AHL 308 - Neuromuscular Therapy- Theory & Practice

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

This course is designed to enable the students to learn the application of Trigger Point
therapy in a therapeutic massage environment. Students will review and alter body mechanics,
engage in breathwork techniques, incorporate palpation techniques in Neuromuscular Therapy,
and review the musculoskeletal anatomy of the human body and apply these techniques to their
Neuromuscular Therapy massages. Topics to be covered include anatomy and physiology of the
musculoskeletal system; the application of neuromuscular massage in full body treatment
sessions; treatment plan development; and ethical documentation. Indications and
contraindications for Neuromuscular Therapy will also be reviewed. Students will apply
knowledge of Neuromuscular Therapy in a medically based, hands-on massage therapy clinical
sessions.

Course Objectives

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

1. examine anatomical regions, planes of movement, anatomical positions and kinesiological
movements while applying deep tissue and neuromuscular manipulations to the human body;
2. apply anatomic directional terms when massaging the muscles, muscle attachments, bones,
and bony landmarks of the human body, assessing soft tissues for neuromuscular dysfunctions;
3. identify, recognize, isolate and release Trigger Points in the musculoskeletal system of
the human body;
4. differentiate between the use of sound and unsound biomechanical principles as it relates
to the application of body mechanics in the field of neuromuscular massage;
5. explore the indications and contraindications for persons living with neuromuscular
dysfunctional pattering and the implications for the application of touch therapy; and
6. demonstrate Neuromuscular therapy massage proficiency and perform full body neuromuscular
massages in a hands-on clinic setting that mimics a typical massage therapy work
environment.