Sports Massage Therapy - Boulder College of Massage Therapy

The Orthopedic & Sports Massage Therapy Certificate Program offers comprehensive training and theory, including hands-on practice - setting the professional standard for training massage therapists in this rapidly growing field. BCMT's innovative team-teaching approach involves a unique combination of specific hands-on instruction, interactive lecture, Kinesthetic Anatomy in Clay (TM), and guided practical experience. Each instructor is nationally recognized in his or her discipline.

ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MASSAGE
Core Techniques and Foundations of Orthopedic and Sports Massage Therapy
This advanced technique module teaches core techniques in the Normalization of Soft Tissue
theory and application, including: Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release techniques, and
cross-fiber friction massage. The module includes the most current information in the
pathophysiology of soft tissue dysfunction, and encompasses assessment and documentation
skills which meet the treatment needs of the client and the requirements of third party payers.

Massage Therapy Management of Inflammation: The Acute Phase Through Rehabilitation
This module deepens the understanding of the inflammatory repair processes related to
trauma and microtrauma of the soft tissues. This knowledge is the basis for the development
of appropriate intervention protocols for optimizing the healing process and returning the
client to full functional capacity. This course will feature: lymphatic drainage, passive
positional release, and progressive stretching. Progressive stretching techniques such as
post-isometric relaxation and muscle energy stretching techniques assisted by the therapist
are demonstrated, in addition to client education in self-stretching.

Neurovascular Compression Syndromes of the Upper and Lower Extremities
This module will focus on conditions commonly known as Neurovascular Compression
Syndromes (NVCS). Conditions include: carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome,
forms of sciatica and “pseudo-sciatica,” anterior compartment syndrome, and
piriformis syndrome. These NVCS represent a major portion of the debilitating soft tissue conditions. A thorough understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment principles is critical to the therapist working with other practitioners in this field. This module includes building the nerve, muscle, and vascular structures utilizing the Zoologik™ Maniken™ System of Kinesthetic Anatomy in Clay™. Students learn to recognize the neurological signs/ symptoms, underlying pathophysiology, and to create an effective massage therapy management plan resulting in relief of pain, paresthesias, and dysfunction.

Sports Injuries and Dysfunctions of the Cervical Spine and Upper Extremity; Including Frozen Shoulder, Headache and TMJ Dysfunction
This module will focus on acute and chronic performance-limiting conditions of the upper
musculoskeletal system. An effective orthopedic massage therapist must be able to decipher
the specific soft tissue components involved in neck and upper extremity dysfunction. A
thorough understanding of anatomy will be explored through three-dimensional building
using the Zoologik™ Maniken™ System. Functional assessment protocols and treatment plans will be learned for the following conditions: frozen shoulder, torticollis, TMJ dysfunction, shoulder dislocation/dysfunction, shoulder separation, headaches, whiplash, and rotator cuff injuries.

Sports Injuries and Dysfunction of the Lower Extremity and Lumbar Spine
This module will study the anatomy, kinesiology, signs, symptoms, and massage techniques
applicable to disorders of the lower extremity and lumbar spine. Most sports, recreational, and
occupational activities require optimal function of the lower extremities, pelvis, and lumbar
spine. Massage therapists can help optimize the function of this complex kinetic chain. The
foot, lower leg, thigh, and pelvis function as a single unit in activities as simple as standing and
as complex as ballet. Stresses placed on the lower extremity cause many overuse and traumatic
injuries. Students learn massage management of conditions including: plantar fasciitis, low
back pain syndromes, iliotibial band dysfunction, “shin splints,” and achilles tendonitis.

Testing, Certification, Research and Review Weekend
After completion of all Modules and all required assignments, students are eligible for the
written and practical certification examination. Upon satisfactory completion, the candidate
will be awarded the Orthopedic and Sports Massage Therapy Certificate. The class includes: review of
all modules, written examination, practical hands-on evaluation, Zoologik™ Maniken™ System
testing, and comprehensive case study presentation.

To learn more, please visit our Why BCMT page or contact us today.