This course begins the work of teaching students how to work with soft tissue. Included are basic massage techniques with and without oil, the standard Swedish Massage strokes, discussions of basic massage contraindications and how to work with strains, sprains and spasm. Standard massage mobilization techniques and body stretches will be also be included, as well as basic massage protocols such as draping, practitioner ethics etc. Students will work on each other, and are expected to do a minimum of two practice sessions a week outside of class in addition to the 45 hours of direct contact hours that they will receive in the class. These outside practicum hours must be documented by the students in the form of their written observations pertaining to their work, and must also be verified by the clients upon whom they work.

(45 hours)