Science and Muscle Courses

Science And Muscle Courses

Science is the foundation of your art. The development of your palpation skills and the technique utilized is based on the structure. Pehr Hendrik Ling (1776-1839), the founder of the Swedish system of medical gymnastics, believed that a thorough knowledge of the human body and nature’s laws was a minimum for an intelligent understanding of physical education. Ling studied Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Lund and developed a practice from a scientific position that attempted to explain the cause-and-effect relationships of the healing process. His school was soon attended by allopaths of the era, curious about his success and his techniques. Pathology and Kinesiology were also taught in Ling’s curriculum. The courses described here have been designed specifically for giving the DSM student knowledge in the sciences of the human body. The curriculum allows the student to build on that information by reinforcing structure and function in the technique classes.
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Anatomy and Physiology Curricula Objective

To teach a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the human body, using experiential and traditional teaching methods.

Anatomy (57 Hours)

This course will present an introductory overview of the human body with an emphasis on the skeletal and muscular systems. All the major systems of the body will be described from a gross anatomy and a tissue level perspective. This course will include a lab component for experiential movement to bring anatomy “alive.” At the completion of this course, students will be able to visually identify, manually locate, and label the major components of each system. A 75% minimum grade average is required to pass Anatomy.

Physiology (57 Hours)

This course will present an overview of physiological processes in the human body. Special emphasis will be on the interrelationships between the musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems. Students will gain a basic understanding of the function of the human body pertinent to a massage therapy practice. A 75% grade average is needed to pass Physiology.

*Pathology Curriculum Objective

To teach basic concepts of disease and its relationship to Massage Therapy.

Pathology (40 Hours)

Pathology is the study of disease. In this course, the student will gain a basic understanding of the concepts of disease, inflammatory response, client assessment, therapeutic evaluation, and when to refer. Special emphasis will be on the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems. Students will be able to recognize and locate reference material on the pathological processes most likely encountered in a massage therapy practice. A basic introduction to HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other diseases involving public health will include definitions, precautions, contraindications, and disease awareness. A 75% grade average is needed to pass Pathology.

*Kinesiology and Maniken® Muscles Curricula Objectives

To facilitate learning the origins, insertions, and actions of muscles and lay a foundation for advanced technique.

Kinesiology (45 Hours)

Approximately 100 muscles are taught by lecture, slides, and supervised practice to encourage the student to know where the muscles attach and their actions. Introduction to advanced techniques of Dimensional Massage enables the student to palpate muscles and their attachments, giving a kinesthetic approach to gaining the information. Dimensional Massage incorporates and complements understanding the structure to develop treatment goals with the Swedish techniques taught in the Massage Course. A 75% grade average is required to pass Kinesiology.

Maniken® Muscles (12 Hours lab)

Developed by Jon Zahourek Systems, Maniken class gives the student the opportunity to build muscles of the extremities using clay on a mannequin model. This provides the student with a three dimensional, kinesthetic learning process for understanding muscles. Besides giving a review of the skeletal structure, Maniken Muscles helps the student to perceive the relationship of one muscle to another in terms of depth, superficiality, and attachments. No one needs artistic talent, as this course is based on participation and completion of the task. This is a Pass/Fail class.

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