Therapeutic Massage

The Therapeutic Massage curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct client care settings providing manipulation / massage of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress, and to promote health and wellness.

Courses include content in normal human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, ethical /legal issues, business practices, and psychology. Students should be able to perform entry level therapeutic massage with various populations throughout the lifespan.

Employment opportunities include health care facilities, chiropractors’ offices, spas/health/sports clubs, and private practice. Graduates may be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam.

Programs

For Therapeutic Massage Programs (A45750, D45750, C45750, C45750C2, Massage I & II)

Print and Sign that you understand the technical standards required for Therapeutic Massage.

The following listing has been prepared to assist you in understanding the technical standards of the Therapeutic Massage program in order to affiliate in the clinical setting and enjoy longevity in the profession.  The technical standards as stated here reflect performance abilities that are necessary for a student to successfully complete the requirements of the Therapeutic Massage curriculum.  It should be noted that under the Americans with Disabilities Act "A qualified person with a disability is one who can perform the essential function of a job with or without reasonable accommodation."

Standard	Examples of Necessary Behaviors (not all inclusive)
Interpersonal abilities are sufficient to interact with individuals of various socioeconomic, lifestyle, emotional, cultural, ethnic, and intellectual backgrounds.	Establish rapport with clients, colleagues, members of the business community, and other healthcare professionals.  Demonstrate patience and empathy with clients.  Demonstrate giving and receiving therapeutic touch with a variety of individuals. Perform practice work with all class members, instructors, clinic clients, and community service populations.
Communication abilities are sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.	Collect assessment data. Explain treatment procedures. Read charts and instructions accurately. Document and interpret clinical findings and treatment protocols. Communicate effectively, efficiently, and appropriately with peers, faculty, supervisors, other professionals, and clients.  Exhibit teamwork skills and a spirit of cooperation.
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.	Identify cause and effect relationships in clinical situations. Assimilate knowledge from lecture, laboratory, and clinical areas. Retain factual information and use it appropriately. Develop treatment plans. Demonstrate sufficient observation skills to collect data on client treatment and assure client safety during massage treatment.
Physical abilities sufficient to move around massage tables and treatment areas and use laboratory equipment.	Move around clinical space and equipment. Stretch, bend, lunge or squat as the need arises. Perform bimanual activities easily. Be free of musculoskeletal disorders which could inhibit work.
Physical health is sufficient to perform and receive therapeutic massage. NOTE: A JCC Physical Form must be completed and submitted before beginning the program.	Ability to remain standing and move around the massage table for long periods without fatigue. Be free of disabling or contagious diseases. Feel comfortable with touch, and with sick or injured clients.
Gross and fine motor abilities are sufficient to provide safe and effective therapeutic massage.	Use equipment appropriately. Use thermal treatment applications. Assist clients with transfer and movement on the massage table. Drape appropriately. Move clients through a range of motion activities.
Auditory and visual abilities are sufficient for physical assessment and monitoring of treatment.	Observe the client in the assessment phase. Observe and respond to the client during the treatment phase. Educate client post-massage.
Tactile ability is sufficient for assessment and treatment.	Perform palpation techniques, range of motion, soft tissue treatment modalities, and various manual flexibility techniques. Detect and evaluate change in the palpated findings.
Critical thinking ability sufficient for professional judgment.	Adhere to personal and professional ethics, healthcare privacy rules, and professional standards of boundaries.
Cognitive and perceptual abilities to progress through the coursework and apply skills gained to a professional level.	Modify behavior/performance in the classroom or clinic after feedback from the instructor or clinical supervisor. Show problem-solving ability sufficient to organize and complete multiple tasks accurately and within assigned time frames. Independently initiate routine job tasks. Respond independently and quickly to emergency situations. Deal with abstract and concrete variables, define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.