DIPLOMA IN THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

COURSE MODULE INFORMATION

Human Anatomy & Physiology A & B

Tutor: Trina Bergloff-Howes

This course covers 100 hours in the classroom, and is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body. You will learn how the body is put together and how it works, and gain insight into the processes of disease and dysfunction.

Systems include: Human structure and function, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, integumentary, lymphatic, blood, cells and tissues, body chemistry, digestion, endocrine, acid / base balance, immunity, metabolism, articulations, neurophysiology, organisation, reproduction, respiration, special senses, and urinary system.

Students are expected to undertake at least one hour of home study for every two hours of class time in this subject.

Human Muscular Anatomy A & B

Tutor: Alison Grace

This course is an in-depth study of bones, joints and muscles of the human body.  You will discover the precise location of all the major skeletal muscles and how to palpate them and their bony insertions. The course is tailored especially to the needs of massage therapists and is central to the knowledge base of the course.

Students are expected to undertake at least one hour of home study for every two hours of class time in this subject.

Massage 1, 2 & 3

Tutor: Glenda Palmer

This component of the course comprises the study of Swedish Massage, which is based upon the 19th century Swedish Movement Cure. Swedish massage is one of the foundations of Western body therapies, well known for its benefits of relaxation, improved circulation and tissue mobility.

In the first part of the course you will learn the six basic strokes of classical Swedish massage, and how to organise these in a full body massage. This course will also incorporate massage techniques for pregnant women, infants, disabled, and the elderly.

You will also be guided through a range of relaxation techniques on a regular basis.

There is a practical assessment in this module.

Principles of Massage

Tutor: Alison Grace

We will cover the nature of stress and its physiological and psychological effects on the body, studying a variety of stressors, and how to assess clients' needs and design appropriate stress management programmes.

We study the needs of special populations; i.e. infants, the elderly, pregnancy and the disabled.

A study of communication skills will explore our attitudes and ways we have developed of "being in the world". We will investigate how this affects our client relationships and interactions. We also learn how to set clear boundaries, and how to communicate with clients and groups in a professional manner.

Other theory components include history, philosophy, ethics, legalities and scope of practice, effects and contraindications, equipment and materials, clinical practice, business studies and research.  You will also study health care and learn how to formulate a health care programme for individuals and groups.

Massage Assessment Process

Tutor: Alison Grace

This module studies client assessment in detail, including observation, postural assessment, palpation, and range of movement.  You will learn how to use the information gathered to form a treatment plan for the client and to re-assess at the conclusion of the treatment session.

Therapeutic Massage

Tutors: Alison Grace & Cathy Allan

After completion of the wellness massage and assessment process modules students learn how to carry out a full therapeutic treatment session; from assessment, through formulating a treatment plan, carrying out the deep tissue massage work to re-assessment of the client to measure results.  The twelve full-day sessions work on each area of the body in turn, and lead up to the end-of-year practical examination which is a requirement for membership of the national association, Massage New Zealand as a Remedial Massage Therapist.

Holistic Practice

Tutor: Glenda Palmer

This module teaches the student to combine techniques learned in all modalities to meet the needs of individual clients. Students learn to develop treatment plans utilising both Western and Eastern techniques to facilitate healing.

Eastern Modalities – Acupressure, Polarity, Shiatsu & Thai

Tutor: Glenda Palmer

This 100 hour unit will introduce you to energy healing techniques from China, India and Japan.

Acupressure uses simple, direct finger pressure to relieve common tensions and discomforts, and to rebalance our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.  You will learn specific acupressure points and release patterns. The course also teaches traditional theories of ch'i energy flow, yin and yang, meridians or energy lines of the body, and the five Chinese elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Polarity offers powerful, gentle and simple body techniques that incorporate relaxation, revitalisation and energy balancing principles, and the five elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth. The desired effect is relaxation of the physical body and resultant calming of the mind, which together promote the healing process. You will learn energy balancing techniques for specific body parts and general well-being, as well as chakra balancing, meditation techniques and creative visualisation.

You are introduced to Shiatsu which uses pressure on the body's meridians to promote and re-balance the flow of Ki energy around the body. ·There is a series of dynamic "katas" (movement patterns) which you will learn. Cathy Allan will introduce some elements of Thai Massage which has some similarities to Shiatsu.

Pathology for Massage Therapists

Tutor: Trina Berloff-Howes

This module covers common pathologies which will be met by massage therapists in their practice, and the implications for massage treatment.

Content includes disease awareness, infection control and cancer, and investigates common pathologies of the various body systems – dermatological, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic / immune, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive.

First Aid

A recognised first aid certificate is a requirement for the course. The full 16 hour course and an 8 hour refresher will be provided for those who need to complete this component.

Practical Modalities

Reflexology

Tutor: Cathy Caldwell

Reflexology is a modality using the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet corresponding to all parts of the body. It is a powerful touch therapy which has proven beneficial in reducing stress and bringing the body to homeostasis, a state of balance. This therapy is natural, simple and effective. The 14 hour course focuses primarily on Foot Reflexology, providing theory as well as practical hands-on learning.

Practitioner Self-Care - Movement Integration

Tutor: Alan Blacktopp

This comprises Awareness Through Movement ® (ATM) lessons based on the Feldenkrais® method, which offer a gentle way to expand your self awareness and body functioning. To be aware of who you are and how you function is the most important skill you can bring to your work as a massage therapist, because it enables you to enter your client's world more easily. You will also learn how to use your body effectively when giving massage to prevent self-injury.

Students may choose to complete the 60-hour Certificate in Movement Integration with a further two weekends.

Sports Massage

Tutor: Tina Cummins

This course covers pre and post-event massage and training enhancement, the role of stretching and the maintenance of an injury-free state. You will learn to assess your client's needs, recognise sports injuries and to apply massage techniques.

Aromatherapy

Tutor: Cathy Caldwell

In this twelve-hour introduction to Aromatherapy you will study a basic range of essential oils and how to blend them for use in an aromatherapy relaxation massage.

Massage Practicum A & B & Case Studies

Students are required to carry out 60 hours of unsupervised hands-on practical work out of class time with friends and public in the consolidation of newly learned skills. All practicum sessions are recorded and discussed with tutors. This includes eight case studies on clients with different health profiles (that is, with specific needs or conditions), three full-body wellness massages and ten deep tissue massages, as well as a 5-hour placement in a community organisation.

An additional requirement of supervised practicum is necessary for the graduate to be eligible for registration as a Remedial Massage Therapist. Each week students are required to carry out supervised practicum in the classroom. You will work with a student, a staff member, a personal client or a member of the public.