Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado: Teaching time-honored methods in massage, healing, and bodywork for over twenty years.
The "Certified Massage Therapist" Curriculum

Back to Year 1 Hours


Swedish Massage

Foundation of our Integrated Massage Instruction

Prerequisite: None

Swedish Massage is the foundation of the integrated massage instruction at the Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado.

Swedish Massage techniques include: ·

  • Long, fluid strokes
  • Percussion
  • Muscle kneading
  • Friction Benefits include:
  • Increased circulation
  • Reduced muscular tension
  • Induces overall relaxation

This therapeutic modality helps students develop their sense of touch, provide a foundation from which to build their massage education and prepare them for other modalities introduced throughout the year.

The course includes history, theory, anatomy, pathology, kinesiology, indications, contraindications, as well as bodywork techniques and practicum to provide the essential instruction and experiential format necessary to learn and perform at a professional level.

Swedish Massage provides important elements of general massage training and is an excellent method for:

  • Touch therapeutics
  • Stress reduction
  • Relaxation and stretching
  • Range of Motion (R.O.M.)

Swedish Massage integrates well with:

  • Sports Massage techniques
  • Deep Tissue
  • Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Physio-emotive methods

In this course students will become proficient in giving 60 and 90 minute full body Swedish massage routines. Students will learn the function and application of the following specific massage strokes; effluerage, petrissage, tapapotement, friction, traction, vibration, nerve stroke, basic touch, rocking compressions, fanning, stirring, shaking, jostling, variations, energy work, PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) passive and active stretching, passive and active JROM (joint range of motion).

Students will learn appropriate draping and bolstering techniques, application of appropriate lubricants for massage, table set up, body mechanics for Swedish Massage, indications and contraindications for massage, benefits of massage, effects of massage, basic client intake, history, interview, preparation for basic clinic, and considerations for ethics, professional conduct, professional boundaries, legal issues and special populations.