This is the Curriculum created by the Entry Level Analysis Project that has determined that 625 hours of edcuation are required to prepare a massage school student for entry level positions in the massage therapy profession. The number of hours has been computed based on the competencies required to learn the skills and knowledge required to give massage safely and professionally.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Entry-Level Massage Education Blueprint
Terminology
Instructional Design Basics
The ELAP Learning Taxonomy
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Learning Experiences
Abilities in Massage Education
The ELAP Blueprint Structure - Summary of Learning Outcomes
- Subject: Massage Theory and Principles (27.0)
Topic: Evolution of Massage and Bodywork (1.5)
Sub-Topic: Historical Roots of Massage
Sub-Topic: Massage and Bodywork Today
Topic: Research Literacy (3.0)
Sub-Topic: Evidence-Informed Practice
Sub-Topic: Basics of Research
Topic: Massage Benefits and Effects (7.0)
Sub-Topic: Types of Benefits and Effects
Sub-Topic: Physiological Benefits and Effects
Sub-Topic: Psychological and Other Benefits and Effects
Sub-Topic: Massage Indications
Topic: Massage Cautions and Contraindications (15.5)
Sub-Topic: Endangerment Areas
Sub-Topic: Contraindications
Sub-Topic: Medications and Massage
Sub-Topic: American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
Subject: Massage Professional Practices (20.0)
Topic: Massage Equipment and Environment (2.5)
Sub-Topic: Equipment and Supplies
Sub-Topic: Session Environments
Topic: Preventing Disease Transmission (5.5)
Sub-Topic: Understanding Disease
Sub-Topic: Therapist Hygiene
Sub-Topic: Infection Control
Sub-Topic: Standard Precautions
Topic: Laws and Regulations (4.0)
Sub-Topic: Obtaining and Maintaining Credentials
Sub-Topic: Adhering to Laws and Regulations
Sub-Topic: Supervision of Therapists
Topic: Personal Health, Body Mechanics, and Self-Care (8.0)
Sub-Topic: Personal Health and Self-Care
Sub-Topic: Body Mechanics Principles
Sub-Topic: Preventing Work-Related Injury
- Subject: The Therapeutic Relationship (40.0)
Topic: The Relationship of Therapist and Client (4.0)
Sub-Topic: Characteristics of Positive Therapeutic Relationships
Sub-Topic: Preventing Transference and Countertransference
Topic: Ethics and the Therapeutic Relationship (18.0)
Sub-Topic: Ethical Principles
Sub-Topic: Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethical Practice
Topic: Boundaries in the Therapeutic Relationship (18.0)
Sub-Topic: Establishing and Maintaining Professional Boundaries
Sub-Topic: Managing Emotions in a Therapeutic Relationship
Sub-Topic: Managing Intimacy, Touch, and Sexual Arousal Responses - Subject: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology (80.0)
Topic: Orientation to the Human Body (13.0)
Sub-Topic: Using Anatomic and Health Care Terminology
Sub-Topic: Chemistry, Organization, and Organ Systems
Sub-Topic: Structure and Function of Cells
Sub-Topic: Structure and Function of Tissues and Membranes
Sub-Topic: An Overview of Health and Disease
Topic: The Integumentary System (5.0)
Sub-Topic: The Structure and Function of the Integumentary System
Sub-Topic: Pathologies of the Integumentary System
Topic: The Skeletal System (10.0)
Sub-Topic: The Skeleton and Bones
Sub-Topic: Joints
Sub-Topic: Pathologies of the Skeletal System
Topic: The Fascial System (6.0)
Sub-Topic: The Structure and Function of the Fascial System
Sub-Topic: Fascial Dysfunctions
Topic: The Muscular System (13.0)
Sub-Topic: The Structure and Function of the Muscular System
Sub-Topic: Muscle Contractions
Sub-Topic: Pathologies of the Muscular System
Topic: The Nervous System (16.0)
Sub-Topic: The Structure and Function of the Nervous System
Sub-Topic: The Peripheral Nervous System
Sub-Topic: The Central Nervous System
Sub-Topic: The Anatomy of Pain
Sub-Topic: Pathologies of the Nervous System
Topic: The Cardiovascular System (4.0)
Sub-Topic: The Structure and Function of the Cardiovascular System
Sub-Topic: Pathologies of the Cardiovascular System
Topic: Other Body Systems (13.0)
Sub-Topic: The Lymphatic System
Sub-Topic: The Immune System
Sub-Topic: The Digestive System
Sub-Topic: The Respiratory System
Sub-Topic: The Endocrine System
Sub-Topic: The Reproductive System
Sub-Topic: The Urinary System
- Subject: Assessment and Documentation (50.0)
Topic: Client Assessment (43.5)
Sub-Topic: Overview of Assessment in Massage and Bodywork
Sub-Topic: Health Forms and Client Interviews
Sub-Topic: General Observation and Client Level of Health
Sub-Topic: Palpation Assessment
Sub-Topic: Posture Assessment
Sub-Topic: Range of Motion Assessment
Sub-Topic: Pain Assessment
Sub-Topic: Functional Limitations Assessment
Topic: Documentation and Client Files (6.5)
Sub-Topic: Key Principles of Documentation and Keeping Good Client files
Sub-Topic: SOAP Charting and Other Documentation Formats - Subject: Massage and Bodywork Application (175.0)
Topic: Foundation Principles and Skills (13.0)
Sub-Topic: Overview of Massage and Bodywork Forms and Styles
Sub-Topic: Positioning Clients for Comfort and Safety
Sub-Topic: Draping Methods
Topic: Application Methods (82.0)
Sub-Topic: Core Concepts in Massage and Bodywork Application
Sub-Topic: Forces and Soft-Tissue Deformation
Sub-Topic: Gliding Methods
Sub-Topic: Torsion Methods
Sub-Topic: Shearing Methods
Sub-Topic: Elongation Methods
Sub-Topic: Oscillating Methods
Sub-Topic: Percussive Methods
Sub-Topic: Static Methods
Sub-Topic: Joint Movement Methods
Sub-Topic: Hot and Cold Methods
Topic: The Massage or Bodywork Session (30.0)
Sub-Topic: Overview of the Events in a Massage or Bodywork Session
Sub-Topic: Integrating Methods into a Form and Session Plan
Sub-Topic: Customization of the Session to Meet Client Wants and Needs
Sub-Topic: Suggesting Client Self-Care
Note: Schools can choose to integrate application methods using a Western or Eastern
approach or an approach based on their philosophy of massage or bodywork (50 hours
total). The ELAP Work Group recommends Swedish massage, myofascial approaches,
and neuromuscular approaches because profession stakeholder survey results indicate
that these forms are those most widely practiced and valued by professional massage
therapists. Swedish massage and “deep tissue” (which incorporates methods from
myofascial and neuromuscular approaches) are the forms most widely requested by
consumers.
Sample Forms: 50 hours total
Topic: Sample Form: Western Integration of Application Methods
Sub-Topic: Swedish Massage
Sub-Topic: Myofascial Approaches
Sub-Topic: Neuromuscular Approaches
Topic: Sample Form: Eastern Integration of Application Methods
Sub-Topic: Basic Concepts of Traditional Chinese/Japanese Medicine
Sub-Topic: Shiatsu
Sub-Topic: Tuina
Sub-Topic: Thai Massage - Subject: Palpation and Movement (71.0)
Topic: Orientation to Palpation and Movement (4.0)
Sub-Topic: Developing Palpation Skills
Sub-Topic: Basics of Human Movement
Topic: The Shoulder and Arm (9.5)
Sub-Topic: Bones and Bony Landmarks
Sub-Topic: Joints, Ligaments, and Range of Motion
Sub-Topic: Muscles and their Actions
Topic: The Elbow, Forearm, Wrist, and Hand (9.5)
Sub-Topic: Bones and Bony Landmarks
Sub-Topic: Joints, Ligaments, and Range of Motion
Sub-Topic: Muscles and their Actions
Topic: The Spine and Thorax (9.5)
Sub-Topic: Bones and Bony Landmarks
Sub-Topic: Joints, Ligaments, and Range of Motion
Sub-Topic: Muscles and their Actions
Topic: The Head, Neck, and Jaw (9.5)
Sub-Topic: Bones and Bony Landmarks
Sub-Topic: Joints, Ligaments, and Range of Motion
Sub-Topic: Muscles and their Actions
Topic: The Pelvis and Hip (9.5)
Sub-Topic: Bones and Bony Landmarks
Sub-Topic: Joints, Ligaments, and Range of Motion
Sub-Topic: Muscles and their Actions
Topic: The Thigh and Knee (9.5)
Sub-Topic: Bones and Bony Landmarks
Sub-Topic: Joints, Ligaments, and Range of Motion
Sub-Topic: Muscles and their Actions
Topic: The Leg, Ankle, and Foot (9.5)
Sub-Topic: Bones and Bony Landmarks
Sub-Topic: Joints, Ligaments, and Range of Motion
Sub-Topic: Muscles and their Actions - Subject: Adapting Sessions for Clients (80.0)
Topic: Adapting Sessions for the Stages of Healing (11.0)
Sub-Topic: An Overview of the Inflammatory Response and Healing Cycle
Sub-Topic: The Acute Stage of Healing
Sub-Topic: The Subacute Stage of Healing
Sub-Topic: The Maturation Stage of Healing
Topic: Adapting Sessions for Clients with Common Pathologies (40.0)
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Arthritis
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Bursitis
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Cancer
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Diabetes
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Fasciitis
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Fibromyalgia
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Headaches
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Nerve Compression Syndromes
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Osteoporosis
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Skin Cancer
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Sprains
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Stress
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Strains
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Tendinopathies
Topic: Adapting Sessions for Special Populations (29.0)
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients Who Are Over 55
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients Who Are Obese
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients Who Are Children
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients Who Are Pregnant
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients Who Are Athletes or Fitness Oriented
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients Who Are at the End of Life
Sub-Topic: Sessions for Clients with Disabilities - .Subject: Career Development (82.0)
Topic: Interpersonal Skills (7.0)
Sub-Topic: Communication
Sub-Topic: Conflict Resolution
Topic: Student Clinic (50.0)
Sub-Topic: Professionalism
Sub-Topic: Session Management
Sub-Topic: Clinic Management
Sub-Topic: Sessions with Clients
Topic: Career Planning (25.0)
Sub-Topic: Envisioning a Massage and Bodywork Career
Sub-Topic: Employment
Sub-Topic: Private Practice
Massage Learning in the Affective Domain
Topic: Value Learning
Topic: Value Clients
Topic: Value Oneself
Topic: Value Other Professionals
Topic: Value the Profession - Massage Learning in the Interpersonal Domain