Swedish Massage (66 Hours)

Swedish Massage explores the purposes, effect, precautions, basic strokes and variations of Swedish relaxation massage as well as issues associated with touch and trust. Students learn how to perform a full-body massage that includes the five basic Swedish massage strokes plus compression and fascia release. Proper draping, lubrication, bolster use and turning procedures are also taught, as are appropriate uses of pressure, rhythm and movement to enhance the massage’s effects. Students learn centering, grounding, efficient body mechanics, good hygiene and effective self-care while performing massage. Introductory record-keeping techniques are also taught. Prerequisites: none Corequisite: Therapeutic Relationships

 

Assessment & Treatment of the Lower Body (66 Hours)

In this course, students combine their knowledge of the muscular system gained in Kinesiology with the bodywork skills learned in Swedish Massage as they develop the ability to assess client tension and provide Deep Tissue Massage. The general principles of Deep Tissue Massage are addressed, including how to work deeply without causing pain, apply a variety of advanced strokes, and use fingers, knuckles, fists, forearms and elbows as massage tools. Focusing on the lower body, students learn how to identify tension in the major muscles; analyze joint range of motion for stiffness and restriction; and apply massage, movement therapy and hydrotherapy to relieve these conditions. Prerequisites: Kinesiology, Swedish Massage, Therapeutic Relationships Corequisite: Treatment Planning

 

Assessment & Treatment of the Upper Body (66 Hours)

In this course, students continue to develop the skills in assessment and treatment introduced in Assessment & Treatment of the Lower Body. Focusing on the upper body, students identify tension in the major muscles; analyze joint range of motion for stiffness and restriction; and apply Swedish massage, Deep Tissue Massage, movement therapy and hydrotherapy to relieve these conditions. Prerequisites: Assessment & Treatment of the Lower Body, Treatment Planning

 

Survey of Eastern Modalities (33 Hours)

This course provides a brief overview of a variety of bodywork modalities based on Eastern theories of meridians and flow of energy, including Shiatsu, Tui Na, Thai Massage, Polarity Therapy and Reflexology. The first part of the course addresses the concepts of meridians, acupoints and energy flow. Students then learn basic techniques for each of these modalities. The course material prepares students to make informed choices of electives, to take state licensing exams and to choose appropriate continuing education workshops after graduation. Prerequisite: Swedish Massage

 

Survey of Western Modalities (33 Hours)

This course provides a brief overview of a variety of bodywork modalities that developed in the West. The first part of the course addresses the history of massage and the variety of bodywork modalities in use in the Western world. Students then learn basic techniques for a selection of these modalities, including Muscle Energy Techniques, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Techniques. The course material prepares students to make informed choices of electives, to take state licensing exams and to choose appropriate continuing education workshops after graduation. Prerequisites: Swedish Massage, Assessment & Treatment of the Lower Body

 

Massage for Special Populations (37 Hours)

Massage for Special Populations provides an introduction to adjusting treatment plans to address the needs of clients based on their age, activity level, setting or medical conditions. The course begins with a review of a general massage for a healthy, moderately active adult. Students then consider the adjustments to make for a variety of special populations, such as: pregnant women, infants and children, seated clients, athletes, elderly clients, individuals with a trauma history, individuals with chronic medical conditions and individuals who are dying. This course includes a four-hour weekend class on preparing for the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists practical exam. Prerequisites: Treatment Planning, Assessment & Treatment of the Upper Body, Pathology

 

 

SCIENCE COURSES

Kinesiology introduces students to the skeletal and muscular systems. They learn the basic names and landmarks of the bones and joints as well as the origins, insertions and actions of the major muscles of the body. Students also learn how to demonstrate muscle locations and how to palpate each of the muscles studied. Prerequisites: none

 

Anatomy & Physiology (99 Hours)

In Anatomy & Physiology, students study the structure and function of the human body from the smallest cells to the largest systems. The course provides a general introduction to epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissue as well as to the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Students also explore scientific research in the field of massage and bodywork. Prerequisites: none

 

Pathology (66 Hours)

Pathology addresses the disorders and conditions typically encountered in a massage practice. Students learn how to recognize the major diseases as well as the appropriate uses of and contraindications to massage, movement therapy and hydrotherapy for clients with those conditions. The focus of the course is on developing critical decision making skills regarding massage for clients with medical conditions. Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology, Assessment & Treatment of the Lower Body

 

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Therapeutic Relationships provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to develop successful client-therapist relationships. The course begins with an examination of the role and effects of touch, including cultural differences, personal touch history, establishing trust and emotional responses to touch. Students learn about the legal and ethical requirements for massage therapists, including licensing regulations, standards of practice, scope of practice and professionalism. In addition, students explore the issues that contribute to effective communication with clients, including setting boundaries, active listening, assertive communication, managing transference and countertransference. This course includes a four-hour weekend class on understanding learning styles and strategies. Corequisite: Swedish Massage

 

Treatment Planning (33 Hours)

Treatment Planning addresses the question “How do I design a treatment that will successfully address my client’s concerns?” Students learn to conduct effective intake interviews, perform assessments, make decisions about where and how to work, record notes about the treatment session, conduct useful exit interviews and plan for on-going treatment. Throughout the course, students are introduced to a variety of visual and palpatory assessment tools, including postural analysis, gait analysis, range of motion and palpation. Students also learn about documentation issues, including confidentiality, working with other health care providers, HIPAA requirements and insurance billing requirements. Prerequisites: Kinesiology, Swedish Massage, Therapeutic Relationships Corequisite: Assessment & Treatment of the Lower Body

 

Business for Massage Therapists (33 Hours)

All massage therapists, whether they choose to work as an employee, an independent contractor or open their own business, need a basic understanding of the principles and practices of business. This course provides students with the basic skills and knowledge they need to make an informed choice about their career options, obtain employment, launch and manage a successful practice, maintain financial records, attract and retain clients, and engage in self-care practices that lead to success. By the end of this course, students will have a plan for creating a massage career that meets their individual goals. Prerequisite: Therapeutic Relationships

 

Clinic (66 Hours)

Clinic gives students the opportunity to provide massage to the general public under the supervision of an experienced instructor. Students handle all aspects of a massage treatment, including giving intake and exit interviews, performing appropriate physical assessments, developing a treatment plan, preparing a hygienic and comfortable massage area, performing massage and movement therapies, and applying suitable hydrotherapy treatments to their clients. Students also create and maintain client charts to record the specifics and results of all treatments, and receive evaluations from both their clients and the instructor. Throughout the course, students present client cases for classroom discussion and learning. The Student Clinic is the highlight and culmination of the East West College curriculum and prepares students to start their practice as professional massage therapists. Prerequisites: Pathology, Assessment & Treatment of the Upper Body, Massage for Special Populations (may be taken concurrently)

 

 

ELECTIVE COURSES

 

East West College’s elective courses are designed to enhance students’ ability to perform massage therapy at a high level. Electives are offered only during the day schedule. Completion of Swedish Massage, Kinesiology, and the pertinent Survey of Modalities course or holding a current massage license are prerequisites.

Chinese Massage (Tui Na) (33 Hours)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses massage, acupuncture, and herbs to encourage healing. The massage aspect of this healing approach is called Tui Na, which means “push, grasp”. In this course, students will learn how to use soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization techniques and acupressure points to enhance energy flow and increase client health and well being. In this process, they will apply the TCM concepts of Qi, the Five Element cycle, the fourteen meridians, and the Qi points. By the end of the course, students will be able to perform a basic full-body Tui Na routine that can be easily integrated into a general massage practice. Prerequisites: Swedish Massage, Kinesiology, Survey of Eastern Modalities or L.M.T.

 

Japanese Massage (Shiatsu) (33 Hours)

Shiatsu is an Asian bodywork modality developed in Japan to help clients increase their energy and well-being. Shiatsu is based on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is increasingly popular in the West. The course begins with a review of the functions of the meridians and the theory of Kyo and Jitsu. Students learn an energetic assessment (Hara diagnosis) and how to use finger pressure on specific points, stretching and movement exercises to move energy through the meridians. By the end of the course, students will be able to give a basic full-body Shiatsu session. Prerequisites: Swedish Massage, Kinesiology, Survey of Eastern Modalities or L.M.T.

 

Myofascial Techniques (33 Hours)

 Myofascial Techniques presents a whole-body, hands-on approach for assessing and treating strains and restrictions within the fascial system of the body. Students will develop advanced palpation skills so that they can detect and correct fascial problems using gentle stretching and unwinding techniques. This course covers superficial fascia, the deep fascia of the surrounding muscles and organs, and the deepest fascia of the cranial-sacral system. Prerequisites: Swedish Massage, Kinesiology, and Survey of Western Modalities or L.M.T.

  

Spa Therapies (33 Hours)

In this course, students learn the historical roots of effective spa therapies and trace them forward to their modern applications. Students become familiar with each branch of spa therapy, practicing basic techniques in aromatherapy, exfoliation treatments, body wraps, foot treatments, fangotherapy, thalassotherapy, ayurvedic techniques and stone massage. Prerequisites: Swedish Massage, Kinesiology, and Survey of Western Modalities or L.M.T.

  

Thai Massage (33 Hours)

Thai massage can be traced back in its present form for over 2,000 years. It is a flowing and rhythmic form that uses palm, foot, thumb and elbow pressure plus a wide variety of stretching techniques to encourage relaxation, stress reduction and health enhancement for clients. This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of Thai massage. Students will learn massage and movement techniques that can be practiced by themselves or in combination with other forms of massage. By the end of the course, students will be able to give a basic full-body Thai massage session. Prerequisites: Swedish Massage, Kinesiology, Survey of Eastern Modalities or L.M.T.

  

Trigger Point Therapy (33 Hours)

Trigger Point Therapy is a powerful tool that focuses on pain relief, performance enhancement and rehabilitation. Trigger points in muscles or fascia can cause pain and tension as well as decrease sports, recreational and occupational performance. They can also refer pain to other areas of the body, creating problems that are difficult to analyze and treat. This course teaches students how trigger points develop and persist, how to assess for them, how to map and track their pain referral patterns, and how to relieve them with safe, effective and comfortable techniques. Prerequisites: Swedish Massage, Kinesiology, and Survey of Western Modalities or L.M.T.