Massage Therapy Program

Certification Program: 600 clock hours of course work with the objective of preparing individuals for a career in Massage Therapy.  Program lengths vary from 6-12 months of study. IMSA’s program is an integrative teaching approach which is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Course

Massage Therapy Foundation & Professional Ethics

Prerequisite:  NoneTextbook required

An overview of massage therapy as a professional and career choice is given in this building block course.  Fundamental studies include history, philosophy, ethics and current political and professional issues, career opportunities, eastern modalities and survey of the many different styles of massage therapy and bodywork. Students explore topics related to scope of practice, the therapist-client relationship and various ethical issues.  

Fundamental Massage Techniques

Prerequisite:  NoneTextbook required

In this first stage of training in the art of massage, students practice basic massage techniques through a set pattern routine for a general full body massage.  Its purpose is to give practice in basic traditional massage techniques, stretches, draping, table mechanics, good posture, and to begin development of touch and pressure sensitivity. The learning routine will serve as a point of departure from which students will develop their own unique style in subsequent classes.

Anatomy and Physiology

Prerequisite:  NoneTextbook required

The scientific foundations of massage therapy are introduced in the elementary study of human anatomy and physiology. This study entails the basic structure and function of the major systems of the human body with emphasis on the muscular-skeletal and nervous and body systems.  Students become knowledgeable about and comfortable with terminology, as well as skillful at locating important structures.

Kinesiology

Prerequisite:  NoneTextbook required

The scientific study of human movement begins with a detailed study of the origin, insertion and action of the major muscles of the human body in a unique hands-on manner.  

Pathology

Prerequisite:  NoneTextbook required

Discuss pathologies with the goal of being able to make informed decisions about the safety and applicability of massage modalities. Develop critical thinking skills to be able to find information independently and to identify the variables that contribute to informed decisions.

Advanced Massage Techniques and Therapeutic Applications

Prerequisite:  MT102Textbook required

Practice in the art of massage continues as students learn to apply massage technique variations.  Building on their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, students are introduced to massage modalities, which can be used to promote a therapeutic benefit in clients.  Skills in joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger points and energy techniques are developed in order to provide treatment choices to the student.  The theory and principles behind these modalities are also introduced to further the student’s ability to begin selecting appropriate courses of action with clients.

Professional Practice and Business of Massage Therapy

Prerequisite:  NoneTextbook required

The professional practice of massage therapy involves both providing a service to clients and working within a community of health care practitioners.  An introduction to the business side of massage therapy includes topics of interest to the small business owner, as well as to the employee and independent contractor.  Topics include setting up and building a successful practice, bookkeeping and taxes, marketing, problems and pitfalls, compliance with local and state laws, and community relations.  Business plan topics will be discussed to provide a guideline for a business career in Massage Therapy.

Clinical Experience in Massage Therapy

Prerequisite:  60% completion MT102

Planning effective massage sessions and choosing appropriate approaches to unique client situations are essential to the professional massage therapist.  Students learn to use personal observations and information from client forms and interviews to design effective sessions. As they near the culmination of the Massage Therapy Program, students will have a hands-on work experience in the clinic executing 95 - 50 minutesmassage sessions with the public under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist.  The overall course is 100 hours, with the remaining 5 hours for post discussions of massage sessions.  

Integrative Studies

Prerequisite:  80% completion of Program

Integrative Studies focuses on preparation for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam through mock exams and journaling areas of study to focus.

Vargas Sports Massage Method

Prerequisite:  MT102

Practice in the art of massage continues as students learn to apply sports massage techniques.  Building on their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, students are introduced to specific massage techniques and applications designed to enhance athletic performance consisting of pre- and post-event massage.  This course involves common athletic injury assessment and treatment, injury prevention and restorative massage for improved recovery time following athletic training and events. This course will cover the massage therapist’s role in working with common athletic injuries such as shin splints, heel spurs, shoulder pain, ankle sprains, and strained groin muscles.  An overview of common areas of overuse and injury for a variety of sports is included.

Desire is the starting point of all achievement. 

- Napoleon Hill