TMSG (Therapeutic Massage)

TMSG 1000 - Introduction to Therapeutic Massage - 2 Credits

This course presents an overview of the field of massage therapy and the evolving roles and opportunities of the massage therapist within the health care delivery system is presented. Topics such as history, licensure requirements, education, employment opportunities, professional organizations and the benefits of massage are covered. Ethical issues for the massage therapist are discussed. The student will learn basic techniques for hand and foot massage. The student is required to receive one full body massage from a licensed massage therapist during the semester. Lecture: 2 hours (2.5 hours in summer due to condensed time frame)

TMSG 1020 - Therapeutic Massage I - 4 Credits

Students will learn the five standard Swedish massage strokes, as well as complimentary strokes commonly used in Swedish massage. Through demonstration and practice, the students are able to perform a full-body Swedish massage in 1 hour. The theoretical principles including scientific study of professional touch is discussed. The indications, contraindications, limitations and physiological effects of these techniques are described. Introduction to documentation is provided. Students are instructed in the scope of practice, creating professional boundaries, the therapeutic relationship, approaches to care, proper draping methods, personal and client hygiene, obtaining a medical history, proper body mechanics, basic exercises for personal care, basic first aid, creating a business brochure and OSHA regulations to provide a safe and nurturing practice environment. Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours

TMSG 1030 - Therapeutic Massage II - 4 Credits

Beginning integration of assessment techniques is emphasized. Postural analysis is instructed. The relationship of neuromuscular and fascial restriction to postural abnormalities is explored. Students will learn the goals and methods of deep tissue massage. The indications, contraindications, limitations and physiological effects of these techniques are described. Students will focus on determining and applying the appropriate modality to achieve the goals. Laboratory experience will provide students with the opportunity to become comfortable with the techniques and documentation models. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, TMSG 1020) Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours

TMSG 1040 - Therapeutic Massage III - 4 Credits

Students will learn the history and techniques of oriental massage. This will include a study of the five element theory of the meridians and Eastern healing techniques as they apply to a variety of conditions. The indications, contraindications, limitations and physiological effects of these techniques are described. Students will learn methods and terminology for documentation. Laboratory experience will provide students the opportunity to learn the hands-on techniques of Shiatsu and Reflexology. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, TMSG 1020) Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours

TMSG 2010 - Therapeutic Massage IV - 4 Credits

The role of the Sports Massage Therapist is discussed. The course will focus on the uses of massage in sporting activities. An overview of common sports injuries and conditions is presented. Musculoskeletal concerns are examined. Students will understand the benefits and learn techniques for seated pre-event, post-event and training massage. Hydrotherapy as an adjunct to tissue and muscle healing is addressed. Sports specific massage and hydrotherapeutic methods are reviewed and presented in laboratory sessions. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, TMSG 1020, 1030) Lecture: 3 hour, Lab: 3 hours

TMSG 2020 - Therapeutic Massage Fieldwork I Internship - 4 Credits

This course focuses on community outreach and working with a healthy population. It is conducted in two parts. The first part (50 hours) of the course is the development and implementation of the “in-house” student clinic. The students will set up and run a clinic at CCRI providing massage service to clients from the community. The “in-house” clinic is supervised by program faculty. During the second part (50 hours) of the course, students will provide massage therapy services in a community setting where massage therapists are employed. During this second part students are supervised by a provider employed at the site. Both experiences will focus on delivery of massage services, professional behavior and communication skills. Students will gain experience relative to massage office practice, marketing, record maintenance, scheduling clients, accounting procedures and ensuring compliance with OSHA and HIPAA standards. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, TMSG 1020, 1030; Corequisite: TMSG 2021) Clinical: 100 hours

TMSG 2021 - Massage Practice Building - 2 Credits

This course focuses on providing students with knowledge of business management skills for massage practitioners. Students demonstrate writing their own business plan, research licensure issues and develop marketing tools used in establishing the “in-house” student clinic for TMSG 2020. Seminar topics include legal and ethical issues, record-keeping, taxes, pricing, bookkeeping, inventory maintenance, interviewing skills and resume development. Students are provided with an overview of OSHA, HIPAA and ADA regulations as they relate to the massage profession. (Prerequisite: RHAB 1110, 1030, TMSG 1020, 1030; Corequisite: TMSG 2020) Lecture: 2 hours Fall Only

TMSG 2030 - Therapeutic Massage Fieldwork II Internship - 5 Credits

The focus of this fieldwork is working with special populations including those with various pathologies and injuries. Clinical experience is provided in a variety of health care settings including private offices, nursing homes, group homes, athletic training facilities and hospitals. Experience is provided relative to office practice, record maintenance, accounting procedures and ensuring OSHA standards in the health care environment. (Prerequisite: TMSG 2020) Lecture: 5 hours, Clinical: 120 hours

TMSG 2040 - Therapeutic Massage Fieldwork III Internship - 4 Credits

The focus of this fieldwork is working with special populations including those with various pathologies and injuries. Clinical experience is provided in a variety of health care settings including private offices, nursing homes, group homes, athletic training facilities and hospitals. Experience is provided relative to office practice, record maintenance, accounting procedures and ensuring OSHA Standards in the health care environment. (Prerequisite: TMSG 2020) Lecture: 4 hours, Clinical: 40 hours