NTT 103 – Neuromuscular Therapy Fundamentals

HISTORY OF MASSAGE AND BODYWORK		1	1	0
	Demonstrate an understanding of the history of massage and bodywork.
PROFESSIONALISM		2	3	0
	Restate a definition of professional touch.
	Write a scope of practice for our profession.
	Compare their personally written scope of practice to that of The State of Georgia Massage Therapy Board.
	Distinguish the commonalities and differences among professions that include manual therapy.
	Discover the terminology used by the Georgia Massage Therapy Board to define a licensed massage professional.
	Identify issues of breech or negligence as defined by HIPPA.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS		2	2	0
	Model active listening.
	Use feedback as a means to determine client expectations.
	Relate the importance of effective communication as related to professional development.
	Discern accommodations needed for special populations.
DOCUMENTATION AND CHARTING		10	14	0
	Express the purpose of charting procedures.
	Determine the meaning of medical terms by analyzing prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
	Make proper use of abbreviations.
	Make proper use of a key when charting.
	Explain the purpose in an Intake form, soap note, informed consent, Referral Form, and in a policies and procedures document.
	Collect data in the form of an Intake and Medical History, a soap note document, and an informed consent.
	Express the correct sequence of conducting assessments and documenting findings.
	Observe protocol in the exchange of medical information, release of medical information, and the consent to treatment of a minor.
	Demonstrate familiarity with the essential forms and documents in the student clinic as demonstrated by the correct completion and filing of mock and student files.
FORM A TREATMENT PLAN UTILIZING ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES		12	20	0
	Define the terms visual, palpable and functional assessment.
	Discuss possibilities of how biomechanical deviations from the norm manifest.
	Conduct visual assessment according to the following criteria: Use a postural analysis grid to observe and document occasions of asymmetry in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes due to joint dysfunction, muscle dysfunction, and/or genetics. Assess arches and leg lengths in order to differentiate between functional and structural leg length differences and to determine weight distribution. Reference the client’s body language to recognize areas of pain/dysfunction and the need for possible treatment alterations. Evaluate gait patterns to note signs of pain, dysfunction, and/or deviations from the norm. Evaluate integumentary system and document findings for deviations from the norm.
	Conduct palpable assessment according to the following criteria: Palpate to confirm visual and functional assessment findings. Palpate for the following dysfunctions; i. Hypertonicity ii. Atrophy iii. Edema iv. Ischemia v. Tender points vi. Trigger points vii. Adhesions (fascial/ scar tissue) viii. Inflammation
	Conduct functional assessment according to the following criteria: a. Explain the criteria used to assess joint pathology and soft tissue dysfunction as related to joint range of motion. b. Demonstrate the differences in passive and active joint range of motion in the assessment for pain and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. c. Use passive and active joint range of motion to confirm palpable and visual assessment findings as well as to form an appropriate treatment plan. d. Perform muscle tests (isometric contraction) to discern muscle weakness as compared to the same muscle on the opposite side.
	Explain and differentiate between the benefits of short term and long term treatment plans.
	Establish short term and long term treatment goals based on assessment findings.
	Continue all assessments throughout the session and adjust treatment to achieve of the most therapeutic outcome.
	Assess client post treatment in order to document changes, educate client, and set goals for the next treatment session.
CRITICAL READING		3	0	0
	Provide parameters, collect journals and articles for research and file them in a critical reading portfolio.
	Evaluates works as analyzed by the following criteria: Compare scope of the work topically and/or scholarly oriented. Summarize the content. Note any of the authors acknowledged biases by analyzing his/her intent in publication. Define the scope of the work. Describe implications for further testing or how research is evident. Identify the extent that scope of practice contributes information related to the massage therapy industry. Identify extent the scope of practice has been helpful in furthering your knowledge and understanding in the field of massage therapy.
	Present findings and reflections from critical reading exercise to the class.
	Explain the value of research to the profession.

Suggested Resources

Fritz, Sandy. (2008). Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage (4^th ed.) (Textbook & DVD). Elsevier: Mosby.

Taber’s Cyclopedic Dictionary. (20^th ed.) F. A. Davis. ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-1207-5

Posted: 05/21/08

Competency Areas	Hours
History of Massage and Bodywork	Class	3
Professionalism	D. Lab	4
Effective Communication Skills	P. Lab/O.B.I.	0
Documentation and Charting	Credit	5
Form a Treatment Plan Utilizing Assessment Procedures
Critical Reading

Prerequisite:	Program admission
Corequisite:

D.Lab

1

3

2

14

20

0