Helping Canadians get back to work.
Your Hands Practical Courses
Year One
Massage Theory and Practice
MTP1-The focus of this course is on foundational Swedish massage techniques. An overview is given of bio-mechanics, physical stress management, and corrective actions. This course includes client therapist/interview, health history, postural assessment, and determining when massage is indicated. MTP2-This course will further develop and integrate skills learned in MTP1 including; Non-Swedish techniques, introduction to scar tissue and lymphatic drainage techniques, physiology of tissue healing and the inflammatory process, and assessment and treatment of general orthopedic soft tissue conditions.
Hydrotherapy
Students are introduced to the therapeutic applications of water in all its forms. Safe use of hot and cold and other modalities, such as contrast baths, paraffin wax and sauna are included. This brief course presents the theory of ultraviolet and infrared light and their application in a massage therapists practice.
Clinical Assessment
Using the adapted Cyriax Model of Musculoskeletal Assessment, students will develop assessment skills including; patient history, visual observation, postural assessment, palpation, functional movement and range of motion assessment, muscle length and strength assessment, neurological, and special test assessment. Student will learn to perform, document, critically analyze/modify and integrate these skills while maintaining patient and therapist safety.
Myofascial Palpation
This course develops palpation skills and introduces direct and indirect myofascial techniques for restoration of muscle and fascia. This course builds on musculoskeletal knowledge from Term 1.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Students are taught how to facilitate the restoration of muscle and fascia to a healthy state, utilizing neuromuscular and fascial release techniques. A continued development of assessment, palpation and communication is included.
Sports Massage
The primary focus in this course is the use of manual techniques in athletic situations, including pre-event, injury prevention and rehabilitation. To facilitate skill development, integration and application of material learned in class, students will have the opportunity to work on-site at sports events.
Infant Massage
The Instructor leads sessions on safe and effective massage for young babies. Babies and moms or dads are present for the last session.
Year One Clinic
Students practice and integrate the skills they have developed to date under the supervision and mentorship of a professional massage therapist. The primary focus of first year clinic is systemic massage with emphasis on stress reduction and wellness. Students practice professionalism and teamwork, while taking responsibility for all aspects of clinic operation.
Year Two
Clinical Theory and Practice 1
CTP1-This course integrates all practical course material learned to date. Students are introduced to a treatment management model, and will apply assessment and treatment for specific pathological musculoskeletal and systemic conditions. Principles of exercise and its application and integration in the practice of massage therapy, with emphasis on core stabilization, stretching, strengthening, endurance, and coordination are covered. Comprehensive regional and systemic approaches will be used.
Clinical Theory and Practice 2
This course is a continuation of CTP1 . Students complete assessment and treatment of lower body pathologies and move into upper body conditions. The course focuses on integration of all skills and techniques learned to date, and prepares students for entry level to practise exams.
Joint Mobilizations
Students are introduced to the principles, indications and contraindications of joint mobilizations. Emphasis is on joint play assessment, and treatment through appropriate mobilization techniques. This course integrates musculoskeletal knowledge, palpation skills and communication.
Advanced Techniques
This course introduces advanced techniques that require a heightened level of palpative, manual and intuitive skills. A focus will be on understanding the benefits, contraindications and precautions. Techniques include counterstrain, cranial sacral, muscle energy and visceral techniques.
Advanced Myofascial Release
Students further their knowledge of how to facilitate the restoration of muscle and fascia to a healthy state, utilizing fascial release techniques. Second year palpation skills give new light to methods of soft tissue assessment and restoration for complex adhesions and injury.
Clinical Outreach
Students are placed in practicum rotations where they work with clients experiencing both chronic and acute pathologies. This allows the students to integrate skills learned to date, under the supervision of registered massage therapist supervisor/mentors. Such placements include Neurological, Systemic, Sports, Maternity, Geriatrics, Orthopedic, Cancer and Scar clinics. Classes are scheduled to facilitate preparation, debriefing, documentation and discussion of educational requirements. Some practicum's are scheduled outside of regular class hours
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Provincial Funding
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*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.