The Foundation and History of Massage

10 Hours

The concept of touch to heal and comfort dates back thousands of years. Touch is a natural response to pain and while the term massage is relatively new in the history of therapeutic touch, it has existed as long as humans.

To understand professional, structured, therapeutic touch, the learner must explore historical influences and the evolution of massage from its ancient foundations through projections for the future.

 

It is vital that massage students understand the function of all the body systems, how they integrate and the effect that massage may have on the body. Pathology is key in understanding a clients underlying conditions and how a massage may help or hinder their progress.

 

Students learn essential techniques that are useful in any aspect in the massage industry. These techniques are the fundamental building blocks of a career in massage.

 

Students will learn proper body mechanics, stretching exercises that are key in protecting joints and the practitioner’s body.  Students in the  traditional class will start their day with morning Yoga class there are 16 classes the student will in order to receive this certification. Students will be able to demonstrate proper body mechanics while performing massage. Students will increase their flexibility, stamina, muscle tone, as well as it will aid in their relaxation and meditative state.

Students will be taught the ability to properly protect the health and safety of themselves and their clients while in the facility and treatment room.  Establish the ability to identify safety hazards, how to prepare a treatment room and properly sanitize and reset a treatment room between clients.  

 

Business and communication skills are vital for a therapist to maintain a profitable practice. Important for both the Independent Contractor and Employee. Therapists need to be able to effectively communicate with their clients and other medical professionals.

Students will learn clinic management skills, SOAP note charting, basic tax preparation skills and business start up procedures.

 

There are a plethora of techniques that massage therapists can use to improve their clients experience. MATI offers specific preparation skills in various modalities. The students will have a strong basic foundation and knowledge of these modalities and the student can then make the educated decision which one best suits them for further education upon graduation. For a complete list, see our complete course listings here.

 

The student clinic will give the opportunity to work in a true massage facility setting and practice. Student massages with the public will be given on specific hours during classroom time. Students will be responsible for all facets of the massage process including performing the massage, room sanitation and preparation, laundry and necessary “behind the scenes” tasks, checking in clients, taking payments and completing SOAP notes.