American Institute of Allied Health

If you are looking for an exciting, rewarding career where you can help and care for other people, then you need to look no further.

The American Institute of Allied Health is proud to offer state-of-the-art training in massage and body work therapies.

Our commitment to excellence and innovative curriculum are the foundation of the program. As a post-secondary educational institution, nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services, we are committed to training and helping you reach the top of the massage therapy field. We offer a quality education you can trust.

Massage Therapy Techniques

Massage Therapy forms the basis of the contemporary Western approach to massage. It includes techniques such as:

• Effleurage (stroking)
• Petrissage (kneading)
• Tapotement (percussion)
• Compression
• Friction
• Vibration
• Nerve stroke
• Passive and active joint movements
• Nonspecific stretches for body massage

Pathology

Pathology is the study of disease. This course covers the scientific basis of the nature, causes, development and consequences of many diseases and conditions, both common and rare. Infectious agents and proper ways of dealing with them are studied in detail.

Students will learn how to approach specific conditions which may be contraindicated for massage, as well as precautions to take for sanitizing before and after sessions with clients who may have contagious conditions.

Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body including the following areas: bones, joints, muscles, skin, blood, blood vessels, cells, tissues, membranes, heart, brain, spinal cord, nerves, glands, hormones, and the lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems.

Physiology is the study of the normal vital processes of the human body including the processes of cells, tissues and organs including the contractibility of muscle tissue; coordination through the nervous system; digestion; circulatory; reproduction; and secretions.

Human Health & Hygiene

This course covers the study of recognized methods of sanitation and cleanliness including prophylaxis or disease prevention as applied to massage therapy services and current knowledge of elements affecting a healthy lifestyle.

Business & Ethics

Beyond the basic business practices studied in Level I, students learn more in-depth information important to beginning and building their own practice such as:

• Research
• Business planning
• Marketing strategies

The course also covers current massage employment trends and other topics helpful for job-seeking in today's market. An additional 2 hours of ethics is included, as required for national certification.

Internship Program

The internship is a program of study supervised by a massage therapy instructor in which the student intern, functioning as a massage therapist, receives a minimum of 40 hours of "hands-on experience" providing massages to the general public.

Hydrotherapy

The hydrotherapy course covers th theory and practical use of generally accepted methods of water applications for its mechanical, thermal and chemical effects including cleansing and vitalizing treatments such as:

• Dry brushing
• Body scrubs
• Body wraps
• Hot and cold applications
• Paraffin

These are learned in conjunction with other techniques frequently used in spas.

Kinesiology

The course focuses on the study of body movement, including:

• Related muscles
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Nerves
• Joints

Kinesiology is an important means for therapists to understand the mechanics of how we move our bodies, and how to apply these principles in helping clients with muscular imbalance and impediments to proper and free movement.

Chair Massage

This course prepares students for providing stress relief in a corporate or public setting. It is performed on a fully-clothed client seated in a specially-designed chair which allows the therapist access to the client's back, neck and shoulders. Areas covered in this course include:

• Proper body mechanics
• Equipment
• Specialty marketing

Reflexology

Reflexology is the study of reflex points of the feet, in particular, and how proper stimulation of these points can have a physiological effect on corresponding areas of the body. The course also includes:

• Anatomy of the feet
• Benefits and contraindications
• Specific massage and spa treatments of the feet and lower legs

Hot Stone Massage

Students learn to combine the use of heated, oiled river stones with relaxation massage techniques. By incorporating the heated stones, therapists can better prepare clients for deeper work as the muscle tissue becomes more pliable in response to the heat. Proper equipment and supplies are essential, along with knowledge of areas such as:

• Benefits
• Precautions and contraindications
• Specific temperature requirements
• Sanitation requirements

Trigger Point

Trigger points are hypersensitive knots in muscle tissue that can restrict range of motion and cause excessive pain in reflex areas. Trigger points require specific pressure patterning to enable them to release, followed by proper stretching of the muscle tissue to reset the area. This class includes presentation and demonstration followed by hands-on practice.

Facilities

American Institute of Allied Health is located in the Dallas Metroplex area, in the vibrant city of Lewisville.

Our 12,000 square foot building provides students with 4 large classrooms, 15 intern massage rooms, hydrotherapy facility, lab/study room, and administrative offices. We are proud in furnishing our classrooms with the most modern in therapy equipment.

To learn more about the American Institute of Allied Health and its exceptional training programs, please Request Information.