Swedish  Massage (125 hours)
Swedish massage forms the basis of the contemporary Western approach to massage. This course includes history, the importance of touch, contraindications, body mechanics, basic strokes (effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, vibration, nerve strokes, and Swedish movements). Our approach is to be precise and thorough in teaching soft tissue manipulation, while cultivating mindfulness regarding the body, mind, and spirit of the client.

Trigger Point and Fascial Therapy ( 45 hours)
It is currently estimated that at some point in their lives approximately 90% of all Americans will experience some sort of myofascial pain that has its roots in some dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.  In this class, you will learn to discern your client’s needs through palpation as well as find and release trigger points.

Muscle Energy Techniques (18 hours)
MET methods employ the client's own muscular effort to achieve changes in soft tissues.  An understanding of proprioception and neuromuscular interaction and applying these forces will be examined.  Using these techniques will help you work smarter and help your clients achieve greater results.

Pregnancy Massage (6 hours)
A pregnant woman’s body goes through tremendous changes through the childbirth experience.  Many of these changes can be physically taxing and uncomfortable.  These special clients require therapists with special skills.  In this class you will learn the skills needed to provide a safe and relaxing massage to your client during this special time.

Chair Massage (6 hours)
Chair massage was brought to prominence by David Palmer.  His vision was to make massage safe, affordable, and available to anyone, anytime, anywhere. In this class you will learn special techniques for the back, neck and shoulders for a client in the seated position.

Human Anatomy (50 hours) and Physiology (25 hours)
In the study of anatomy and physiology, we consider not only the mechanics of each system, but also its role in life and the positive impact massage therapy may have on it. The systems covered include the muscular, skeletal, integumentary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, respiratory, nervous and endocrine systems.

Kinesiology (50 hours)
Students learn muscle structure and function including origin, insertion and action, as well as joint types, muscular movement and posture analysis.  Kinesiology is one of the foundation courses in the program and leads to effective use of deep tissue techniques.

Pathology (40 hours)
Throughout their career, a massage therapist can expect to be confronted with numerous conditions that they have never seen and probably vaguely heard about.  It is the responsibility of every massage therapist to know when their work can be helpful and when the client needs to be referred to another practitioner.  This class will teach you to make decisions quickly and accurately about whether or not massage is appropriate for your client.

Hydrotherapy (20 hours)
Students learn theory and practical use of water of various temperatures, in solid, liquid and gaseous forms, for cleansing and revitalizing effects. Students also learn contraindications and the specific physiological effects of the various hydrotherapy techniques, which include: dry brushing, body wraps, salt scrubs, as well as hot and cold applications.

Health and Hygiene (20 hours)
Includes stress management, human relationships, universal precautions, sanitary conditions, personal hygiene, therapeutic exercise, first aid, and CPR.

Business Practices & Ethics (45 hours)
Students review local and state laws regarding massage therapy in Texas.  Various career paths are explored as well as types of business organizations and tax laws.  Students put together a business plan including career path, goals, marketing materials and financial plan.  Job acquisition skills such as resume and interviewing are examined.

Internship Program (50 hours)
During internship the student will actually function as a massage therapist, making appointments, taking a health history, and performing massage techniques on clients.  Each student is asked to perform fifty (50) hours of massage therapy.  Internship practice is a required part of the training program.  This allows the student to experience “real world” challenges and with support, can increase a student’s confidence and decision-making abilities.  The internship is an extremely useful preparation to becoming a therapist, as we learn best by doing.