MASSAGE THERAPY
STUDENT HANDBOOK
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Table of Contents
Preface ...........................................................................................................2
Introduction....................................................................................................2
Department Administration ...........................................................................2
Mission Statement..........................................................................................3
Definition of Massage....................................................................................3
Goals and Objectives.....................................................................................3
Program Description......................................................................................3
Sanitization ……….......................................................................................4
The Client......................................................................................................4
Appropriate Dress..........................................................................................4
Attendance Policies........................................................................................4
Sexual Misconduct.........................................................................................4
Course Descriptions.....................................................................................5-6
Course Syllabus...........................................................................................7-8
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Preface:
Like all of the other LWIT Health Science courses, the Massage Therapy
program requires higher than average expectations and demands. This course
explores the functions and dysfunctions of the human body. The course also
discusses the mental, emotional, physical, psychological, and physiological
benefits of massage. Students will learn a wide variety of modalities in order to
determine the best treatment for a certain ailment.
Introduction:
This handbook is designed to inform the students about the policies and
procedures required by LWIT and the Massage Therapy staff. The handbook
further discusses the scope of practice, contraindications, draping, ethics,
uniforms, massage equipment, and different aspects of professionalism. This
book will also restate the school’s attendance, and participation policies.
It is the primary goal of the LWIT staff that every student is successful; therefore
the use of proper body mechanics will be strictly enforced so that the student can
have a long successful career as a Massage Therapist. The instructor will
reinforce the fact that Massage Therapist who do not use proper body mechanics
last only a few years in the field due to injury.
Department Administration:
Health Science Coordinator:
Fara Amsalem 377-0918
Health Science Counselor:
Maggie Assaad 377-0912
Massage Therapy Instructor:
Lewis Perkins 377-0979
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DEFINITION OF MASSAGE:
The Florida Department of Health Defines "Massage" as the manipulation of the
soft tissues of the human body with the hand, foot, arm, or elbow, whether or not
such manipulation is aided by hydrotherapy, including colonic irrigation, or
thermal therapy; any electrical or mechanical device; or the application to the
human body of a chemical or herbal preparation.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Massage Therapy Program is to educate students in
accordance with the Florida Department of Health, and the National Certification
Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworkers. It is the goal of the school to
provide each student a quality education, so they can become successful
Massage Therapist. Each student will be taught professionalism and gain
experience by working in the massage clinics. The students will not only learn
different massage techniques and modalities, but will also learn business and
marketing techniques so that they will be ready to excel in the job market.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Our primary goal is to prepare the students to be effective Massage Therapist.
The instructor will introduce various employment settings, traditional and
nontraditional, so the student will know which field of massage they would like to
enter. The students will receive feedback from each other, the public, and
licensed massage therapist in order to improve and perfect techniques and
certain modalities.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The massage therapy program will include lectures, demonstrations,
assignments, clinicals, and evaluations. The classroom time will be focused on
the textbook material while the clinical time will focus on the application of
various modalities and massage techniques.
SANITIZATION:
The students are required to put dirty linen in the bin, disinfect each table and
wash their hands immediately before and after each massage.
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THE CLIENT:
The students are required to treat each client in a professional manner. The students will
introduce themselves when greeting each client. The students will also realize that all
information, whether verbal or by medical form, is STRICTLY CONFIDENTAL, and
cannot be discussed with other students. If a student wishes to share a certain ailment
that a client has with the class for learning purposes, the student must do so in a
professional manner without mentioning the client’s name or any features that will give
away that client’s identity. The students will also keep their client’s records with them
during the massage, understanding that leaving the files lie where others can read them is
a violation of the law. After the student completes detailed SOAP notes they will file the
client’s records in the file cabinet.
APPROPRIATE DRESS:
Students are required to wear their uniforms at all times unless otherwise stated
by the instructor. ALL students are required to keep themselves well groomed
and clean at all times. Furthermore, the students are not permitted to wear
dangling jewelry.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES:
Much of Massage Therapy is hands on application, so it is vitally important that
all classes and Labs are well attended. The instructor cannot repeat old material
for the sake of one individual. IF A STUDENT IS TO BE ABSENT ON A
MASSAGE DAY, THEY MUST CALL THE INSTRUCTOR SO THAT THE
STUDENT’S CLIENTS CAN BE NOTIFIED. FAILURE TO DO THIS WILL
RESULT IN DICIPLINARY ACTION. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE
SCHOOL’S ATTENDANCE POLICIES, PLEASE SEE THE LWIT STUDENT
HANDBOOK.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT:
ANY STUDENT THAT TOUCHES ANYONE INAPPROPRAITELY, AS
DEFINED BY THE FLORIDA BOARD OF HEALTH AND THE NATIONAL
BOARD FOR THERAPUTIC MASSAGE AND BODYWORKERS WILL BE
DICIPLINED ACCORDINGLY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN EXPULATION OF
THE SCHOOL. IF THE STUDENT FEELS THAT THEY WERE VIOLATED IN
ANYWAY, BY A CLIENT OR ANOTHER STUDENT, THEY MUST NOTIFY THE
INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
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COURSE DISCRIPTION:
HISTORY OF MASSAGE:
Students will study the history of massage from ancient to modern times, and see how
massage therapy has changed over the past few thousand years. By the end of this course
the students will have a vast knowledge of the forefathers of certain techniques and
modalities.
MASSAGE LAW AND ETHICS:
The students will study the Florida laws regarding Massage Therapy, Ch. 480, and Health
Professions and Occupations Ch. 456 as delegated and regulated by the Florida
Department of Health. They will further learn a code of morals and ethics also defined by
the Florida Department of Health and the National Board of Therapeutic Massage and
Bodyworkers.
INTRODUCTION TO SWEDISH MASSAGE:
The students will learn the five basic techniques in Swedish massage, and how to apply
each one. After they have mastered each technique, the students will learn how to identify
various contraindications for massage.
DRAPING:
Draping is the use of sheets, blankets, or towels, to keep the client covered during
clinicals. The students will learn diaper draping, and will need to properly drape EVERY
client that enters the massage clinic. Draping will be evaluated by the instructor, and
graded accordingly.
MEDICAL ERRORS:
The students will learn how to avoid medical errors, and complete detailed SOAP notes.
The students will understand that by taking detailed notes they can avoid the common
medical errors that massage therapist make.
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PATHOLOGY:
The students will study the abnormal functions of the body. They will learn about
different diseases and how they disrupt homeostasis.
HYDROTHERAPY:
The students will study various water applications of massage therapy. They will learn
the benefits of hot and cold treatments, and different types of therapeutic baths.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY:
The students will begin this lesson by learning the anatomy and structure of a cell. From
there, they will progress to learning the systems of the body. Emphasis will be placed on
the muscle and skeletal systems.
ALLIED MODALITIES:
The students will learn different massage techniques and beliefs. The students need to
keep an open mind, so that they can see the benefits of each modality.
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LORENZO WALKER
INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY
MASSAGE THERAPY (750 hours)
2006-2007
Course Information
Meeting Times: Full-Time Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Part-Time Monday through Thursday, 5:00pm – 9:30pm
Class Location: Building 1, Room Number 201
Prerequisites: High School diploma, TABE TESTING
Instructor Information
Instructor: Lewis Perkins, BA, LMT
Office: RM# 1-200B
Phone: 239-377-0979
E-mail: perkinle@collier.k12.fl.us
Office Hours: by appointment
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the entry-level massage therapy student to the
administration of professional massage therapy. For specific information about each course
please refer to pgs. 5-6.
Course Philosophy
In this course, we will examine professional massage therapy as a viable career choice for those
interested in providing heath care. Although the scope of the course is defined as “entry level,”
it must be emphasized that an extreme level of maturity is expected throughout the process.
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Course Texts
1. Beck, Mark, Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, Fourth Edition. Clifton
Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning, 2006.
2. Beck, Mark, Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage Workbook, Fourth
Edition. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning, 2006.
3. Sieg/Adams, The Illustrated Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Fourth
Edition. Gainesville, FL: Megabooks Inc., 2002.
4. Roseberry, Monica, Marketing Massage. Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning,
2002.
Course Objectives
The major goal of this course is to prepare students to become professional massage therapist.
This implies a thorough understanding of the human body, its anatomy, and its physiology. In
addition, you will be expected to practice various allied “modalities” that may enhance your
ability to succeed in the field of massage therapy. To this end, you are encouraged from the
outset to assume an extremely professional attitude in regard to the practice of therapeutic
massage. You will learn that the most important phase of any good massage happens before the
practitioner’s hands ever touch the client. Clear communication is essential. High ethical
standards are required, and, most of all, the desire to help others feel better via safe, nurturing
touch.
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Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of:
- Massage history and theory
- Professional massage therapy ethics
- Human anatomy and physiology as it relates to massage
- Effects, benefits, and contraindications to massage therapy
- Equipment and product use
- Sanitation and safety measures
- Massage therapy techniques
- Allied modality theory and techniques
- Successful business practices
Demonstrate the ability to:
- Communicate in a clear, professional manner
- Establish rapport with a client
- Use critical thinking practices to determine therapeutic courses of action
- Practice sound, safe, healing massage technique
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I acknowledge I have received, read and understand the Massage Therapy
Program
Student Handbook.
__________________________________________________________
Signature
CONSENT FOR PHOTOGRAPH RELEASE
I, understand that my photograph may be used for educational purposes. I
understand that these photographs may be used in class discussions,
reproduced to facilitate written and digital formats (i.e.; use on the Internet)
and/or used in public relations materials (i.e.; brochures, pamphlets, flyers).
Please check the following boxes as pertains to your limitations:
• Please check if you require your photographs to be altered such that
facial identity is hidden.
• Use photographs as taken and do not alter them.
It has been explained to me that these photographs will remain anonymous.
____________________________________________
Signature
Health SCIENCE Department
Consent for Release of Information
I hereby consent and give my permission to the faculty and staff of Lorenzo
Walker Institute of Technology to provide information, both oral and written, to
prospective employers; such information shall include but shall not be limited to
records, grades, performance evaluations, observations, and any other
information which might be pertinent to a prospective employer seeking to verify
and evaluate my qualifications for a position. I understand that I have the right to
revoke this Consent for Release of Information at any time, but that I must do in
writing and that any such revocation will become effective only upon actual
delivery to the Health Science Coordinator.
____________________________________________
Signature
____________________________________________
Print Name
____________
Date