Classes exploring the benefits, rationale, and application of massage should make up the bulk of your program hours. Regulating bodies typically require a solid understanding of the history, benefits, and effects of massage. Client assessment, contraindications for massage, and treatment planning are also covered in most exams.
Curriculum
Core curriculum for massage theory and practice aims to:
- Explore the history of massage and bodywork and compare to current massage practices.
- Identify documented benefits and physiological effects of massage and bodywork.
- Apply appropriate hygiene, sanitation, and safety to massage and bodywork practices.
- Strategize client assessment, session planning, and documentation.
- Apply and modify basic massage and bodywork modalities.
Curriculum can vary widely, but should include:
- History of massage.
- Benefits of massage and bodywork.
- Physiological effects of massage.
- Contraindications for massage.
- Sanitation and hygiene.
- Draping.
- Safety practices, including universal precautions.
- Body mechanics.
- Client intake/assessment including:
- Health history,
- Informed consent,
- Active, passive and resisted range of motion, and
- Postural assessment.
- Session planning/modification.
- Application/sequencing of common massage modalities.
- Hydrotherapy.
- Documentation.
Basic instruction in any massage or bodywork modality should include:
- Benefits.
- Physiological effects.
- Contraindications.
- Methods of application.
Methods
Massage theory and practice classes easily incorporate hands-on time. It is expected that students will be getting on the table and practicing on each other. The challenge is balancing core knowledge objectives with time for creativity and exploration.
- Frame a lesson by outlining the basic concepts and steps for practicing.
- Demonstrate specific skills, but limit yourself to showing only a few new skills within the demonstration.
- Write outlines on the board/overhead to guide practice sessions.
- Encourage repetition of new skills to facilitate mastery.
- Integrate new skills with well-versed skills to enhance understanding and competence.
- Allow ample practice time for integration of familiar skills with new skills.
- Circulate during practice time, providing guidance verbally, visually, and kinesthetically.
- Avoid smothering students with excessive feedback. Try cuing one concept (body mechanics, depth, specific structures, technique, etc.) and allow practice.
Sample lesson plan
View a sample lesson plan for a massage theory and practice class.