MWCC College Catalog — Massage Therapy

MTC101 MASSAGE THERAPY I

4 credits
This course concentrates on Swedish massage taught through lectures, demonstration and “hands-on” student practice. The five techniques of Swedish massage (effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration) are covered as well as the history and advancement of therapeutic massage. Additional topics include the effects and benefits of therapeutic massage; the indications and contraindications for therapeutic massage; the general principles and procedures of therapeutic massage; proper body mechanics and draping; professionalism and ethics; sanitation and safety practices; communicable diseases as they pertain to massage; equipment and products; and current laws regarding the practice of therapeutic massage. Prerequisites: BIO115 (preferred) or BIO203, PTA104 as a pre or co-requisite. Fall.

MTC102 MASSAGE THERAPY II

4 credits
This course covers deep tissue massage, myofascial release techniques, tissue mobility, and reflexive techniques. In-depth work focuses toward specific muscles/muscle groups of the upper and lower extremities, muscle palpation, and myotherapy related to and for injury, maintenance, and rehabilitation of soft tissue. Also included in this course will be discussion of common injuries, pathologies, and the indication/contraindications of massage. Detailed history, initial assessment, and developing a massage routine/protocol will be discussed and practiced. Seated chair massage will also be discussed and taught with the intent that students use this skill immediately in practicum settings. Prerequisites: MTC101, pre or co-requisite. BIO115, PTA104. Fall.

MTC103 MASSAGE THERAPY III

4 credits
This course covers deep tissue massage, myofascial release techniques, tissue mobility, and reflexive techniques. In-depth work focuses toward specific muscles/muscle groups of the head, trunk and pelvic regions, muscle palpation and myotherapy related to and for injury, maintenance, and rehabilitation of soft tissue. This course also covers specialized massage techniques that may incorporate breathing patterns, relaxation, and visualization techniques to enhance massage therapy. Hydrotherapy, or the application of heat and cold to the body to promote healing, will include physiological and therapeutic effect as well as precaution and contraindications. Prerequisites: MTC102, PTA104. Spring.

MTC104 MASSAGE THERAPY IV

4 credits
This course introduces a variety of complementary health and alternative therapeutic disciplines in hopes of gaining an insight into how these various modalities can complement traditional massage therapy, as well as to encourage a lifelong commitment to expanding students’ knowledge and skills. Topics covered may include myofascial massage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, hot stone massage, energy healing, and transforming stress, acupuncture, reiki, holistic counseling, yoga, polarity, lymphedema massage/drainage, pregnancy massage, infant massage, shiatsu, spa treatments, and aromatherapy. Students will also be required to complete a comprehensive anatomy and physiology review in preparation for the National Certification examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Prerequisite: MTC103. Spring.

MTC110 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS FOR BODY WORKERS

3 credits
This course introduces students to a global perspective of practice through the various elements necessary to a career as a bodyworker. Students will be expected to put together various components of their education, both theory and practice, in order to synthesize what they have learned into practice. Both independent practice and practicing for another agency are included in the course, as well as membership in a professional organization, licensure and certification, practice guidelines, development of a business plan, advertising, and record keeping. Topics such as professionalism, ethics, legal aspects of practice, and career advancement will also be included. Prerequisite: ENG101 or placement.

MTC201 MASSAGE PRACTICUM I

2 credits
Students are assigned to a clinical setting of supervised clinical practice. Students are expected to apply massage techniques learned in MTC101 Massage Therapy I advancing to massage skills. As students advance through massage curriculum they will experience working with a diverse population of clients in at least one clinical setting under the supervision of licensed personnel. With instructor approval, students may pursue individual areas of interest. Other areas of emphasis may include administrative and facility management duties and basics of business management. Clinical settings currently include the MWCC Student Massage Therapy Clinic on campus and a variety of health care settings. Prerequisite MTC101; co-requisites MTC102, PTA104. Fall.

MTC202 MASSAGE PRACTICUM II

4 credits
Students are assigned to a clinical setting of supervised clinical practice. Students are expected to apply massage techniques learned in Massage I and II advancing to massage skills. As students advance through massage curriculum, they will experience working with a diverse population of clients in at least two clinical settings under the supervision of licensed personnel. With instructor approval, students may pursue individual areas of interest. Other areas of emphasis may include administrative and facility management duties and basics of business management. Clinical settings currently include the MWCC Student Massage Therapy Clinic on campus and a variety of health care settings. Prerequisite : MTC201, MTC102. Spring.