier, 2009. 

Werner, Ruth: LMP, NCTMB A Massage Therapists Guide to Pathology:  4th ed. Wolters Kluwer/Lippcott Williams & Wilkins, 2009. 

Werner, Ruth, LMT, NCTMB, Disease Handbook for Massage Therapists, Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010.