AHL 310 - Applied Pharmacology for the Massage Therapist

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

This course is designed to enable students to explore clinical pharmacology as it relates to
the application of massage therapy. Students will review therapeutic drugs related to each
body system and will apply their knowledge during clinical assessments. Topics to covered
include clinical pharmacology for massage therapists; anatomy and physiological system
dysfunctions conjoined with appropriately used drugs; cancer related medicines and a
therapeutic approach; herbs; supplements; and alternative medicine.

Course Objectives

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

1. define pharmacology as it relates to populations living with systemic issues and its
implications for therapeutic massage;
2. determine what suitable therapeutic approaches are administered to persons taking drugs,
supplements and alternative forms of medicine;
3. identify the associated indications and contraindications for applying therapeutic
massage to persons receiving medication;
4. define and utilize how pain can be measured in the body and which therapeutic massage
applications should be applied to persons receiving medication;
5. utilize sound biomechanical principles & body mechanical movements when applying manual
and mechanical force to the soft tissues of the human body; and
6. review and apply knowledge of client interviewing techniques and ethical documentation as
it relates to pharmacology and the application of therapeutic massage sessions.