Massage School Curriculum

The massage school curriculum should be strong in Anatomy and Physiology and in Business. A&P? Yes, and plenty of it!

Why? Because as a body worker, you will need to understand how the different systems within the human body work together. You will need to understand what you are feeling under your client's skin--muscle, bone, fascia, tendons, joints, nerves,...If you know what it is you are touching, you will better be able to serve your clients.

There should be a big emphasis on skeletal and muscular systems. A body worker moves and manipulates soft tissue, which is mostly muscle. He/she should know the origins and attachments of the muscles, which way each muscle runs, and what muscles lie deep under other muscles. They should also be aware of all body endangerment zones. Endangerment zones should be avoided at all times during a massage.

Also the classes should have some business content. More is better. This way the therapist will be familiar with licensing, incorporating, insurance, legalities, setting up an office, keeping records, and customer service. These are all very important for running a successful business.

Finally, there should be a lot of massage practice. Everyday during class, each student should be given time to practice the strokes and techniques taught, until they are perfected. Some are difficult to master and others are easy. When the instructor sees one technique mastered by a student, another will be shown to practice.

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