Join Our Massage Therapy Program

The study of the human body and the functions of the body’s systems is invaluable in the practice of massage therapy. Understanding the anatomy, the physiological functions, and the pathologies of the human body is essential in the development of a successful therapeutic practice. This course is designed to enhance an understanding of the basic structures, functions, and pathological conditions of the body.

This course details the skeletal and muscular systems. The gross anatomy and physiology course lays the foundation for structural kinesiology that is critical in your massage practice. Pathological conditions related to the skeletal and muscular systems are also a part of this course.

Understanding how the muscles work together to create movement is essential for massage therapist. This course will enable you to know where your clients will hold muscle tension based on their jobs, hobbies, and/or other activities. An anatomical and physiological analysis of body movements with relation to the muscles, the articulations, and the nerve tissues involved. The primary focus is to know what muscle movement is causing a client discomfort and the techniques to help reduce their pain. 

This course is a study of therapeutic applications of water, electricity, and light. Concentration is given to hydrotherapy (Spa Services), electrical muscle stimulation, light therapy, color therapy, and sound (vibrational) therapy.

Ethical standards and scope of practice, national certification, and Arkansas State Law will be discussed. SOAP Charting is a standard system of gathering and processing information relating to the clients’ health, and are commonly accepted by health care professionals. Business development, marketing, business structures, management, and policy statements will also be explored.

Students will learn to identify good health and personal hygiene practices, methods of prevention and control of disease, implementing universal precautions, information regarding treating clients with HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis and the development of a safe and hazard-free massage environment. Proper diet and nutrition has become an increasingly realistic concern in recent years. This class demonstrates how science and tradition can come together to provide practical understanding to students regarding how nutrition affects themselves and their client's health.

This course is an introduction to the history of massage; particularly Swedish techniques. Students will be able to complete a basic Swedish massage at the end of this course. The basic Swedish massage technique is the foundation on which students will learn to build their future skills. Correct body mechanics and posture are taught in order to create healthy habits that will be utilized throughout one's career.

This course focuses on integrating Eastern techniques into the massage setting. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure, Ayurveda Therapies, and Japanese Techniques will be discussed. 



**Information is provided solely for the purpose of passing the required exam for licensing in Arkansas. This is not an indicator of acceptable practices by the Arkansas Department of Health.** 

Students will learn basic application of Trigger Point Therapy, Reflexology, and Chair Massage sessions. This course includes history, zone theory, meridians, basic foot and ankle anatomy, terminology, assessment, contraindications, therapeutic relaxation, and self help techniques.

Introductions of essential oil chemistry, application/technique, research, and general precautions help to provide a foundation for the use of oils therapeutically.  The use of essential oils is a holistic treatment beneficial for focus, depression, calming, easing pain, and detoxification. 

Knowing the modifications for clients is always critical for successful treatment when common pathological conditions are present. Subjects include fibromyalgia, headaches, nerve compression syndromes, stress, fasciitis, diabetes, and arthritis. Also includes review of adaptive modifications specific to pregnancy, geriatrics, lymphatic/oncology.

This course focus is developing and applying a reliable therapeutic approach. Course will focus on integrating different modalities and techniques based on the clients’ needs. Massage for chronic holding patterns and injury release are reviewed. During this course students receive supervised guidance and practice in a clinical setting working with the general public.

Arkansas law requires participation in student clinicals and sets a maximum of 50 clinicals per student. Course focus will be working with clients, client intake, documentation, and office procedures. This is the time that students put it all together for the client. Focus will be on integrating different techniques and modalities to better address each client’s needs.