Massage Therapy

Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Manual Therapists provides students with the knowledge of the 11 body systems and the importance of the study of anatomy and physiology for manual therapy practitioners. They will learn and describe the levels of complexity for body organization and distinguish between the structural and systemic effects of manual therapy. They will learn about homeostasis and explain the key steps in the process from stimulus to response. 

Massage Theory and Practice I introduces students to the study of therapeutic massage.  Students learn the history of massage and research the effects of massage therapy including indications, contraindications, universal precautions, health related issues, and wellness education.  This course consists of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on treatment.  During this course, the students learn with and practice on each other. Topics include the five basic Swedish strokes (effleurage, petrissage, frictions, tapotement and vibration), touch without movement, and direct pressure as it relates to the musculoskeletal anatomy of the body.

The Massage Essentials course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles and techniques of massage therapy. This includes history of massage, professionalism, hygiene, self-care techniques and body mechanics. 

In this course, you will be introduced to the ancient Japanese healing art of Shiatsu, a form of massage therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote relaxation, relieve tension, and improve overall well-being. Students will learn about the history and principles of Shiatsu, including its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and the concept of energy meridians. Students will also explore the various techniques used in Shiatsu, such as finger pressure, stretching, and joint manipulation, and how they can be applied to promote physical and emotional balance.

Special Populations Massage I introduces students to trauma-informed care. Students learn how trauma affects the body and how to work with different populations that have suffered traumatic events. This course includes communication skills and specific techniques to increase perceived safety and connection.

Spa Techniques familiarizes students with the various techniques used in spas. These include wraps, scrubs, aromatherapy, and hot stone, in addition to massage.

Massage Business Practices I equips students with the skills to present themselves professionally in an employment setting. Students create cover letters and resumes, practice interview skills, and attend a Massage Therapy Employer Panel. 

This course is designed to equip the student with the business skills needed to practice professionally, either as an independent massage practitioner or as an employee. The student will develop a business plan, marketing materials, and other products that have practice ‘real world’ value.

Special Populations II will introduce students to clients with chronic conditions, post-surgery and cancer. They will learn safe and effective techniques to work with these populations including manual lymphatic drainage.

Massage Theory and Practice II will provide the students with the skills to work clinically with the body. Neuromuscular and trigger point therapy will be taught and practiced to help students work with clients recovering from injuries.

Massage Theory and Practice III will provide the students with the knowledge of the myofascial meridians of the body and learn fascial releasing techniques. Using previous knowledge of neuromuscular therapy and trigger point therapy the students will gain insight into stress patterns of the body and learn to release them accordingly.

This course focuses upon specific ethics of the profession of massage, as exemplified in various codes of ethics of major massage organizations and New Hampshire Rules and laws governing massage therapy and therapists. 

MASS127W teaches students about pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system and joints, as well as the pathological conditions of each anatomical system. The course covers communicable diseases and hygiene, as well as indications and contraindications of massage.

Special Populations Massage III students will learn about working with women specific conditions including pregnancy and postpartum as well as menstruation. Students will learn safe and effective techniques to work with women including abdominal massage therapy.

This course studies human movement and body mechanics. Learn about anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor control. Discover how kinesiology principles apply to sports, rehabilitation, ergonomics, and exercise. Gain insights to optimize movement, prevent injuries, and enhance physical well-being. Students will understand the science of human movement in this course.

Massage Capstone prepares students to engage in research in the field. Students create a research topic, collect and analyze data, and compare their findings to the latest research on their topic. The course culminates with a research paper and presentation.

Clinical Internship I, combined with MASS240W, fulfills the State of NH’s requirement that students have 125 hours of hands-on experience in approved programs of massage therapy. Students must arrange for their own massage sessions (schedule and clients). Forty-five of those hours are to be completed in this internship. Students must fully document their independent work under the supervision of a Licensed Massage Therapist and must have the Internship Coordinator’s approval. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous Massage Therapy courses)

Clinical Internship II, combined with MASS230W, fulfills the State of NH’s requirement that students have 125 hours of hands-on experience in approved programs of massage therapy. Students must arrange for their own massage sessions (schedule and clients). Eighty of those hours are to be completed in this internship. Students must fully document their independent work under the supervision of a Licensed Massage Therapist and must have the Internship Coordinator’s approval.