Intro to Massage
Ohana School of Massage’s relaxation massage training includes history, contraindications, body mechanics, basic strokes (effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, tapotement and Swedish massage movements) and working with special populations (pregnancy massage, geriatric massage, etc.).
Sports Massage
Ohana School of Massage’s Sports and Deep Massage training includes training in trigger points, deep effleurage, therapeutic stretching, cross- fiber work and other advanced techniques to help clients more permanently live without unnecessary tension and pain. Deep Massage, as we teach it, is an approach which is both easier on the therapist and more effective for the client.
Clinical Massage
In clinical massage, students learn advanced techniques and how to analyze problems related to chronic or acute injury, poor posture, movement imbalances, and/or life stresses. They learn how to respond to these problems with appropriate applications of circulatory massage, deep massage, myofascial release, and cross fiber work and trigger points.
Pregnancy Massage
Students will learn how to modify different massage techniques to more appropriately serve pregnant clients. Pillow placement and a pregnancy cushion system will be used to ensure comfort. Baby massage will also be discussed.
Introduction to Specialty Therapies
In Introduction to Specialty Therapies, we review and gain a working knowledge on the following therapies: Myofascial Release, CranioSacral Therapy, Reflexology, Oncology Massage, Energy Work, Active Release Techniques and more.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology is the foundation for working with the human body. A thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology is vital for being able to provide competent care through massage and bodywork. Students will learn about the body’s systems and functions, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of movement. Students will learn the actions of the major muscles and how they work together to facilitate movement. Students will also learn about the effects of chronic muscle tension and how it relates to pain, postural and movement imbalances.
Pathology
Pathology is the study of the nature of disease or any deviation from a healthy condition. In Pathology, student’s learn pathology and its effect on a massage session. This includes medical terminology, common pathology for each body system, psychological and emotional states (depression, anxiety, grief, etc.) and how these conditions can impact a massage session.
Business of Massage
Because many massage therapists are self-employed, students will receive a strong education on the business end of massage. During the coursework, a business plan will be developed and must be completed and receive a passing grade in order to graduate. This class will be beneficial for those not interested in being self-employed. It will allow the employee to understand their own value, marketing, and a basic knowledge of business.
Included is Ethics of Massage Therapy, students will gain knowledge on the morals, rules and regulations surrounding the massage industry. We will discuss professional and personal boundaries, which are important to establish when changing people’s lives through massage and bodywork.
Career Longevity
We want you to have the longest career in Massage Therapy as possible! One of the biggest reasons massage therapists leave the industry is due to wear and tear on the body and burnout. During Career Longevity, students will learn how to take care of themselves so that they can help take care of others for years. Diet, exercise, meditation and other career longevity techniques will be discussed.
Clinical Hours
To ensure you are prepared for real world experience, students will perform 30 Clinical Hours, to be performed at Ohana Therapeutic Massage. Clinical hours will be completed at the end of each massage instruction section. Students practice their therapeutic, communication, and business skills. Students will receive extensive practice in Swedish, Sports and Deep Massage, Clinical Massage, Chair and Pregnancy Massage while working on a wide variety of clients drawn from the community. Clinic hours will not be performed after the Introduction to Specialty Therapies due to their introductory content.