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The Palmer Institute of Massage |
Course DescriptionsThis page has our entire course descriptions. You can scroll down or you can jump to any course by clicking
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50 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: Complete a minimum of one course
in Massage prior to taking this course.
The use of hot stones for therapeutic purposes were practiced
centuries ago, however it is now in the 21st. century that hot
stone therapy has regained its popularity internationally. Since
hot stone therapy has become increasingly popular in the massage
and bodywork profession your future clients will likely be asking
you to include hot stone therapy in their treatment.
This style of bodywork will help you to create a relaxing, gentle
yet effective treatment which has been proven beneficial for several
types of conditions as well as for general relaxation. A session
can last on average from 60-90 minutes in length, depending on
your treatment goals. What makes this treatment so unique is its
ability to be adaptable to whatever your session goals are.
The stones hot or cold in combination with Swedish and Deep Tissue
Massage techniques produce a feeling of peacefulness and spiritual
renewal. As the stones are placed on the body the stagnant areas
begin to be drawn outward creating a positive movement of energy.
This movement then releases suppressed energy promoting feelings
of balance, peacefulness and grounding.
This course will teach you to:
From a therapist's perspective, the hot stones eventually become an extension of your hands, thus doing a lot of the intense work for you. You will find that there are different shapes and sizes of the stones that can help penetrate deep into the tissue for you. The cold stones will help eliminate fluid and congestion in the face, relieve tired or stressed body muscles and reduce puffiness, swelling and redness for your client.
Hot
Stone Practice Verification Form
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Open to the public.
Participants:
Need a break from stress? C'mon Get Happy! This workshop is highly
recommended for those of you who want to overcome your test taking
anxieties. This workshop is great for your friends and family,
since the holidays are fast approaching, we all could use a good
laugh or two to get us through. Take this opportunity to show
off your school and treat others to the joyful experience of laughter
yoga.
Laughter Yoga Therapy:
LAUGHTER helps to unwind the negative effects of stress and boost
the immune system as it increases resistance by stimulating the
immune system. It increases oxygen levels in the body and releases
endorphins (feel-good hormones) from the brain cells. Daily laughter
exercise will promote a sense of well-being and feeling of freshness
throughout the day.
Dr. Madan Kataria:
Dr. Madan Kataria a Bombay based Physician from India has developed
this new technique of Laughter Therapy based on Yoga. Anyone can
participate in group laughter exercises for 10-15 minutes every
day without resorting to jokes.
Learn To Wear a Smile On Your Face:
Laughter Therapy is one of the easiest types of meditation because
it promotes instant relaxation. It works by disconnecting your
mind from the physical world. It's a proven fact that while laughing
you cannot think of anything else. In other types of meditation
participants need to concentrate to take their mind away from
unwanted thoughts; which as we all know is easier said than done.
Health Benefits of Laughter Yoga:
Laughter Yoga will significantly reduce the frequency of coughs,
colds, throat concerns, and chest infections. Laughter reduces
inhibitions, increases self-confidence and develops leadership
qualities. Practicing in laughter yoga will help start your day
on a positive note, improve interpersonal relationships, and create
a sense of well-being. This workshop helps you to live your day
in a positive way so you can sleep well and wake up happy.
50 Certification Hours
Advanced Elective Bodywork Course
Prerequisites: Completion of one Bodywork Course and Anatomy Muscles & Bones (to be taken prior to, or concurrently with this course)
This intensive course will demystify how to care for those in cancer treatment and beyond. Students will have an in depth look at what cancer is, how it is treated in the medical community and how to integrate your style of bodywork effectively. This course replaces commonly held misconceptions about massage and cancer with the latest clinical research and methods. Students will learn assessment and intake skills, evaluation of client's specific health needs, recognize symptomatic signs of illness and infection, and develop critical thinking skills for planning the appropriate massage before and after radical post surgical procedures. Students will learn how to prepare emotionally for this type of work and feel comfortable when working with clients. Cancer specific S.O.A.P. notes and documentation will be taught along with the skills needed to professionally discuss your client's needs with their health care team.
Recognize Your Role as Health Care Provider
Special Needs of the Cancer Client Pre-surgical - Post surgical
Specific Massage and Bodywork Techniques
Cancer
Patient Practice Verification Form
To
access Class Notes, click here.
100 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of least one of the following: Massage Therapy I or Anatomy Muscles and Bones
This twelve week hands-on bodywork course teaches students to practice
Myofascial Release & Neuromuscular Therapy in combination. Students
will be exposed to the precise functionality of both modalities
within the same process. You will readily see the benefits that
this training will have for your clients as you learn to bridge
the gaps between Myofascial & Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapies.
The clinical work developed by pioneers such as: Drs. Travell, Simons,
and Dr. Ida Rolf will be contrasted with the more energy based,
mind body approaches of John Barnes, and Dr. Goodhearts Applied
Kinesiology.
Students will learn:
Definitions: Myofascial Release Therapy refers to the
manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing
bonds between fascia and integument, muscles, and bones, with
the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and balancing
the body. The Fascia is located between the skin and the underlying
structure of muscle and bone, it is a seamless web of connective
tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal
structures in our bodies. Muscle and fascia are united forming
the myofascial system.
The Direct Myofascial Release method works directly on
the restricted fascia. Direct Myofascial Release seeks for changes
in the myofascial structures by stretching, elongation of fascia,
or mobilizing adhesive tissues. The Indirect Myofascial Release
Method is a gentle stretching which the hands tend to go with
the restricted fascia, hold the stretch, and allow the fascia
to 'unwind' itself. The gentle traction applied to the restricted
fascia will result in heat, increase blood flow in the area. The
intention is to allow the body's inherent ability for self correction
returns, thus eliminating pain and restoring the optimum performance
of the body.
Neuromuscular Trigger-Point Therapy utilizes advanced concepts
in the science and art of pressure therapy. Trigger points are
described as hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are
associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers.
The palpable nodules are said to be small contraction knots and
a common cause of pain around 75% of pain clinic patients have
a trigger point as the sole source of their pain. The following
conditions are often diagnosed (incorrectly) when trigger points
are the true cause of pain: carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis,
tendonitis, angina pectoris, and sciatic symptoms, along with
many other pain problems.
Introduction
to Neuromuscular and Myofascial Practice Verification Form
To
access Class Notes, click here.
100 Certification Hours
This Seven-Part Series:
Teaches students a hands-on, head-to-toe, full body massage. Massage
Therapy I is the strong
foundation of all bodywork taught at Palmer.
Full Body Treatment Includes:
Students Will Learn:
The systematic application of touch from one person to another,
using manual, Swedish and therapeutic techniques of massaging,
stroking (effleurage), kneading (petrissage), deep tissue, friction,
stretching, compression, passive and active joint movements within
the normal physiologic range of motion.
Swedish Massage:
Is used for stress reduction and a general feeling of well-being.
This is the most comprehensive and systematic method of massage
used in the country today. Students will learn a variety of movements
that will encompass major muscle groups and joints. The therapeutic
value of massage therapy is unlike any other form of healing.
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Massage
Therapy I Practice Verification Form.pdf
100 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: Massage Therapy I
Course Objectives:
This hands-on training is designed to expand the depth and diversity
of your massage skills. You will learn an anatomical approach
to the practice of massage therapy, which will further develop
the foundation of your practice and give you the tools and techniques
to enhance your current skills. This training is the next step
from Massage 1 and will teach students to work very specifically
in targeted areas of the body. It is work the will take you to
the next level of your massage practice and will prepare you to
be of greater professional service to clients.
During the first two weeks students will be individually assessed in order to define their areas of strength and weakness. They will be evaluated and given tips and suggestions that will help them facilitate safer and more effective treatments.
There will be two workshops included in the 12 weeks to allow students to integrate the new techniques they are learning with the Palmer Method they learned in Massage 1. With an instructor present to assist, they will be able to put the pieces together while working on flow, timing and body mechanics. There will also be time allowed for students to practice on the instructor and receive constructive feedback on their techniques and overall flow.
Additional Specific Techniques:
In this class you will review:
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Massage
Therapy II Practice Verification Form.pdf
Movement Based Bodywork
2 - 6 Week Course
50 Certification Hours each
Muscle Release Therapy places an emphasis on improving your client's ability to perform activities of daily living by minimizing the impact of injuries and repetitive stress.
This course is designed for currently enrolled students and seasoned professionals interested in adding a layer of advanced technical skills to their repertoire. The course focuses on creating a pain free range of movement by the using the bodies own muscular energy combined with active release techniques.
The course is divided into two 6 week sections that can be taken separately or together. Section I provides a hands-on training of kinesiology and specific movement of the shoulder, hip and neck joints. Section II applies the techniques for activating weak muscles and releasing locked tight muscles within these joints.
Students Will Learn Anatomically Correct Hands-on Techniques in:
Part I, Movement Based Bodywork w/Kinetic Theory & Anatomy
This course provides students with a hands-on, working knowledge of kinesiology,
the science behind how the body actually moves. Students will learn the
specific anatomy and the basic terminology to correctly describe the movements
of the body so they can communicate effectively and professionally with
other health care providers, such as physical therapists and chiropractors
about their client's conditions and needs. This course is designed for
students and seasoned professionals interested n understanding the "why"
behind the "how" of Muscle Release Therapy and is recommended as the foundation
for the techniques course.
Part II, Movement Release Techniques introduces specific techniques which allow the practitioner to increase functional range of motion, flexibility and strength. Students learn a repertoire of releases for the hip, neck and shoulder joint, which can be applied to other joints as well. These techniques can be integrated into traditional massage or deep tissue work and can also be performed with the client fully clothed.
*Please note – these courses are designed to compliment each other, but it is not required to take them both, or that you take these classes in any specific order. As always, choose the class that works best for you and your training.*
14 credit hours for the weekend training
Prerequisites: Massage Therapy I, Anatomy Muscles & Bones,
Anatomy Systems, and one Energy course
Reduce your test anxiety, increase confidence, refresh memory,
and review - all in one weekend!
Class Description: Your time is valuable. Learn where to
focus your studies, and fill in any gaps. This weekend training
is a comprehensive review of all the concepts covered on the examination
for the National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
The material will be presented in multiple interactive formats
with ample classroom participation.
Areas of review include:
To
access Class Notes, click here.
50 Certification Hours
We live in a new era of food; our markets are filled with cloned animals,
hidden toxins and genetically modified organisms, making up 75% of processed
foods. It's become imperative to educate our selves in order to remain
healthy and know what is needed to maintain and enhance our physical,
mental and emotional bodies.
This course will clarify the changes needed to attain a complete and well balanced diet and impart the importance of every vitamin, mineral and amino acid. To become helpful to ourselves and others it is necessary to understand what causes this disease. By learning what ingredients in our food promote obesity and how to identify them will help us to make healthy, educated choices. Food is the foundation of our health, energy and who we are. It is used as our building blocks and our most powerful preventative medicine. Our diets can promote longevity, deter cancer and accelerate healing.
We are overfed and undernourished… Obesity has become a global epidemic and is linked to all the major causes of chronic illness and death in this country (cancer, heart disease, diabetes). It's estimated that 40% of our society suffers from this disease and this number is expected to increase to 75% within the next decade.
Discover how to choose the best foods for your body, lifestyle, family history and health goals. This course is designed to help participants identify deficiencies, food allergies, addictions, and the control they have over us. This insight enables us to identify these issues in our clients as well, making it possible to offer another level of service to those looking for a healthier path.
This course covers:
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Nutritional needs for:
Specialty diets
Animal feed
Genetically modified organisms
Fasting / cleansing
Reading labels
BMI (body mass index)
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To
access Class Notes, click here.
70 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: Massage Therapy I and Anatomy Muscles & Bones
Palpation is the art of skilled touch which is used to access
accurate points of connection between muscles for the purpose
of decreasing pain while improving range of motion. The student
therapist touches and feels their partner's/client's body to determine
the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of a
body part. You will now learn how to identify those discrepancies
by using graded pressure known as palpation.
Included in this hands-on-course:
This course will assist you in the integration of your foundation courses and allow you the ability to understand the body on a deeper level through the use of educated touch.
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Palpation
Practice Verification Form
100 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: Anatomy Muscles and Bones and Anatomy Systems (taken prior to or concurrently with this
course)
This is a required course for National Certification.
What is Pathology? Pathology is the study of the essential
nature of diseases; specifically the structural and functional
changes produced by them.
Why Study Pathology? More and more people perceive massage
therapy as a health care modality rather than an indulgence. As
a result we are now seeing our clients' health care issues range
from simple to complex. Since people are now seeking massage therapy
as a means to improve their health; we as massage therapists must
have a greater understanding and practical knowledge of disease.
The power of informed touch is irrefutable. Students will learn
to recognize diseases, make educated decisions, structure their
sessions appropriately, and work with an entire community of clients
who would otherwise be out of their reach.
This informative and interactive course will include:
This course includes: Color photographs, in class labs, and visual aids.
To
access Class Notes, click here.
100 Certification Hours
Many times students interested in Massage Therapy do not have an understanding of what Polarity Energy Balancing Therapy is and how it may be beneficial to them as a practitioner. The belief is that Polarity Energy Balancing works from the inside out, whereas Massage Therapy works from the outside in. An example: A Massage is given by manipulating the skin and muscles; while Polarity accesses the body's energy patterns to create movement of energy within. The truth is that the body cannot function or be alive without its energy. Equally true, is that there is no need for human energy without the body; hence both are necessary in the existence of life and health.
Polarity Energy Balancing Therapy: is the healing science of aligning the energy fields of the body. Through Polarity Energy Balancing, the relationship of energies within us can quickly and easily be brought together in a gentle and balanced way. Dr. Randolph Stone developed this work based on ancient, traditional, healing information gathered from around the world. Dr. Stone found that many of the ancient concepts and models of the human body and energy fields were validated by the concepts of nuclear physics and atomic structure. He felt that disease was simply the outward manifestation of blocked energy and that it was possible to make the energy flow correctly again, removing the cause, rather than the symptoms.
General Treatment: the General Session is composed of a series of opening and closing moves composed of gentle and pressure sensitive contact points used to balance the body's energies.
Yoga: you will learn yoga stretches as they apply to the elements listed below.
Introductory 5 Element Theory and Practice: is an introduction to the elements, through the use of Dr. Randolph Stone's energy dynamic theories. We will explore the energetic relationship between the ultrasonic core and the five element systems. Example: Ether: you will learn a treatment to work with the nervous system and the electromagnetic field. Air: you will learn a treatment that works with the respiratory/circulatory systems. Fire: This treatment teaches how to help the digestion of foods and liquids and, which creates heat in the body. It also teaches how to balance anger, both turned inward and outward. Water: The water treatment works with the fluids in the body, and the reproductive centers (ovaries and testicles). Earth: The earth treatment teaches about the skin, bones, flesh, muscles, nails and intestines.
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Click
Here for Practice Verification Form - Polarity Energy Balancing
Click
Here for Professional Session Received Form
100 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: Polarity Energy Balancing I
This class teaches:
Students and practitioners a more advanced approach of how the
energy currents run through the body, how to "tune in" and perceive
the energy flow and how to facilitate this energy flow toward
optimum health. It brings students the highest clarity in how
to release the energy blocks that have created pain and discomfort
in the body. It continues to deepen students' understanding and
skill in working with the five elements and how they manifest
in the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Students will explore
the four dynamic aspects of Polarity: bodywork, nutrition, yoga/exercise/relaxation
techniques, and self awareness/our thoughts as energy.
In this class you will learn:
Joint Treatment/Advanced Ether Work: This treatment is specifically dedicated to joint problems, arthritis, working with pre- and post-operative clients and the elderly, as well as anyone needing more "space" in their lives.
Oval Field Balancing: This exquisite work is designed to balance the energy centers of the body, helping individuals access their core.
Advanced Air, Fire, and Water Pathway Sessions: These sessions help people's energy flow more easily and effortlessly through the body/mind, continuing to build of ways of working with respiration, circulation, digestion and reproduction.
Advanced Neck, Earth, Structural Alignment/Short Leg work: Students will learn through energetic and massage techniques ways to help loosen and relax muscles in the head, neck, throat, shoulders, upper back, hands, fingers, hips and colon.
Principles and Energetic Effects of Nutrition: Personal awareness and training in nutritional science of the five-element theory, food groups, body cleansing and client evaluations through diet history will be introduced and explored.
Yoga/Exercise/Breath: Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of Polarity stretching postures which emphasize how energy currents flow through the body. Modifications are made to ensure that each individual's needs are met.
Communication and Relationship-building Skills: The practitioner/client relationship is a key aspect in Polarity Energy Balancing. Basic skills are explored and ways of working with "what comes up" are shared.
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Click
Here for Practice Verification Form - Polarity Energy Balancing
Click
Here forProfessional Session Received Form
50 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: Massage Therapy I and Anatomy Bones & Muscles
There is no question one of more of your clients will fall into the category of mother-to-be! This course teaches its students safe and comfortable prenatal positioning techniques, reliable practice guidelines and protocols, contraindications, and the physiological and anatomical rationale adaptations. The sweet challenge of motherhood begins long before the little bundle is born. There is no doubt the more positive the pregnancy is; the deeper the mother/child connection. Pre-and-post natal massage treatments help with every stage of childbearing, from conception to birth, and through the postpartum period. Studies have confirmed what midwifes and doulas have known for centuries: The full circle experience of birth with a skilled, experienced and loving therapeutic practitioner does much more than just relieve pain and tension.
This course will teach you:
Throughout each trimester, an expectant mother watches her body change and experiences new aches and pains as each month passes. The art of Pregnancy Massage (Prenatal) will greatly ease the miraculous transition into motherhood. This section commented out, but kept for future reference
Pre
and Post Natal Practice Verification Form.pdf
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Foundation Bodywork Course
50 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: One bodywork course: Massage Therapy, Shiatsu Training, Polarity Energy Balancing, or Reflexology
This Professional Boundaries course is designed to complement and
complete your Business Mastery skills. It enables students to move
beyond manual techniques and learn effective tools for developing
and practicing professional, safe relationship dynamics with their
clients and in the workplace. It is an opportunity to delve deeply
into real-life examples and learn practical solutions to problems
that all body workers face in their practices. It is not a question
of "if" these problems will come up, rather a question of "when"
they will arise. We will identify and deal with the more subtle
and uncomfortable situations that confront therapists. The additional
benefit and value of this course is that all the tools and lessons
that are learned have direct application in all aspects of life,
professional as well as personal.
Topics of Discussion:
This course offers its students the opportunity to feel deeply empowered to handle the complexities that the intimacy and vulnerability inherent in a session can create as well as in daily life. The more we can create a safe, comfortable space for our clients and ourselves, the deeper the level of trust, compassion and healing that can emerge.
Click
Here for Practice Verification Form - Professional Boundaries
100 Certification Hours
What is Reflexology? Reflexology, an ancient art practiced by numerous cultures, is a science based on the premise that all glands, organs and bones of the body are reflected onto the feet and hands. The act of applying pressure using thumb, finger and hand techniques to these reflex areas creates a reaction within the body via the nervous system in order to reduce stress, promote homeostatis (balance) and improve circulation.
Interesting Foot Facts: Reflexing the foot regularly, using professional Reflexology techniques can increase the mobility and possibly reshape the foot. Did you know that each foot has over 7,000 nerve endings, 26 bones, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles? This powerful, non-invasive therapy creates a physiological change in the body by naturally improving your circulation, which reduces your body tension and enhances relaxation. It aids in the elimination of body waste and restores health to body functions.
Learn the Theories and Techniques: You will learn how to incorporate Reflexology into a massage session or to use it as an independent modality. Students will learn:
Students will be required to apply and document 30 sessions in Reflexology.
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Click
here for Reflexology I Practice Verification Form
Click
here for Reflexology I Practitioner Session Verification Form
100 Certification Hours
Prerequisites: Reflexology I
This program is: in compliance with the certification standards of the American Reflexology Certification Board. This program is designed for the advanced Reflexology student, which offers an in-depth knowledge of the art and science of Reflexology.
This Reflexology program: will teach the American Standard Method of Reflexology, which is necessary for national certification purposes. This program will also address Reflexology in various clinical settings: wellness centers, hospitals, hospices, etc. This course will deepen the students' knowledge and application of this powerful modality. Students will learn:
All students: attending this program will meet all ARCB prerequisites and be eligible to apply for national certification testing, providing students with certification as a Professional Reflexologist.
To
access Class Notes, click here.
Click
Here for Practice Verification Form - Reflexology
Click
Here for Practice Verification Form - Reflexology-Hand
Prerequisites: Completion of Reflexology I at Palmer OR Proof of Completion of a 100 hour Comprehensive Reflexology course elsewhere.
OVERVIEW
This Reflexology training creates a gentle hands on experience adapted to promote a health conscious, confident and relaxed environment before, during and after the child bearing year. Students will explore Reflexology from fertility through the postpartum period. You will become the well educated and skilled practitioner you had always hoped to be, manifesting a high level of confidence when working with newly expecting moms.
TOPICS WILL INCLUDE
50 Certification Hours
Reiki, the ancient Japanese healing art with origins dating back to the Tibetan sutras is based on the work of Dr. Mikato Usui. Students will receive the activation and administration of the universal (rei) life force energy (ki) to heal body, mind and spirit using a hands on approach. Reiki may be practiced alone or in combination with compatible healing modalities including; Massage, Polarity and Shiatsu therapies. This work accelerates the healing process enhancing the body's innate ability to heal oneself while promoting overall health and well being to your client. Reiki's unique popularity has grown to hospitals and hospices as an accompaniment to more traditional Western therapies. Reiki Level I ~will introduce the essential transformational teachings and practices used in healing ones self through a profound healing process known as a tube of light. In Reiki Level II ~as the tube of light grows students will learn the use of this hands-on intuitive healing process on others.
Reiki Level I & II includes:
Completion of this program and required practice hours will provide certification for Reiki Level I and II and provide the necessary prerequisites for Reiki III Master Training and certification.
