CLASS DESCRIPTIONS FOR ILLINOIS MASSAGE THERAPY TRAININGS:

MASSAGE I  SWEDISH MASSAGE

The first five weeks of the program are spent learning the basic strokes of Swedish Massage. This modality focuses primarily on affecting the circulatory systems of the body by using a variety of strokes, which help bring about balance and relaxation for the client. In these beginning weeks, much attention is given to the development of healthful body mechanics, respectful use of draping, and fundamental therapist/client communication. Upon completion of this massage modality, a student can expect to have acquired the skills and sensitivities necessary for subsequent segments.

MASSAGE II  POLARITY THERAPY

The forms of bodywork taught in this segment of the program deal with the concept and experience of life energy. Polarity Therapy is based on principles drawn from Chiropractic and Osteopathic medicine, as well as the healing arts of China and India. The resulting unique synthesis addresses life energy as it manifests at the physical, emotional and mental levels. The physical pressure of the hands-on techniques can range from very light to moderately firm, blended with rocking, vibration and stillness. The overall intent is to draw the client’s awareness to the patterns of life energy that form the body/mind continuum.

REFLEXOLOGY

This is the study of simple and complex reflex areas on the feet that correspond with all the major organs, glands and body parts. Reflexologists stimulate 7,000 nerves when touching the feet, encouraging the opening and clearing of neural pathways throughout the body. In this modality, a specific type of steady pressure is applied to the feet, stimulating relaxation and healing.

CRANIAL SACRAL

This light yet deep method of bodywork is used by physical therapists, massage therapists, and osteopaths. A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands under the client’s cranium, which allows them to tune into the craniosacral rhythms. By gently working with the central nervous system and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascial wrappings, the restrictions of nerve passages are eased, the movement of cerebro-spinal fluid through the spinal cord is optimized, and misaligned bones can be restored to their proper position.

MASSAGE III  NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY (NMT)

This therapy focuses on releasing acute or chronically contracted muscles and tendons by applying specific and direct point pressure to the myofascia of the body. The technique is similar to Oriental acupressure (Shiatsu) with regards to methodology, yet different in terms of physiological influence. NMT is a simple and effective way to reduce pain, tension, and stress that can result from injuries, poor posture and unbalanced nutrition. The method can also gradually re-educate the neuro-muscular system so that habitual patterns of restricted physical movement are reduced, and awareness of the causal level of tension is increased.

MASSAGE IV  CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE (CTM)

This modality addresses the superficial and middle layers of connective tissue (fascia) in the body. It effectively promotes relaxation, vitality, and increased awareness of postural bio-mechanics. Connective Tissue Massage is designed to introduce the student to a fundamental level of sensitivity and effectiveness with regards to working with the fascia of the body.

INJURY REHAB/SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports Massage is an integrative modality designed to help athletes throughout a variety of training phases. Within this modality the student is educated on several sports massage techniques: pre-event massage, post-event massage, flexibility programs, and maintenance massage.

STUDENT CLINICALS, PATHOLOGIES & INTEGRATIVE MASSAGE

Students are required to participate in and complete their professional training in the student clinic. In each session students will give two massages. We have found that this practice is of great assistance in bridging the gap between student and professional therapist. It is an opportunity to integrate all that is learned in the classroom and apply it to real life situations.

By weaving in pathologies and Integrative Massage into the clinicals,  the student has an opportunity to increase creativity, spontaneity and refinement of existing skills, while exploring the many aspects of this growing profession. These classes are used as an opportunity to practice the blending of the learned techniques, as well as a time to introduce the students to a variety of other massage modalities, ranging from Infant Massage to massaging the elderly. Ultimately, a holistic approach of this nature is aimed at supporting individuals in experientially knowing themselves and their work more fully. This process of discovery in self-knowledge will often lead to greater self-responsibility, happiness and peace.

KINESIOLOGY & PALPATION, STRUCTURE & FUNCTION, COMMUNICATIONS, ETHICS & BUSINESS

The purpose of the conjunctive studies courses is to provide students with a variety of massage related skills and knowledge at the theoretical and experiential levels. Effectiveness in the field of massage therapy is grounded in solid technical skills, tactile sensitivity, compassionate presence and theoretical understanding. A substantial portion of the conjunctive studies format is devoted to the study of Anatomy/Physiology, Kinesiology/Palpation of the human body, and Therapeutic Process. The conjunctive studies curriculum is rounded out with communication skills, universal precautions and health, business practices, ethics, and law.

The Anatomy & Physiology classes are an in-depth study of the structure, function, and pathologies of the human body, especially as these relate to bodywork. The Kinesiology & Palpation classes are the study of the muscular-skeletal system and how this is affected as we move through our lives. The intent of the “kines” class is to assist the therapist in being able to isolate and palpate individual muscles and the joints they cross, thereby elevating therapy to a more informed and intelligent level. In the Therapeutic Process portion of the course, students have the opportunity to weave together the didactic learnings with the actual experiential process, as it unfolds in the student clinic. The classes are a mixture of intellectual and body-centered learning. At this level of training the student is exposed to teaching methods based on the belief that learning is a multi-dimensional process. In addition to traditional lecture and discussion, the student is invited to participate in an ongoing dialogue between him/herself and others. This process can uncover and release patterns of emotion, thought, and belief, which may inhibit enjoyable learning. These patterns, while often stemming from educational environments of the past, are a rich and fertile ground of discovery when they arise in the present. What may initially be viewed as a stumbling block can, in an atmosphere of sensitivity and respect, become a great gift. Every effort is made on the part of the faculty to provide students with a safe, rich, and diverse learning environment that can be individually paced and tailored to the needs of specific learning styles. When various dimensions of personal experience are allowed expression, personal and collective development are enhanced. The conjunctive studies course content has been carefully selected and undergoes review on a regular basis. The faculty at ASIS have found the content and context of these classes to be invaluable parts of a wholistic approach to massage therapy and education.