Science in Health & Disease
Science of the Human Body in Health & Disease — Total: 198 hours
Physiology — 79 hours
(includes 4 hours of Pathology)
This course is a concentrated study of the human musculoskeletal system: muscles, bones, and joints and their movements. Understanding the structure and function of this system is essential to safely and effectively perform many massage therapy and personal training techniques. Our instruction includes an introduction to medical terminology.
Physiology — 79 hours
This course is an in-depth overview of the structure and function of the human body, covering all major body systems except for musculoskeletal (see above), including the cardiovascular, integumentary, endocrine, lymphatic, immune, digestive, urinary, reproductive, respiratory, and nervous systems. Under the coverage of each system, we detail common diseases and disorders, indicating indications and contraindications for massage therapy. We include medical terminology, the physiological effects of stress and touch, and accessing and understanding supportive research.
Pathology — 40 hours (includes 8 hours as part of Anatomy & Physiology)
In this class we continue to address understanding the musculoskeletal system's response to stress, including both acute and chronic conditions. Students will learn about common diseases seen in practice. Students will develop a working knowledge of common musculoskeletal pathologies, especially as they relate to massage, including indications and contraindications.
Anatomy/Kinesiology II: Theory & Practice —
20 hours
Massage therapists are frequently asked by their clients for exercises they can do to help alleviate or prevent the repetitive sore and/or knotted muscles they are experiencing. Massage therapists need a thorough understanding of how the musculoskeletal system works; how to strengthen specific muscles or muscle groups; and how to prevent injuries. This class builds on knowledge learned in Anatomy/Kinesiology I through practical application of anatomy and kinesiology principles in living persons.
This course helps our students know how to better understand the kinesiology of exercise, biomechanical concepts of movement, and how it pertains to sports & movements of the musculoskeletal system, including activities like bicycling, walking and running as well as resistance exercises. The course goal is to allow massage therapists to better understand how muscle tightness and muscle weakness can affect biomechanics and your treatment plan; as well as helping clients with how to incorporate exercise into their own self-care routines for health.
