Our 700hr Curriculum includes - Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology, Swedish Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Medical Massage, Sports & Rehabilitative Techniques, Clinical Pathology (Indications & Contraindications), Ethics, Boundaries, Professional Standards, Legal Issues, Marketing & BusinessPractices, Hydrotherapy, Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety, Complementary Bodywork systems, Asian Theory (History & Philosophy), Energy Principles & Practice.
OBJECTIVES-West-Wind's overall goal is to turn out superior massage therapists. Therefore, the following objectives are built into each program:
Distinctions of the West-Wind Massage Therapist Training Program- A course of study that teaches the student an already proven successful choreographed dance of hand movements, enabling him/her to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the massage.
In order to further enhance learning, students will have the opportunity toe work together in small groups.
West-Wind believes that grades are not the most important outcome of learning. LEARNING is the most important outcome; therefore, to minimize the fear of failing and reduce unnecessary stress our students are allowed to retake tests if they do not receive at least 80% mastery of the subject.
Here at the Academy, we believe that acquiring knowledge and skills is best accomplished in an informal atmosphere, where everyone can relax and enjoy the learning process.
Students study and come in contact with some of the best and most creative innovators in the field of massage and massage therapy.
All lectures and massages learned are videotaped. Students are allowed to view these tapes during business hours, either for review or make-up.
Numerous handouts designed to help students learn. These handouts include quizzes, chapter study guides, computerized tests. All handouts are for the students benefit in order to help them learn. Answers will be provided so students can check their progress.
Here at the Academy we favor a hands on approach to learning the massage. We believe that the only way to learn massage is to do it. therefore, in the MASSAGE TECHNICIAN program, 50% of every class is lecture, and 50% is hands on., After a two hour lecture, the class divides in half for hands on learning. For one hour the first group of students practice their massage techniques on the other half; when the hour is up, the students switch roles. By taking turns at both giving and receiving massages, each student acquires a special sensitivity not otherwise achieved. The MASSAGE THERAPIST program follows the same format with the only difference being that now the whole time is taken up with hands on.The human body is a masterful piece of art. Unfortunately, most people know more about their car engine than their own body. At West-Wind Academy we make learning anatomy fun as well as informative and practical. The desired outcomes of learning anatomy are:The ability to apply this knowledge to the actual massage.The ability to successfully complete any written exam that is required for obtaining a massage license. (The majority of these questions deal in anatomy.)Being sufficiently versed in medical terminology to work in a doctor's office.Obtaining a greater understanding of one's own body.
Massage Technician Program. Each student shall demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of classical Swedish massage.
Each student shall demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomy, kinesiology and physiology of the body as it relates to Swedish massage.
Each student shall demonstrate competency of his/her working knowledge of anatomy and physiology by being able to explain and delineate how each system of the body can be enhanced and improved with Swedish massage.
Each student shall be made aware of the medical contraindications of the pathology of the body as it relates to Swedish massage.
Each student shall become aware of the emotional, physical and psychological changes that might result for massage. By being aware of these possible reactions, the student will be better equipped to work through them with the client.
Each student shall be made aware of the different ordinances that affect his/her licensing, and what he/she can and cannot do as a licensed Massage Therapist.
Massage Therapist Program. Each student shall demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of Therapeutic Massage using the Blakey Method.
each student shall demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomy, kinesiology and physiology of the body as it relates to Therapeutic Massage.
Each student shall demonstrate a competency of his/her working knowledge of anatomy and physiology by being able to explain and delineate how each system of the body can be enhanced and improved with Therapeutic Massage.
Each student shall be made aware of the medical contraindication of the pathology of the body as it relates to therapeutic Massage.
Each student shall become aware of the emotional, physical and psychological changes that might result form massage. By being aware of these possible reactions, the student will be better equipped to work through them with the client.Each student shall be made aware of the different ordinances that affect his/her licensing, and what he/she can and cannot do as a licensed massage therapist.
Physical Facility and Class Size
WestWind Academy of Massage Therapy is located at 6511 N. 7th Street in Phoenix, Arizona. It is centrally located, convenient to public transportation and is within minutes of the Piestewa (SR 51) Parkway. There is parking on the grounds and additional parking on side streets. The Academy occupies approx 900 square feet of space. It contains a reception and administrative area, one classroom, two therapy rooms, a storage area and a restroom. Equipment includes a human skeleton, wall charts and an extensive library housing a multitude of reference booksand videos on anatomy, physiology, massage and related subjects.
Class size will be kept to a maximum of 12-14 students to insure quality of instruction and optimum use of space. Students will remain in one large group for lecture, however, for the actual hands-on learning process, students will be divided into pairs and closely supervised by the Instructor and/or teaching assistant; this enhances learning and comprehension. Programs, Certificates and Tuition WestWind Academy offers two professional massage-training programs. If a student wishes to obtain a 700-hour certificate, both the beginning Massage Technician and the Advanced Massage Therapist programs should be taken consecutively. Actual instruction time for both of these programs is approximatley 12-13 months, including vacation days).
Student Massage Clinic hours are to be completed outside of normal class time. The clinic is open Friday afternoons beginning at 2:00pm and Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am. Students may elect to work either Fridays or Saturdays or both in any given month, however, it is recommended that you complete 4-5 days a month to stay current with your clinicals. Student clinic hours must becompleted by your graduation date.Upon successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a MASSAGE THERAPIST CERTIFICATE and TRANSCRIPT.
NOTE: If both courses are completed, students will be issued a MASSAGE TECHNICIAN/THERAPIST CERTIFICATE totaling five (700) hours. Total Cost Of The Seven Hundred (700) Hour Program Is $6,950.00.
On-Line Course DescriptionAnatomy and Physiology - Provides in-depth knowledge of the major systems of the body and how they interact and relate to massage therapy. Emphasis will be given to the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems to give the students a comprehensive working knowledge of the body, directly transferable and applicable to the hands-on approach to massage therapy.
The old adage “practice makes perfect” is true. In the hands on portion of every class, students practice on each other. This is a wonderful experience because it affords each student the opportunity to both give and receive important feedback. A classroom setting, however, can never duplicate the experiences learned in an actual massage establishment setting, and working on the public is what being a massage therapist is all about. Therefore, under supervised guidance, students will have the opportunity to hone their skills, preparing them for a successful career as a massage therapist. The massage clinic portion of this program will not take place until the students have completed 100 hours of training. This allows them the time to gain the confidence and skills necessary to work with the public. The student clinic is open on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. - It is recommended that a student spend at least eight hours per week reviewing the material outside of class. The number of hours needed to learn and retain the information, however, will vary from student to student. -
Students have the opportunity to practice on each other while following the video tape of the massage being learned. This helps students improve their massage skills. - A series of massage movements based on the works of Per Henrik Ling of Sweden, used for stress reduction and a general feeling of well-being. This method is the most comprehensive and systematic method of massage used in the country today. This is the best all around introduction to the learning of the hands-on technique of massage therapy, producing an excellent euphoric feeling in the client. Students will learn Swedish massage movements such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement or percussion, friction, vibration, rocking, shaking, jostling, and range of motion or joint movements. These movements will be taught as a complete choreographed dance that will encompass every major muscle and joint.- Ethics, history, theory, practical application of massage, hygiene, business development, communication, sanitation, and hydrotherapy. - The study of diseases with emphasis on contraindications in massage therapy. - Provides an in-depth knowledge of the skeletal muscles, the mechanics and intricacies of human muscle movement.
The following courses apply to the Massage Therapist Program:Therapeutic Massage (The Blakey Method) - The Blakey Method is a total system of therapeutic massage techniques. It has taken David Blakey nearly 31 years of research and development to perfect and implement these ideas. The Blakey Method is not static. It is continually being updated with new ideas and knowledge. It was designed to work with the entire population: athletic, non-athletic, active, sedentary, young, old, healthy, or unhealthy. It was born out of a necessity of helping David Blakey, the Director of West*Wind Academy, deal with chronic pain in his back. Even though individual elements of this method can be found in other body therapies such as: CONNECTIVE TISSUE, DEEP TISSUE, POLARITY, REFLEXOLOGY, CRANIOSACRAL, MYOTHERAPY, DEEP MUSCLE, MYOFASCIAL RELEASE, TRAGER, CROSS FIBER FRICTION, BODY MOBILIZATION, ADVANCED PALPATION, ACUPRESSURE, NEUROMUSCULAR, AND ADVANCED USE OF FOREARMS AND ELBOWS. Make no mistake, the Blakey Method is unique in its approach in dealing with the musculature and connective tissues of the body. When David's back was chronically hurting, he was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to experience many different body therapies. What he noticed was that no one therapy was able to provide complete relief. However, each one had certain techniques that made him feel better. When David decided to pursue a career in massage, he borrowed the best movements and philosophies from each. He then put them all together in what can truly be called an eclectic approach to massage therapy. For further information, read “The Development of the Blakey Method.”Therapeutic Massage Video Practicum - Students have the opportunity to practice on each other while following the videotape of the massage being learned. This helps students improve their massage skills.Student Clinic MassageCombining Elements Of Both Swedish And TherapeuticIn a neat, orderly world, people desiring a massage would fall into one of two categories:· Those who have no aches or pains and simply want a nice soothing, relaxing Swedish massage.
Those who do have aches and pains and want a therapeutic massage just to address those areas. In reality, however, that is rarely the case. Most people coming into a clinic for a massage want to experience both Swedish and therapeutic massage in the same session. For example, it is very common for a client to say “I want a nice, relaxing Swedish massage, but I also want you to spend a longer amount of time on my shoulder because when I move it in a certain direction, it hurts.” Many beginning massage therapists find it difficult to combine the two types of massages even though they are quite skilled at doing both Swedish and therapeutic at separate times. For this reason, West*Wind teaches a clinical massage, one that combines elements of both Swedish and therapeutic together. Once the student has had the opportunity to practice these skills, he/she then will be able put them to use in the student massage clinic. It is during these clinical sessions that the student will begin to gain skill and confidence performing the endless combinations of Swedish/therapeutic movements that clients often request.
