Course Descriptions

Bioscience 1 - 6

 

112-hour course

 

This series of six classes emphasizes the anatomy and physiology most pertinent to professional Massage Therapists. Designed both for beginners and those with advanced training, this course offers a comprehensive and practical foundation in human anatomy and physiology that will enhance your knowledge and effectiveness as a licensed practitioner.

 

Anatomy

The study of the human form

 

Physiology

The study of human function

 

Kinesiology

The study of human motion

 

The Art of Touch

 

16-hour course

 

As the initial encounter with healing touch for students at ASOM, this course is crucial for mastering the art of therapeutic touch. Believe it or not, it is common to find professionals in the field who have not mastered this art. Before delving into complex techniques, it is essential to feel comfortable touching another human being—often a stranger—in a confident, nurturing way. This course, and the entire program, will help guide you through any awkwardness or discomfort you may have about touching another person—training you to refine, and perfect, your Art of Touch.

 

Client Encounter: Interview & Charting

 

16-hour course

 

This course focuses on the client interview, a critical aspect of a massage session that helps tailor treatments to an individual’s unique needs. Students will learn how to review a client’s medical history, discuss current medical issues within the scope of treatment, and understand the client’s needs and preferences for the session. The course also covers the correct procedure for charting this information for reference in future sessions.

 

Swedish Massage

 

32-hour course

 

Swedish Massage, a traditional Western style synonymous with massage in the public eye, is the primary focus of training in many schools. At ASOM, Swedish Massage is an introductory style due to its less intensive anatomical knowledge requirements. It is taught in a way that reflects our commitment to graceful, flowing, effective strokes in every session. Swedish Massage will also teach some foundational principles and techniques common to most bodywork forms. By the end of this course, students are expected to perform a full-body Swedish Massage in one hour.

 

Chair Massage

 

16-hour course

 

Chair Massage is a versatile skill, applicable in workplaces, sporting events, conferences, and other public settings. It requires a unique set of skills and is a valuable way to build your client base and market your business. This course will teach students an effective chair massage routine adaptable to different durations.

 

Deep Tissue Techniques 1 - 5

 

80-hour course

 

This series of five courses explores Deep Tissue Massage, which constitutes the majority of the massage technique training at ASOM. Techniques learned in Swedish Massage are often employed as initial and final strokes in a Deep Tissue session. Deep Tissue techniques are more muscle-specific, targeting both muscle bellies and tendinous attachments, and sometimes require positioning the client differently to gain access to desired structures. Deep Tissue Massage builds on your deepening knowledge of human anatomy and function. Throughout the series, we will review relevant anatomy as it pertains to the techniques.

 

Deep Tissue Massage requires greater sensitivity and communication on the therapist’s part. There is greater potential for harm when employing deeper techniques. The benefit of this type of work is the increased opportunity to release stored muscle tension. The specificity allows the therapist to target problem structures more effectively.

 

Kinesiology

 

16-hour course

 

Kinesiology, the study of how the muscular system works to support the human body, is vital for massage students. This course will delve into the mechanics of movement as it pertains to Massage Therapy.

 

Hot Stone Massage

 

16-hour course

 

Hot Stone Massage has gained increasing popularity over the years, making it an essential technique. This course equips students with the knowledge of how to perform a one-hour Hot Stone Massage, prepare and handle the stones before, during, and after a session, and when it is contraindicated.

 

Prenatal Massage

 

16-hour course

 

This course focuses on the skills needed to safely and effectively massage women in pregnancy. A pregnant woman has special needs and requires the use of a specific approach and technique that supports and nurtures both mother and baby. Students learn about the physiology of pregnancy and most importantly, to recognize potential contraindications for massage during pregnancy.

 

Neuro Muscular Technique (NMT)

 

16-hour course

 

Neuro Muscular Technique is an approach to breaking the pattern of spasms in dysfunctional muscles by identifying and working directly on trigger points. This course explores the techniques of palpating and recognizing trigger points, and the methods of “releasing” muscles through direct work on these hyper-irritable areas.

 

Sports Massage

 

32-hour course

 

This course introduces the combination of techniques and approaches needed when working with athletes at various stages of training. The demand of athletic pursuits puts extra stress on the body, making athletes very receptive to—and in need of—therapeutic bodywork. Students learn how to work with athletes before, during, and after athletic events, as well as during maintenance phases.

 

Nutrition

 

16-hour course

 

A key principle of the ASOM Core Program is the concept of wellness. While this is not a course to become a nutritionist, it lays a foundation for understanding yourself and your client’s needs, promoting a more holistic approach to your practice.

 

Pathology 1 - 3

 

48-hour course

 

What is Pathology?

 

Pathology is an alteration in physiology and biochemistry that results in the dysfunction of cells, tissues, organs, and ultimately, the whole person. The more you know about human pathology, the better you will target your treatments for more effective results. These three courses provide an understanding of the general pathological process and specific disease profiles, informing more effective treatment strategies. Students will also learn what conditions require caution or avoidance, which diseases may be helped through massage therapy, and how to make observations that may require a referral to a physician.

 

Ethical & Professional Conduct for the Massage Therapist

 

16-hour course

 

As a professional Massage Therapist, the clients you work with will make themselves physically, emotionally, and personally vulnerable to you. You must gain your client’s trust by defining and maintaining this as a professional relationship. In this course, students will learn about the philosophical, cultural, and legal boundaries, rules, and codes that define the profession, emphasizing the creation and maintenance of professional relationships.

 

Lymphatic Massage

 

12-hour course

 

Our Lymphatic Massage course offers an in-depth exploration of techniques designed to enhance the body's natural lymphatic flow, promoting detoxification and boosting the immune system. Students will have hands-on practice for the gentle and deep, rhythmic massage strokes tailored to stimulate lymph movement.

 

Business Practices

 

16-hour course

 

Students are often drawn to Massage Therapy to own their own practice or massage business. This course provides insights into running a successful business, covering topics such as marketing, office organization, and billing. Students are expected to create their own mission statement and business plan.

 

Spa Modalities

 

16-hour course

 

This course explores the spectrum of massage and spa treatments offered today, training students in performing key spa treatments. Treatments taught include body wraps, sugar scrubs, hydrotherapy, the use of heat and cold, and more. Other exotic massage techniques and styles are explored as well.

 

First Aid & CPR Certification

 

4-hour course

 

While working directly with individuals in a private setting, many of whom may have a diagnosed disease, medical prescriptions, or both, the Massage Therapist must be prepared to respond in a medical emergency. You will become certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heartsaver First Aid. These are provider-level certifications taught by a certified American Heart Association instructor.

 

Supervised Clinic Hours

 

80 hours

 

One of the most crucial parts of your training is the hands-on work in the Student Clinic under a licensed professional’s supervision. Students will work directly with clients at the school clinic in Bar Harbor. Supervision by a licensed professional allows students to ask questions and clarify their approach to individual clients and their specific needs. Clinic supervisors may access student massage sessions throughout the clinic shift. You will receive feedback from your supervisor and your clients to help improve your technique.

 

Event Time

 

24 hours

 

This series provides students with opportunities to complement training in various off-site settings. Students will practice various aspects of the curriculum in real-world environments under a licensed professional’s supervision.

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