Louisville School of Massage

Our program at the Louisville School of Massage is designed to prepare you thoroughly for the challenges of a full time massage therapy practice. You will learn a powerful bodywork system unique to our school. It was developed by our director, Brent Williams , out of over 30 years of experience in massage, psychology, martial arts, philosophy, and studies in human potential.

Our instructors are highly trained and experienced bodyworkers who maintain active practices in massage therapy or other bodywork practices. They are committed to staying current with the rapidly changing issues of an emerging profession.

At LSM, we use a variety of teaching tools and techniques, creating a multi-sensory class experience in order to facilitate individual learning styles and abilities. Classes feature real life clinical examples and small group interaction. You will learn the practical side of Massage Therapy as a science and business, as well as it’s intuitive and artistic side.

Our 750 hour program includes:

Massage Therapy 1:

• Classroom Hours: 150 hrs.
• Community Events: 15 hrs.
• Student Clinic: 25 hrs.

Massage Therapy 2:

• Classroom Hours: 150 hrs
• Student Clinic: 60 hrs.

Professional Development:

• Classroom Hours: 115 hrs.
• Community Events: 15 hrs.

Practicum

• Classroom Hours: 35 hrs.
• Community Placement: 50 hrs.

Anatomy and Physiology:

• Classroom Hours 150 hrs

Each class takes 6 months to complete. Students can complete the program in 1 year full time or 1 1/2 to 2 years part time. Classes begin in January and July each year.

If you would like to get a face to face look at our school, meet some of the teachers and students, hear a presentation and ask questions of us in person, please join us at a Class Preview. The meet on select Saturdays from 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Massage Therapy I

This course combines traditional massage techniques with selected deep tissue techniques and other bodywork modalities to create a unique and powerful approach to massage. It also covers:

• Massage Theory
• Basic Indications and Contraindications for Massage
• History of Massage
• Selected Anatomy and Physiology
• Body Mechanics - How to use your body properly so you can do massage more effectively and efficiently
• Basic Business Considerations

The class prepares you for more intense, specific work, and serves as a basis for further study.

Massage Therapy II:

Clinical Massage, Advanced Techniques, Assessment and Interventions

This class provides the "missing link" of massage therapy: The ability to confidently and competently assess client conditions and determine appropriate massage therapy interventions. Topics covered include:

• Assessment and Intervention for common injuries
• Tissue healing process
• Intervention for chronic pain syndromes and repetitive motion injuries
• Trigger point theory and applications

You will learn many new styles of technique - massage of the deep tissue, connective tissue techniques, and muscle energy techniques, to name but a few.

Professional Development with Practicum

This class covers a wide spectrum of topics to help you:

• Build your business
• Expand your hands on skills
• Enhance your well being

It includes professional issues such as:

• Business and Marketing
• Communication
• Ethics
• Sexual Abuse Issues

It also introduces other modalities:

• Aromatherapy
• Reflexology
• Feldenkreis, and more

It addresses special populations:

• Infant massage
• Geriatric massage
• Understanding and working with depression
• Working with cancer patients
• Working with diabetics
• Sports Massage

The class teaches self-care skills to enhance your well-being and the well-being of your clients and may include:

• Yoga
• Awareness-Through-Movement
• Qi Gong, Tai Chi
• Stretching
• Nutrition, and more

These can be integrated into your practice immediately or provide a foundation for more in-depth study.

This class also includes volunteer practicum hours in a variety of community agencies and in-class supervision, support, and feedback. Practicum is designed to help you develop your massage and communication skills with specialized populations.

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Massage Therapists

This unique class features an "applications approach" to learning anatomy and physiology specifically oriented to the needs of those practicing massage or other bodywork modalities. Learn not only the facts, but what they mean to you as a practicing massage therapist. The pathology section addresses the most common injuries and diseases that a therapist is likely to see in their practice. The class will also help you learn how to relate to others in the health care field.

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