Institute for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

Mission Statement:

Our Mission: By providing a well-rounded education, our graduates benefit the community with tailored Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork sessions. We teach not only a science but an art as well; by encouraging our students to blend their knowledge of anatomy with their kinesthetic intuition, we utilize passion to heal.

Therapeutic Massage Program:

The purpose of this program is to allow students of ITMB the opportunity to study and learn the fundamental concepts needed for a career in therapeutic massage. Once the core body of knowledge is mastered then the essential learning will begin, as this program dedicates 300 hours of the sciences of massage including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, clinical pathology, indications and contraindications, 250 hours of theory including massage techniques, application of technique, and clinical training, the program includes 50 hours professional standards, ethnics as well as business practices for a total of 600 hours. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork provides a focal point for the development of these courses.

Some of the courses included within the Therapeutic Massage Program:

• Swedish Massage
• Sports Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Myofascial Release Techniques
• Reflexology
• Chair Massage
• Infant Massage

Our program also introduces systems of structured touch other than therapeutic massage. The individual systems can be categorized as follows:

• Eastern and Oriental thought involving vital energy, chakras, meridians, and trigger points
• Reflex systems such as hydrotherapy and reflexology
• Energetic systems such as polarity
• Structural systems such as Rolfing, Shiatsu, Myofascial Release, and Cranial Sacral approaches

Suggestions for incorporating simple methods for each of the approaches are included in this program.

Institutional Philosophy:

Purpose: The Therapeutic Massage Program is designed for those individuals who wish to pursue a full-time career in therapeutic massage. The program is also designed for those individuals who would like a high paying part-time job i.e. stay-at-home moms, college students, retirees, etc. Also, the program is suitable for those individuals who are adding additional skills to their current profession.

Objectives: This program's objective is to train individuals in the art and science of therapeutic massage. The focus is to provide sufficient information to support safe and beneficial professional practices. We ready our graduates for an occupation in massage therapy and prepare them to sit for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

Students: The student will master the application of techniques for Swedish, Therapeutic/Medical massage by learning the basic functions of the body systems including anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and pathology. The student will also learn charting, record keeping, draping, sanitation and safety, indications and contraindications, as well as an introduction to various other complementary modalities.

Testimonials from Graduates of ITMB:

Christine Douglas, NCTMB; "One thing that many of my clients say to me is how tired they were of cookie cutter massages. Because of the variety of techniques and modalities that I was instructed in and exposed to at ITMB, I feel I am able to give my clients true therapeutic massage and bodywork. Using multiple techniques and modalities in a massage gives me the versatility I need to give my clients a massage that meets their therapeutic needs. I'm grateful for the well rounded education I received at ITMB, and for giving me what I needed to be successful as a therapist."

Matt Benner, CMT; "What I've learn is invaluable, both personally and out on the job market. Two weeks before graduation, I started a full-time job that the school helped set me up with, and it was there that I realized just how much I actually knew. Most schools don't provide various methods and modalities, and this school taught with such an open mind that I was well above the curve. Deb and Beth were in close proximity at all times, encouraging questions and providing information. I love them both more than chocolate or the color green and I will miss them."

Interested In Joining Our Team? Regularly scheduled start-dates are in January, March, April, May and September each year. We do have ongoing enrollment throughout the year for those individuals who would like to start before our next scheduled session. We offer daytime as well as evening and Saturday hours on the weekend. We have a payment plan option available to students who need it. If you are interested in pursuing a career in therapeutic massage please contact us for further info!

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.