Courses offered at Sage School of Massage

Swedish Massage Foundations

This course lays the groundwork for students to learn the basics of draping, body mechanics, lubrications, self-care and the history of massage. Students will learn the application and effect of each Swedish massage stroke with an emphasis on applying the strokes to specific muscles. Basic interviewing and charting will begin to set the framework for other hands on courses. Ethics and communication issues will be addressed and applied to the practice of massage.

Soft Tissue Techniques

Building upon the foundations learned in Swedish massage, students will enhance their palpatory skills by moving deeper into the tissues to recognize various soft tissue conditions. Basic techniques such as assessment procedures, trigger point, myofacial, deep tissue, stretching and the use of tools to address and treat these soft tissue conditions will be practiced. Students will be introduced to the physiological laws of the body and will develop treatment plans for each client. Ethics and communication issues will be addressed and applied to the practice of massage therapy.

Introduction to Functional Assessment & Treatment

Students will expand their basic knowledge of assessment and palpation skills to the next level in understanding the biomechanical and neurological laws of the body. Orthopedic and osteopathic assessments, posture and gait analysis, deep tissue, myofascial releases, and muscle energy techniques will be added to the tools a competent massage therapist will need for success. Focus will be on the muscles of the pelvis and lower extremities. Pathological conditions relating to this area of the body will continue to build a strong foundation in clinical analysis for treating common pain and dysfunction. Ethical concerns will be reinforced.

Introduction to Myofascia

Students will learn new ways to work intuitively with the body by exploring the myofascial system and seeing the larger anatomical picture of the muscle/bone/fascia continuum. Prior knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology will be expanded upon and various techniques will be practiced. Clinical reasoning skills to assess and formulate a treatment plan in working with clients with specific pathological conditions will be practiced.

Exploring the Healing Arts

Even though the mission that interweaves throughout our integrated curriculum is treating injuries and pain conditions, exploring other manual healing modalities, is essential to becoming a competent practitioner. Introductions to Reflexology, Alexander Techniques, Feldenkrais, Aroma and Energy Therapies, CranioSacral, Chinese Medicine and other modalities spark the interest of the adventurous learner.

Hydrotherapy & Spa Techniques

The therapeutic use of hot and cold water in its three forms: gas (steam), liquid (water) and solid (ice) has been used in healing for centuries. Today modern applications of hydrotherapy have been scientifically proven to affect the circulatory system of the body. With the increasing demand for Spa employees this course will provide a basic introduction to spa applications, etiquette and procedures. Hands on applications of hydrotherapy, hot stone massage, wraps and scrubs will be practiced.

General Anatomy/Physiology I

Integration of basic anatomy, physiology and common pathologies of the human body that have relevance to the field of massage will begin the student’s background in the sciences. The integumentary, nervous, and endocrine systems will be overviewed, as well as the mechanisms of health and disease. Beginning medical terminology will prepare students for charting and clinical experiences.

General Anatomy/Physiology II

This course continues the integrated approach experienced in Anatomy/Physiology & Pathology I by completing the remaining systems of the body: the cardiovascular, lymphatic & immune systems and the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students will be prepared with this basic knowledge for a more comprehensive study in pathology as they transition into their Functional Assessment & Treatment courses.

Applied Pathology I & II

This course applies massage therapy techniques to the etiology of various pathological diseases and conditions taught in Anatomy/Physiology & Pathology I & II. Students will learn when it is appropriate to treat a client with massage therapy and when it is necessary to refer a client to another healthcare provider.  

 Kinesiology/Palpation I

We believe skillful palpation of the muscles of the body, whether practicing relaxation or treatment massage, are paramount in students becoming competent massage therapists. Students begin to palpate bony landmarks that distinguish specific muscle attachments. The anatomy & physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems will be studied in depth with emphasis on how the structure and function relates to movement and massage. Identifying origins, insertions and actions of muscles will begin the life-long journey of specific muscle discovery.

Kinesiology/Palpation II

Students continue their exploration of muscles and joint movements with emphasis on palpating specific muscle fiber directions, understanding specific types of muscle contractions and movement patterns.

 Kinesiology/Palpation III

Students finish the sequence of muscle identification/palpation and review muscles of the body.

Clinical Practicum I, II, III

Students will practice their new skills and gain valuable hands on experiences working directly with clients they do not know. A faculty member, who is licensed in the state of Oregon, will assist the student in providing an effective treatment.
I. Swedish relaxation massage (20 Hours)
II. Relaxation massage & treating a specific area of tension (20 Hours)
III. Relaxation & treating a specific injury or pain condition (20 Hours)

Career Success I & II

The culmination of a student’s education is to turn career goals and dreams into reality. Desiring to be successful is not enough. This course supports the creativity and individuality of student ambitions by goal setting and planning for success. Recordkeeping, a business plan, taxes, licenses, resumes, interviewing skills, marketing and insurance billing will prepare students for a thriving practice.

Communication & Ethics

Life is more fulfilling when lived with honor and integrity in all of our relationships and business dealings, yet much confusion exists among professionals regarding what is and what is not ethical behavior. Students will expand their knowledge and develop techniques to maintain healthy boundaries, enhance communication skills, and develop ethical standards to foster professionalism and safety.
 

Community Service

Educating the general public about the benefits of massage and giving free demonstrations is paramount to serving our community/other destinations after graduation. Various opportunities will be available to meet the diversity of student interests/possible career choices.

Research/Case Study

The key to professionalism in any field is to prove the validity of the work. Sage School of Massage supports scientific research, education and community service in furthering the profession of massage therapy. Case studies provide an opportunity for students to develop research, critical thinking, and communication skills and to contribute to future research and clinical practice. Students begin to develop awareness of the importance of research/clinical reasoning skills in Soft Tissue Techniques and practice these skills in the Introduction to Functional Assessment and Treatment.
 

Advanced Course Work:  Master's Program
 

Advanced Assessment & Treatment

Students will learn advanced postural and gait analysis, as well as, muscle testing techniques. Chronic pain, repetitive strain patterns, postural compensations and injuries are re-patterned neurologically to restore balance to the body. Strengthening exercises are assigned to the client to facilitate a new functional pattern. This course complements and integrates other treatment modalities previously learned.

Fascial Restriction Section

This course focuses on working with fascial restrictions that create excessive pressure on nerves, joints, muscles and osseous structures.  Students will learn to identify and release fascial strain patterns to eliminate pain, restore range of motion and balance the body. Movement re-education, client participation and communication is emphasized in this highly focused modality.
 

 Clinical Treatment Section

Designing an effective treatment plan for individual clients can be challenging especially for a new therapist.  Students will learn how to integrate the massage and myofascial techniques, postural assessment and gait analysis previously learned in the program by working with clients in a clinical experience.  Clients will have various injuries, chronic pain conditions, repetitive strain patterns and postural compensations that are painful or create dysfunction in movement. Case studies will be documented to track the effectiveness of the treatment given to each client.

Prerequisites to Course:
Completion of Advanced Assessment & Treatment

Research/Case Study

The key to professionalism in any field is to prove the validity of the work. Sage School of Massage supports scientific research, education and community service in furthering the profession of massage therapy. Case studies provide an opportunity for students to develop research, critical thinking,  communication skills and contribute to future research and clinical practices.