Introduction to Massage / Physical Therapy Aide

This course is a short-term vocational training designed to prepare students to work at an acute, chronic, rehab facility or outpatient clinic. This course covers basic massage skills such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, vibration, and shaking. Massage relaxes the mind and body, reaching all major organs as well as helping the muscles, bones, and soft tissues stay healthy. As a physical therapy aide, you will learn different modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, TENS, paraffin bath, hydrocollator packs, and each of their benefits, methods of application, precautions, and safety measurements. You will also learn how to assist patients who are recovering from illness, disabilities, and surgery so that they can resume their daily routines and activities. This course covers anatomy, gait training, transfer techniques, exercise, and other modalities. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to work under the direction of a physical therapist or chiropractor.