Sage - Courses offered at Sage School of Massage

Swedish Massage Foundations

This course lays the groundwork for students to learn the basics of draping, body mechanics, lubrications, self-care and the history of massage. Students will learn the application and effect of each Swedish massage stroke with an emphasis on applying the strokes to specific muscles. Basic interviewing and charting will begin to set the framework for other hands on courses. Ethics and communication issues will be addressed and applied to the practice of massage.

Soft Tissue Techniques

Building upon the foundations learned in Swedish massage, students will enhance their palpatory skills by moving deeper into the tissues to recognize various soft tissue conditions. Basic techniques such as assessment procedures, trigger point, myofacial, deep tissue, stretching and the use of tools to address and treat these soft tissue conditions will be practiced. Students will be introduced to the physiological laws of the body and will develop treatment plans for each client. Ethics and communication issues will be addressed and applied to the practice of massage therapy.

Introduction to Functional Assessment & Treatment

Students will expand their basic knowledge of assessment and palpation skills to the next level in understanding the biomechanical and neurological laws of the body. Orthopedic and osteopathic assessments, posture and gait analysis, deep tissue, myofascial releases, and muscle energy techniques will be added to the tools a competent massage therapist will need for success. Focus will be on the muscles of the pelvis and lower extremities. Pathological conditions relating to this area of the body will continue to build a strong foundation in clinical analysis for treating common pain and dysfunction. Ethical concerns will be reinforced.

Introduction to Myofascia

Students will learn new ways to work intuitively with the body by exploring the myofascial system and seeing the larger anatomical picture of the muscle/bone/fascia continuum. Prior knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology will be expanded upon and various techniques will be practiced. Clinical reasoning skills to assess and formulate a treatment plan in working with clients with specific pathological conditions will be practiced.

Exploring the Healing Arts

Even though the mission that interweaves throughout our integrated curriculum is treating injuries and pain conditions, exploring other manual healing modalities, is essential to becoming a competent practitioner. Introductions to Reflexology, Alexander, Feldenkrais, Aroma and Energy Therapies, CranioSacral, Chinese Medicine and other modalities spark the interest of the adventurous learner.

Hydrotherapy & Spa Techniques

The therapeutic use of hot and cold water in its three forms: gas (steam), liquid (water) and solid (ice) has been used in healing for centuries. Today modern applications of hydrotherapy have been scientifically proven to affect the circulatory system of the body. With the increasing demand for Spa employees this course will provide a basic introduction to spa applications, etiquette and procedures. Hands on applications of hydrotherapy, hot stone massage, wraps and scrubs will be practiced.

General Anatomy/Physiology & Pathology I

Integration of basic anatomy, physiology and common pathologies of the human body that have relevance to the field of massage will begin the student’s background in the sciences. The integumentary, nervous, and endocrine systems will be overviewed, as well as, the mechanisms of health and disease. Beginning medical terminology will prepare students for charting and clinical experiences.

General Anatomy/Physiology & Pathology II

This course continues the integrated approach as experienced in Anatomy/Physiology & Pathology I by completing the remaining systems of the body: the cardiovascular, lymphatic & immune systems, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive. Students will be prepared with this basic knowledge for a more comprehensive study in pathology as they transition into their Functional Assessment & Treatment courses.

Applied Pathology

This course applies massage therapy techniques to the etiology of various pathological diseases and conditions taught in Anatomy/Physiology & Pathology I & II. Students will learn when it is appropriate to treat a client with massage therapy and when it is necessary to refer a client to another healthcare provider.

 Kinesiology/Palpation I

We believe skillful palpation of the muscles of the body, whether practicing relaxation or treatment massage, are paramount in students becoming competent massage therapists. Students begin to palpate bony landmarks that distinguish specific muscle attachments. The anatomy & physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems will be studied in depth with emphasis on how the structure and function relates to movement and massage. Identifying origins, insertions and actions of muscles will begin the life-long journey of specific muscle discovery.

Kinesiology/Palpation II

Students continue their exploration of muscles and joint movements with emphasis on palpating specific muscle fiber directions, understanding specific types of muscle contractions and movement patterns.

 Kinesiology/Palpation III

Students finish the sequence of muscle identification/palpation and review muscles of the body.

Clinical Practicum I, II, III

Students will practice their new skills and gain valuable hands on experiences working directly with clients they do not know. A faculty member, who is licensed in the state of Oregon, will assist the student in providing an effective treatment.
I. Swedish relaxation massage (20 Hours)
II. Relaxation massage & treating a specific area of tension (20 Hours)
III. Relaxation & treating a specific injury or pain condition (20 Hours)

Career Success

The culmination of a student’s education is to turn career goals and dreams into reality. Desiring to be successful is not enough. This course supports the creativity and individuality of student ambitions by goal setting and planning for success. Recordkeeping, a business plan, taxes, licenses, resumes, interviewing skills, marketing and insurance billing will prepare students for a thriving practice.

Communication & Ethics

Life is more fulfilling when lived with honor and integrity in all of our relationships and business dealings, yet much confusion exists among professionals regarding what is and what is not ethical behavior. Students will expand their knowledge and develop techniques to maintain healthy boundaries, enhance communication skills, and develop ethical standards to foster professionalism and safety.

Community Service

Educating the general public about the benefits of massage and giving free demonstrations is paramount to serving our community/other destinations after graduation. Various opportunities will be available to meet the diversity of student interests/possible career choices.

Research/Case Study

The key to professionalism in any field is to prove the validity of the work. Sage School of Massage supports scientific research, education and community service in furthering the profession of massage therapy. Case studies provide an opportunity for students to develop research, critical thinking, and communication skills and to contribute to future research and clinical practice. Students begin to develop awareness of the importance of research/clinical reasoning skills in Soft Tissue Techniques and practice these skills in the Introduction to Functional Assessment and Treatment.

Advanced Course Work: Master's Program

The following three courses will include clinical assessment procedures: orthopedic/osteopathic, postural/ gait analysis, and muscle energy, positional and myofacial releases appropriate for each section of the body. Treatment protocols for common pain and dysfunction will be practiced in each course. In depth review of anatomy and introduction to spinal bio-mechanics will be addressed for each section of the body. Courses can be taken out of order. Classes have been developed for a massage therapist, who desires a more clinical approach. Due to the structural/muscular connections of the body, some overlap will occur between courses.

MyoKinesis & OsteoKinesis: Pelvis and Lower Body

In depth review of anatomy of the pelvis, sacrum, hip, lumbar spine and lower extremities will be addressed. Treatment protocols will be practiced for pain conditions caused by both soft tissue and skeletal issues such as hip and low back pain, clicking/snapping hip, sciatica, IT band syndrome, knee pain, bursitis, patellofemoral syndrome, chondromalaci, achilles tendonitis, shin splints, anterior compartment syndrome, ankle sprains, morton’s neuroma, hammer toes, claw toes, and bunions. An introduction to the lumbar and sacral spinal biomechanics and how soft tissue protocols can be utilized to correct skeletal dysfunctions.
Prerequisites to Course:
Completion of 500 or more hours of massage education or being licensed as a massage therapist in Oregon.

MyoKinesis & OsteoKinesis: Trunk and Pelvis

In depth review of anatomy of the internal organs, muscles of the back and trunk. Spinal biomechanics of the ribs will be addressed and treatment protocols will be practiced for pain conditions caused by both soft tissue and skeletal isues such as sacroiliac pain, sciatica, low back, thoracic, and rib pain, scoliosis, kyphosis, breathing dysfunctions, runner’s stitch, hip pointer, abdominal work including psoas, iliacus, obliques, high hip, and thoracic rotations.
An introduction to the Spinal Biomechanics and how soft tissue protocols can be utilized to correct skeletal dysfunction will also be addressed.
Prerequisites to Course:
Completion of 500 or more hours of massage education or being licensed as a massage therapist in Oregon

MyoKinesis & OsteoKinesis: Upper Body

In depth review of anatomy of the cervical spine, review of thoracic spine and upper body muscles will be addressed and treatment protocols will be practiced for pain conditions such as headaches, torticollis, limited range of motion, thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, sub-acromial bursitis, bicipital tendonitis, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, carpal tunnel, thumb pain and miscellaneous hand problems. Cautions and endangerments.
An introduction to the Spinal Biomechanics and how soft tissue protocols can be utilized to correct skeletal dysfunction will also be addressed.

Prerequisites to Course:

Completion of 500 or more hours of massage education or being licensed as a massage therapist in Oregon.