This subject sets the scene for a career in the massage industry by covering communication, goal setting, scope of practice, medical terminology, client screening, record keeping, ethics, legal considerations, occupational health and safety and symptomology of common contraindications. Students also learn how to adapt their treatment to account for the physical changes associated with older age, disability and pregnancy.

This module covers cells, tissues, and each of the 11 major systems of the body and their integration and control. Manual therapy requires an in-depth knowledge of bony anatomy and muscle; this subject covers bony landmarks in detail and the origin, insertion, action and innervation of 63 major muscles which a therapist could expect to be treating. The student can also expect to cover nutrition and energy systems in this module.

The full body massage sequence of 140 Swedish strokes to:

• Reduce stress
• Improve circulation
• Assist lymph function
• Enhance relaxation

Students can use these skills to treat: pregnant women, elderly, young and special needs clients. Also included in this wide ranging practical component is corporate seated massage.

Learn the required skills and knowledge to stretch the major body muscles, both passively and actively. This allows graduates to provide home care options to clients as well as helping with injury prevention. The module also covers the use of heat and ice (thermal therapies).

Reflexology detours from our other science-based training and provides an introduction to a traditional Eastern practice of holistic health. Reflexology can either be a standalone treatment, or used in conjunction with other techniques. Potential employers often like to offer the broadest range of treatments, which we are supportive of and encourage our students to be open to varied treatments.

This is the capstone experience of the course, involving the students planning, marketing and providing over 80 clinic hours to massage the public. It also provides students with an opportunity to start building their own client base.

Learn the skills and knowledge required to provide First Aid response at the scene of an accident until emergency qualified help arrives. This component covers life support, management of casualty(s), the incident and other First Aid elements.

Learn how to apply Thai Massage therapies with deep passive stretching and slow sustained compression. This is a process in which the client and therapist creating deep stretching to produce muscular release. Many clients find Thai Massage very uplifting and beneficial.