AHL 304 - Deep Tissue Theory & Practice for Massage Therapy

2.8 Continuing Education Units (CEU). This course is not for Credit(s).

This course is designed to enable students to learn how to conduct deep tissue massage. Students will review musculoskeletal anatomy and apply their knowledge of Swedish massage techniques to their deep tissue massages. Throughout the class, students will palpate, apply deep tissue techniques to massages, and will begin clinical assessments for Swedish Massage. Topics to be covered include Swedish strokes and manual manipulations; Deep Tissue strokes and manipulations; surface anatomy; musculoskeletal anatomy; endangerment sites; and the indications and contraindications for the application of massage therapy.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. utilize and apply deep tissue massage techniques to both compartmental and full body massage therapeutic sessions;
2. engage in the application of breathwork along with mindfulness techniques, and utilize and apply biomechanical principles during the application of deep tissue massage;
3. distinguish between various therapeutic massage applications while incorporating Swedish and Deep Tissue massage techniques;
4. review and apply knowledge of client interviews and documentation as it relates to therapeutic massage sessions; and
5. demonstrate Swedish massage proficiency and perform therapeutic full body massages in a hands-on clinic setting that mimics a typical massage therapy work environment.