Vicars School Massage Courses
Anatomy & Physiology
Year 1 & 2
The branches of science that study the structures and functions of the normal human body.
Pathology
Year 1 & 2
- Concepts of health and disease.
- Mechanisms of disease as they relate to the systems of the body.
- Pharmacology and medication.
Foundations
Year 1
- Massage tables, accessories, linens, lubricants, the massage environment, body mechanics, massage clinic equipment and supplies.
- Wellness, wellbeing, and self-care.
- Client safety.
Therapeutic Relationship (Ethics)
Year 1 & 2
- Massage tables, accessories, linens, lubricants, the massage environment, body mechanics, massage clinic equipment and supplies.
Palpatory Anatomy and Kinesiology
Year 1
- Massage tables, accessories, linens, lubricants, the massage environment, body mechanics, massage clinic equipment and supplies.
Biomechanics and Movement
Year 1
- Massage tables, accessories, linens, lubricants, the massage environment, body mechanics, massage clinic equipment and supplies.
Massage Techniques
Year 1
- Manual techniques of massage therapy, sometimes referred to as Swedish and non-Swedish techniques.
- Indications, safety considerations, effects, outcomes, and modifications for a variety of manual techniques.
- Client draping in a therapeutic setting.
- Application of massage techniques while the client is sitting erect or reclining.
- Use of infant and child massage techniques to create a nurturing and bonding experience between child and caregiver.
Orthopedic Assessment
Year 1 & 2
- The gathering and interpretation of assessment results to make informed decisions about treatment.
Treatment Planning
Year 1 & 2
- Scope of practice, standards of care, assessments, documentation, informed consent, treatment planning, and referrals.
- Factors affecting treatment for clients in different stages of their lives and for clients with physical challenges and health-related issues.
- Presence of a disease or condition that requires the therapist to postpone massage, avoid an area, or modify the client’s position or the delivery of procedures or techniques.
- The documented process of planning a client-centered massage treatment and plan according to client goals; subjective and objective intake information; the current health status of a client; and current best evidence for practice.
Remedial Exercise
Year 2
- Stretching, strengthening, and movement techniques for remedial exercise.
Business
Year 2
- Business, marketing, accounting, and finance knowledge and skills for the business of massage.
- Skills for the business of massage.
Research
Year 1 & 2
- Types of research, research articles, and research literacy that aid in understanding how massage therapy affects both physiology and psychology.
Supervised Clinical Experience
Year 1 & 2
- Practical application of theory and massage techniques performed in the context of a therapeutic relationship while in a supervised clinical setting.
- Module clinics and public clinics, including the general public; special populations (clients diagnosed with a variety of medical conditions); and outreach (variety of off- campus settings and events).
