Level I Massage Therapy Class – 4 credit hours
Massage Therapy I provides students with the first level of massage education. Students learn a full-body relaxation massage in the Swedish tradition, seated massage, and introductory Stone techniques and theory. Learn basic anatomy and physiology focused on the musculoskeletal system and proper body mechanics. This class lays basic framework for the art of massage practice. It is appropriate for students pursuing a professional career in massage therapy as well as those who wish to share massage with family and friends. The class meets for 15 weeks.
Class hours include 23 hours in Massage Theory, 15 hours of Anatomy, 2 hours of Ethics and 5 hours of Pathology. 45 supervised practice hours are required. Check the practice lab hours to schedule for practice times. Total hours: 90
Level II Massage Therapy Class – 5 credit hours
Students learn deep tissue massage theory and techniques. This class surveys muscle group anatomy, intermediate pathology, client interaction practices and assessment skills. Students complete a lab project focused on assessment, treatment design, recordkeeping. Upon completing this course, students can perform an initial client intake and offer a full body therapeutic massage. Completion of Level I Massage is required to enroll.
This class meets for 15 weeks, 3.5 weekly class hours or 52.5 class hours. Class hours include 24 hours of Massage Theory, 22.5 hours of Anatomy, 1 hour ethics and 5 hours of Pathology. 60 supervised practice hours are required. Check the practice lab hours to schedule practice times. Total hours: 112.5
Level III Massage Therapy Class – 5 credit hours
This class focuses on the design and integration of healing techniques through 5-Element Theory, Acupressure techniques and Tui Na. Students learn acupressure, Tui Na massage and Hara diagnostics while exploring western and eastern massage philosophy and modalities. Students also begin an ethical exploration of the therapeutic relationship. Students practice the integration of massage techniques and energy-work in treatments tailored to meet the needs and pathology of individual clients. This class meets for 15 weeks, 3.5 weekly class hours or 52.5 class hours. Class hours include 9.5 hours of massage theory, 32.5 hours of related field theory, 16 hours of ethics, 5 hours of anatomy and 5 hours of pathology. There are 34 supervised practice hours that can be done at one’s own pace. The thirty-four hours are to be completed by the end of the 15 weeks. Check the practice lab hours to schedule practice times. Total hours are 112.5.
Anatomy and Physiology Class – 3 credit hours
An in-depth study of western anatomy and physiology, including understanding pathological processes as they relate to massage. Specifically body systems such as nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems are studied. Meets for 15 weeks, 3.5 weekly class hours or 52.5 total hours. Class hours include 45 hours of anatomy and 7.5 hours of pathology.
Pathology – 2 credit hours
An advanced study of pathology and the application of massage therapies and energy work. Students learn to design treatments based on the individual needs of the client. Completion of Level II Massage is required for enrollment in this class. Meets 8 weeks for 3 weekly class hours and includes 6 hours of massage theory, 15 hours of pathology, and 3 hours of related field theory and 20 supervised practice hours. Total hours: 32.5
Muscle Actions – 2 credit hours
Broaden your knowledge of specific muscle function. Students learn and practice the actions associated with each muscle through movement. Review of origin and insertions and general anatomy with a focus on assessing muscular function via movement patterns and range of motion. Total hours: 32.5
Advanced Lab – 4 credit hours
Practice how and when to choose massage, mobilization and energy work techniques to facilitate muscle relaxation and release holding patterns in the body. Participate in a group process to review massage techniques, integration skills, treatment design, record keeping, pathology, and assessment. Examine business practices and marketing. Meets for 15 weeks during 3 weekly class hours and includes 19 hours in massage theory, and 17.5 hours in business practices, 16 hours in theory application. 30 student clinic hours. Completion of Level II Massage is a prerequisite. Total hours are 82.5.
Stretching and Joint Mobilization – 4 credit hours
Take a three dimensional approach to delivering massage. Students learn to incorporate active and passive stretches for clients with common muscle and joint related complaints. Identify and examine the properties of muscular health in order to broaden massage practice to include stretching, breathing and mobilizing. The techniques for this work are derived from traditional Thai Bodywork, Yoga, Feldenkrais, Laban, and other modern movement theorists. Meets 15 weeks, 3 weekly class hours or 45 class hours and includes 25 lab practice hours. 17.5 hours of massage theory, 22.5 hours of anatomy and 5 hours of pathology. Total hours: 70
Track Class (2 required)- 5 credit hours (2.5 hours each)
Students may select from the following track topics to specialize: Neuromuscular Massage, Sports/Movement Massage, or Therapeutic Massage/Healing Principles. This class will focus on the treatment modality theory, associated pathologies and applications. Students will learn techniques and advanced treatment designs to specifically address client symptom presentations. Meets for 15 weeks, 3.5 weekly class hours or 52.5 class hours. Class hours include 32.5 hours of massage theory, 5 hours of anatomy, and 15 hours of pathology. There are 60 supervised practice hours. Total hours are 112.5.
Student Clinic – 3 credit hours
Students will work in our clinic serving our local community. Students will provide full session massages in a clinic setting. The clinic will prepare students to make the transition from student to professional massage therapist. Service delivery protocols including ethics, treatment design, and record keeping are practiced. Students work a minimum of 6 hours per week in our clinic. Total hours are 34, 7 hours of business, 2 hours of ethics, and 25 hours of application.
Elective Training
During each semester, CedarStone offers a selection of one-day elective trainings which introduce topics and bodywork modalities directly related to massage therapy. The topics of the electives vary from semester to semester and include such classes as practitioner self-care, aromatherapy, Alexander technique, reflexology, successful business practices, and how to establish a massage practice. Other courses will be announced. Massage Therapy Certification students are to complete 40 hours of elective courses and a CPR class to meet the requirements for graduation.