Course Overview

The following course descriptions provide an overview of the variety of topics covered in Wellington Course Overview sss College’s training programs. The information is separated into Year 1, 100 level courses (for example, ANAT 100) and Year 2, 200 level courses (ANAT 200) of the full-time program.

Students considering the Distance Education programs should view the information in 100 level courses as descriptive of Basic Remedial Massage and 200 level courses as reflective of Advanced Remedial Massage.

Please click below to go directly to course descriptions:

• Terminology
• Anatomy
• Neurophysiology
• Physiology
• Pathology
• Hydrotherapy
• Nutrition
• Practical Massage
• Exercise Rehabilitation
• Clinic Management
• Practice Management
• Psychology
• Research Project

Terminology (TERM 100)
As with all new fields of study, students are required to learn the language of their work. By learning the rules of the language of medicine, students will develop an ability to understand and communicate with other medical professionals. Students will be introduced to the complex language of medicine, learning how combining words provides an understanding of the conditions that patients may have.

Anatomy (ANAT)
The purpose of instruction in anatomy is to provide an understanding of position and structure of parts of the body. This is achieved over two years. In ANAT 100, students are given a general understanding of system structures. ANAT 200 builds on the knowledge gained in year one, with emphasis on more intricate structures of the various systems.

ANAT 100
The focus is on a general understanding of the anatomical structures of the body. Students learn the positioning of organs, glands and the basic structure of those tissues. The musculoskeletal system is a primary focus with students learning bony landmarks and attachments for all the muscles of the body.

System Specifics:

• Skeletal System
• Ariculatory System
• Muscular System
• Circulatory System
  

ANAT 110
This course will introduce how kinesiology is used in the second year of study. The topic will correspond to the first sections studied in practical classes.

ANAT 120
To enhance students’ understanding of anatomy, the College has formed a partnership with the University of Manitoba that allows students to attend the gross anatomy department. This opportunity permits students to actually see the muscles they are studying.

ANAT 200
Students will expand their understanding of the tissues of the body, membranes and cells. The organs and glands are required knowledge of the internal structure. The kinesiology of movement is a primary focus of this course. Students will learn how motion occurs at all articulations and will study the intersect function of all soft tissues involved in those motions. As well, ligaments, joint capsules and bursa will be covered in depth.

System Specifics:

• Skeletal System
• Muscular System
• Visceral System
• Respiratory System
• Digestive System

ANAT 220
To enhance students’ understanding of anatomy, the College has formed a partnership with the University of Manitoba that allows students to attend the gross anatomy department. This opportunity permits students to actually see the muscles they are studying.

Neurophysiology (NEUR)
Massage therapy greatly impacts the nervous system. To fully apply their skills to obtain therapeutic changes in the body, students must have a sound understanding of the nervous system.

NEUR 100
This course explores the parts and functions of the nervous system and how massage therapy impacts it.

System Specifics:

• Nerve Tissue
• Spinal Cord
• Peripheral Nervous System
• Brain
• Autonomic Nervous System

Physiology (PHYS)
The goal of instruction in physiology is to provide an understanding of the functions and processes occurring in the body. The systems of the body are divided in terms of their importance to massage therapy. These are reviewed constantly by students to ensure in-depth familiarity and thorough recall. Each system provides a reflection of its interaction with other systems of the body. The result is that not only does the student understand each system, they gain an integral understanding of how homeostasis (balance) in the body occurs.

PHYS 100
Students learn about the effect that massage has on the physiology of each system and what alterations
to massage may need to be considered based on the patient’s own physiology.

System Specifics:

• Atom/Cellular
• Integumenary System
• Skeletal System
• Articulatory System
• Muscular System
• Lymphatic System
• Circulatory System
• Vascular System
• Cardiac System

PHYS 200
The study of physiology continues in Year 2 with a focus on the systems controlling our internal environment.

System Specifics:

• Respiratory System
• Digestive System
• Endocrine System
• Reproductive System
  

Pathology (PATH)
The goal of instruction in pathology is to provide knowledge of the common pathological symptoms that require referral to a physician. The College believes that therapists should refer any patient showing signs or symptoms of conditions outside their scope to a physician, including conditions outside the musculoskeletal system. The College also recognizes that students should be aware of the dangers of patients not following the advice of physicians.

Studies in pathology coincide with lessons in physiology. Included are topics such as the dangers of removal from drug therapy, taking advice from non-professionals, unproven forms of pathological assessment and dealing with psychological imbalances in patients.

To list the pathologies covered in the course would take several pages of this book, so a summary will be provided. Through a systematic approach, students will learn about the primary diseases seen by massage therapists in their clinics, what impact they can have on the diseases and how to alter massage treatments for them.

System Specifics:
PATH 100

• Introduction to Pathology
• Integumentary System
• Skeletal System
• Anticulatory System
• Muscular System
• Circulatory System
• Lymphatic System

PATH 200

• Respiratory System
• Digestive System
• Nervous System
• Endocrine System
• Reproductive System

Hydrotherapy (HYDR)

The use of hot and cold applications is common practice among massage therapists. This course will provide students with the skills to effectively apply these modalities using a multitude of different forms. This area of study is combined with pathology as the applications use a pathological approach to treatments.

HYDR 100
Students are introduced to the principles of thermal therapy and how the body responds. Applications of hot and cold are introduced through the use of thermaphores, hydrocolators, wax baths and ice massage. The use of hydrotherapy in a spa environment will also be a focus of this class. The pathologies addressed will correspond to those covered in pathology class.

HYDR 200
This class builds on the topics covered in Year 1. New applications correspond to pathologies covered in pathology.

Nutrition (NUTR)
The College believes that it is a therapist’s position to support, not guide, the patient in nutritional information. Therefore, the goal of instruction in nutrition is to provide information to students so that they are better able to suggest ways for patients to access information from dieticians and physicians.

NUTR 200
Students will study the nutritional needs of humans in all food groups, as well as dietary trends. The course will also outline how diet can impact the human body.

Practical Massage (PMAS)
This course is a combination of theory and hands-on (practical) application. One goal of the course is to provide opportunities to apply treatments in a clinical setting while having their skills observed and evaluated by College staff. This ensures that students gain practical clinical experience to complement their theoretical learning.

PMAS 100 (Basic Massage)
Students learn the basic techniques of Swedish massage – effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement. Also covered are injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures, headaches and muscle spasms. Students will also be introduced to the concept of assessment, using both objective and subjective information. Massage is approached in a progression through each area of the body. The body is divided into posterior leg, anterior leg and foot, gluteals, lumbar spine, thoracic spine and posterior ribs, shoulder and arm, pectorals and anterior ribs, abdomen, cervical spine, the face and cranium.

Within each area of study, students are introduced to the application of Swedish Massage techniques and an intricate ability to palpate the tissues. Instructors also provide information on conditions that may or may not benefit from general massage.

Such an approach reflects the crossover between anatomy, physiology, pathology and practical applications. The College believes this constant relationship between program topics helps students retain material.

Massage Lab
Massage is a form of therapy that can only be perfected through continuous application. At Wellington College, this principle is addressed through massage labs where students practice techniques on each other. Instructors provide guidance in the application of techniques. Students are exposed to alternative methods of applying skills and incorporating principles introduced in massage classes. Instruction, from time to time, will provide directed, in-class assignments that are intended to help develop practical skills.

PMAS 110 (Assessment and Treatment)
In this course, students learn advanced massage techniques that are the foundation of studies used in Advanced Massage (PMAS 200). Students are introduced to the concept of assessment using subjective and objective information.

Also covered is the treatment of muscles and structures that cause imbalances. Students will study extrinsic treatment, including neuromuscular massage, cross-fibering, elbow-stripping and fingerstripping, trigger point work and goading, and intrinsic treatment, such as isometric and isotonic muscular contraction.

PMAS 120 (Observed Clinical)
Students apply the skills gained in PMAS 100 and PMAS 110 in a clinical setting. To build confidence in the application of massage, students perform massage on patients under the observation of a clinical observer. This component is performed at the College’s on-site clinic. The course begins in the middle of Year 1 and requires clinical attendance once every week.

PMAS 130 (Observed Outreach)
This course is focused on enhancing the application skills of students. Through participation in three of the College’s many off-site clinical environments, students will be exposed to the many conditions experienced in a massage practice. These off-site clinics are located in hospitals, seniors’ facilities, disabled children’s centres, neurological support groups and paraplegic clinics.

PMAS 200 (Practical Application)
This course focuses on understanding muscular and skeletal dysfunctions. Instruction follows a biomechanical model that is used in many other manual therapies, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy.

Students will progress through each articulation of the body, learning how to assess them for dysfunctions, before ascertaining how to apply treatment protocols to correct these dysfunctions. For each articulation, students will use their knowledge of anatomy to evaluate the functioning of structures. Training will focus on specific assessment skills to build confidence in building rationales for patient dysfunctions. Once a sound understanding of assessment is obtained, students will learn how to apply advanced massage skills to connect the imbalances and restore homeostasis in patients.

Classroom discussions on massage theory and application are also provided. Once completed, this level of study permits a therapist to establish a sound practice in massage therapy. It also provides those students wishing to achieve higher levels of training with the required knowledge to pursue sports massage therapy, osteopathy or a Bachelor’s degree in Remedial Massage Therapy.

PMAS 220 (Observed Clinical)
Because it is vitally important for students to apply the knowledge they have gained in the course, the clinical application component offers them opportunities to do so in the College’s own off-site therapy clinic. At the downtown Winnipeg clinic, students perform treatments on patients in an actual clinical environment, in private rooms and with a trained observer on-site to provide advice and clarification.

This Year 2 component requires a minimum of one evening of clinical work per week over two 10- week rotations.

PMAS 230 (Observed Outreach)
Students will expand their exposure to clinical conditions and situations by participating in three outreach situations that are different from those completed in PMAS 130. The course will enable students to gain confidence and attain the skills necessary for success after graduation.

PMAS 240 (Practicum Placement)
Upon successful completion of their training, students will participate in a three-week practicum. This will involve performing massage in a clinic. As part of this course students will return to the College once a week to discuss their experiences and address any concerns they may have. Participation in this course can often lead to full time employment.

Exercise Rehabilitation (EXRH)
In this course, students are instructed on safe and effective exercise programs designed to assist and enhance their patient’s rehabilitation. Because of the strong practical emphasis, this course remains useful for students of massage therapy.

This portion of training incorporates theoretical information pertaining to different forms of exercise rehabilitation. In Year 1, students are trained in the proper use of typical exercise equipment and in Year 2 more creative equipment options are explored.

EXRH 100 (Exercise Concepts)
The word ‘therapy’ indicates the intent to obtain a positive change in a patient’s daily life. The College believes that individuals should participate in their rehabilitation to establish and sustain changes. Therefore, therapists should provide guidance to patients in the area of daily exercise that can be performed away from the clinic.
Students are introduced to the principles and theories behind different forms of stretching and are also presented with classes in body mechanics and motion. General forms of exercise are introduced and class discussions include the problems of unobserved group exercise programs and exercise movements that patients should avoid or modify.

The course will introduce students to the equipment used in exercise and its proper application. Students will not only learn how exercise may be applied in the fitness facility but also how it can be utilized in a home or office. Students will also expand their knowledge of body mechanics by developing an understanding of ergonomics in the workplace and at home.

EXRH 200 (Exercise Rehabilitation)
Training coincides with practical instruction pertaining to the specific articulations of the body – coxa, knee, ankle and foot, spine, pelvis, shoulder girdle, elbow and wrist and hand. On completion of this component, students will be able to create and modify training programs to suit their patients’ needs.

Clinic Management (CLMA)
To be considered professional, a therapist needs to learn more than the skills of performing massage. A therapist must also have a sound understanding of the communicative and administrative tools needed to interact with patients and document their progress.

CLMA 100
Students will learn to communicate with patients, develop patient histories, manage files and perform
consultations. They will also study massage and the law, learning what the requirements are in dealing with patients and handling patient records.

As part of the documentation component, students will become knowledgeable in informed consent,
developing treatment plans, maintaining SOAP notes and writing reports.

Ethics is introduced with this course and expanded on in all other courses. Because massage therapists take on new responsibilities working on the public, it is vital that they have a grounded understanding of ethics in their practices.

Practice Management (PRMA)
To be successful, therapists must be as skilled in operating a business as they are in performing massage. In Practice Management, students are introduced to the basic knowledge required to successfully operate a massage therapy business.

PRMA 200
This course offers an overview of the business concepts, accounting procedures and ethical and professional issues that form a foundation for professional success. Students also explore personal and professional goal setting.

Students develop an understanding of how business decisions can impact the success of a massage
practice. They learn about advertising and how to effectively promote a practice in the marketplace. They also study the importance of target markets and how location can impact a practice’s success.

Because a practice’s physical environment has an impact on the type of patient it attracts and its longterm
success, the course will look at clinic design and public awareness.

Other components of business management will be covered, including an in-depth look at accounting, business types, service expansion and employee management. As well, professionalism, networking, the importance of networking and the requirements of a successful practice will be discussed.

PRMA 210 (Employment Preparation)
The course focuses on preparing students for employment or self-employment after graduating. Course content includes resume writing, interview skills, industry wage trends and the importance of employee contracts.
Students will benefit from exposure to guest speakers who will discuss their experiences in the field
and talk about the many opportunities available to graduate therapists.

Psychology (PSYC)
Massage is a profession based on human interaction. A therapist’s ability to effectively interact with and interpret a patient’s mental and emotional responses can enhance the therapeutic process and lead to improved treatments.

PSYC 100
The course develops interaction skills within a classroom environment. Students will explore interpersonal relationships and communication, as well as the assessment and development of self-esteem. Assertiveness and conflict resolution will also be addressed.

PSYC 200
Expanding on knowledge gained in PSYC 100, students will continue to develop their skills in a more focused way within a clinical environment. Students will study different personality assessments, including Myers-Briggs.

Basic counselling skills will be introduced and students will explore the impact of spirituality and wholeness on the human body. The subjects of differentiating depression,changing life transitions, stages of grief, chemical dependency and sexuality will also be discussed

Research Project (RESR)
Research plays a vital role in the lives of professional massage therapists. Students will be introduced to the concepts of research and come to understand the role it plays in a therapy practice and how it impacts recognition of the massage industry.

RESR 200
Students will discuss different forms of research and how they can contribute to the field while in practice. They will also prepare a research paper and present it to a committee for peer review and evaluation. Students will be assigned a mentor who will advise them throughout the project. Research projects will be posted on the College’s website over the succeeding year.