Techniques include pressure-point massage, friction massage, petrissage, facilitated stretching, compression, range of motion exercises, and stretches. Multiple techniques are taught to enhance athletic performance, prevent injury, and decrease recovery time. Students learn methods of applied kinesiology which can be used to determine the level of homeostasis in the body. Students learn to locate and identify trigger points found in the body. These points are used to develop therapeutic procedures that are used with myofascial pain and dysfunction.
Massage therapy is an art and a science.
It has both technical and intuitive aspects. The content consists of metaphors and processes designed to allow students to experience their own intuition and creativity. The objective is to create balance between the technical and intuitive approaches to bodywork. Information is given to students about when it is inappropriate to administer bodywork. Contraindications are included in the pathology portion of the anatomy course and in the various massage therapy courses as part of the training for specific techniques and modalities.