MHS Course Descriptions - Details

Please Note: Underscoring all the details of our classes is an environment of positive perspective, empowerment, transformation and fun! Students find learning easy and rewarding while opening to new potentials and perspectives that facilitate their healing and that of their future clients!

Note: Classes with * are only in the 850 CMT Program, but can be taken as electives by students in the 702 CMT Program.

Note: click here to access this information and download as a pdf!

702 & 850 Hour Program Courses

Learning Strategies

LS - 32 hours - This course teaches students powerful strategies to be more effective learners. Through experiential super-learning techniques students are assisted in discovering their own learning style and how to make the best use of it. Then students learn strategies designed to enhance integration and embodiment of information. The focus includes strategies for the classroom, for test taking, and for studying outside of class. Students become very empowered, confident, optimistic, and self-motivated learners. No prerequisites

Accessing Resourceful Learning StatesTurning Stops into Steps / Goal Strategies

Using Right & Left Brain Learning Strategies Brain Hemisphere Synchronization Techniques

Acupressure to Stimulate Learning & Alertness Intellegence Catagories & Their Applications

Strategies Excellent Learners UseDiet & Activities that Improve Learning

Advanced Classroom & Home Study Strategies Supporting Everyone's Learning in the Classroom

Visual, Auditory, & Kinesthetic Learning Styles & Strategies

Business & Marketing

B - 34 hours - This course provides the business, accounting, and record keeping practices needed to run a successful massage therapy business. Students learn to use intake forms, soap notes, business plans, and marketing plans. Insurance billing is also covered. Prerequisites: Program enrollment or permission

Do a Basic Business PlanBusiness & Professional Ethics

The Attitude of Success & AbundanceJob Interview Strategies

Laws Pertaining to Massage & BusinessQ & A Time with an Accountant

Understanding Taxes & Tax FormsThe Re-Hired / Desired Employee

Creative Marketing StrategiesUnique Treatments & Packages

What Money "really is" & How to be in Harmony with Its Energy

Therapeutic Massage 1

TM1 - 44 hours - This course provides the basic understanding of Swedish massage and the skills needed to perform an efficient and effective 50 minute massage. Some of the topics covered are ethics, professionalism, draping, safety issues, oils and lotions, basic Swedish style, benefits of massage, and contraindications. Prerequisites: Learning Strategies or permission

Theory, Indications, Contra-Indications & Benefits of Swedish Massage 

History of Massage TherapyDoing a "Job Winning" Swedish Massage

The Art of Being PresentThe Graceful & Flowing Massage

Oils, Lotions, Cremes & Gels & Their Uses Therapist Ergonomics During Swedish Massage

Basic Swedish Massage StrokesHygiene in Massage Therapy

Ethics & Therapeutic BoundariesProfessional Draping Techniques

"Endangerment" Sites of the BodyBasic Muscle & Skeletal Anatomy

Swedish Massage for All Individual Parts of the Body

50 & 60 Minute Swedish Massage for All of the Body

Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 1

AP1 - 36 hours - This course provides the knowledge of anatomical terminology, the skeletal system, the myofascial system, and the integumentary system. Students gain a thorough and applicable understanding of anatomy ,  physiology & kinesiology in relation to massage, health, pathology, and healing. Prerequisites: Learning Strategies or permission

The Muscular SystemAnatomical Planes & References

Bony Landmarks of the Skeletal System, Kinesiological References & Terms

Anatomy & Physiology of the Muscles of the Feet, Calf, Thigh & Abdomen

Therapeutic Relationships

TR - 28 hours - This course allows students to build professional quality therapeutic relationships that honor the client's needs, desires, perspectives, and process. Topics covered include the process of healing and change, professional boundaries, rapport skills, basic NLP skills, client outcomes, influencing with integrity, and more. Prerequisites: Learning Strategies or permission

Questions for Clarity & SpecificityListening Exercises

Understanding the Healing ResponseParadigms of Relating 

Understanding ResistanceTransference & Counter-transference

Artful DisagreementTelephone Skills & Questions

Intake Skills & QuestionsCreating Client Safety

Clearly Defined GoalsIncreasing Client Satisfaction

Basic Reframing SkillsNon-Verbal Communication

Pacing Skills Rapport Building Therapy Room

Therapy Integration 1

TI1 - 36 hours - This course introduces students to their major research projects and helps them to bring together and integrate all that they have learned at this point in the program. The focus will be on case studies, individual assessment, feedback, and integration. Prerequisites: Learning Strategies, Therapeutic Massage 1, Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 1, & Therapeutic Relationships

The Efficient & Effective Swedish Massage Additional Swedish Stroke Options

Practice Required to Prepare for ClinicsA "Spa Style" Swedish Clinic Experience

Fine-Tuning Flow & ErgonomicsBreathing While Massaging

Creating the "Big Hands" EffectListening to Your Hands

"Soft Focus" to Enhance Listening & Intuition S.O.A.P. Notes & Intake Forms

Therapeutic Massage 2

TM2 - 44 hours - This course provides additional massage techniques for stress reduction and a variety of therapeutic applications. Topics covered include tissue preparation, cross fiber techniques, massage for injuries, hydrotherapy, lymph drainage, passive stretching, client homework, reflexology, unique session packages, and others. Prerequisites: Therapeutic Massage 1 or permission

Acupressure Techniques & StylesMuscular Conditions We Facilitate

The Main Styles of Massage & BodyworkAllied Modalities - Who & When to Referral Clients

Golgi Tendon / Spindle Cell TechniquePin & Stretch Techniques to Release Muscles

Stages of Inflammation & Massage Guidelines for Each Stage

Organizing Your Techniques - What Ones to Use in What Situations

All Techniques Designed to be Useful in the 50 or 60 Minute Swedish Massage Session

Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 2

AP2 - 32 hours - This course provides the knowledge of the rest of the body's systems, the design of the body, and the effects of stress on the body. Students finish their study of the anatomy ,  physiology & kinesiology of the body's systems in relation to massage, health, pathology, and healing. Among other topics, mind-body physiology and the tissue repair cycle are also studied. Prerequisites: Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 1 or permission

Anatomy & Physiology of the Muscles of the Hand, Forearm, Arm, Shoulder & Back

The Nervous SystemThe Endocrine System

The CardioVascular SystemThe Lymphatic System

The Respiratory SystemThe Digestive System

The Urinary SystemThe Stress Response System

The Body Metaphoric

BM - 28 hours - This course is based on how the energy of life is manifested and expressed through the physical body. Students learn to think and understand the body, and how we use the body, metaphorically. This meta-level of thought provides valuable information from the unconscious, through the body, to the consciousness. This information is often not available during usual conscious self-assessment and therefore requires the input of another system of thought. Participants are given a model of exploration to discover these metaphoric messages as well as lists of some of the common interpretations. Supportive learning aids are available. No prerequisites

Understanding the Nature & Effects of Stress Visualizations for De-Stressing & Relaxation,

Beliefs That Affect Health & HealingHow & What Symptoms May Communicate,

Whole Body ReadingsMetaphors in the Posture & How We Move,

Basic Underlying Attitudes That Affect Health & Healing,

Metaphor Lists for Areas, Systems, Organs, & Diseases of the Body,

Assessment Skills

ASK - 24 hours - This course teaches the sensitivity and techniques needed for massage therapists to accurately sense the conditions of the body. Topics covered include palpation skills, muscle condition assessment, posture assessment, range of motion assessment, and movement and gait assessment. Students will find that this information greatly adds to their understanding of the body and what is happening beneath their hands. Prerequisites: Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 1, CMT, or permission

Common Postural Imbalances: Lordosis, Kyphosis, Flat Back, Sway Back, Knock Knees, Bow Legs, Flat Feet, Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disfunction,  Scoliosis, Upper & Lower Cross Syndromes, Etc.,

Understanding the Fluid Nature & Flexibility of Posture & Range of Motion,

The Basic Intake & Assessment Flow, The 7 Minute Assessment,

Assessment Vs. Diagnosis, Muscle & Joint Injury Tests,

Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 3

AP3 - 32 hours - This course provides knowledge and understanding of the principles and pathologies specific to the myofascial and nervous systems. Additional topics covered include the mechanics of healing, proprioception, the mechanic of pain, theories of pathology, neuromyopathic cycles, and muscular pathologies. Prerequisites: Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 2 or permission

Anatomy & Physiology of the Muscles of the Neck, Face & Jaw

Definitions & Treatment Goals of Spasm, Strain, Sprain & Tendonitis Conditions

Understanding Referred PainCycles of Ischemia in Muscles Tissue

Reflex Arcs of the BodyThe Vicious Pathological Cycle

Development of Tender Points & Trigger Points The Neuromuscular Laws

Working with Fibrosity in Adhesions & Scars How Pain Affects Health

Therapeutic Massage 3

TM3 - 48 hours - This course provides the skills of applying massage techniques for specific settings and populations. Topics covered include limited time massages, sports massage, on-site massage using a massage chair, massage for pregnancy, massage for the elderly, massage for toddlers and infants, massage for the challenged, dry massage, clothed massage and other techniques. Prerequisites: Therapeutic Massage 2 or permission

Theory, Indications, Contra-Indications & Benefits for all Styles of M3 Massage Techniques

Cramp Relief TechniquesPractice Clinic for Sports Massage

Practice Clinic for Pre-Natal MassagePractice Clinic for On-Site Massage

Practice Clinic for Elderly MassagePractice Clinic for Infant

Transformational Neuromuscular Therapy 1

T-NMT1 - 52 hours - This course provides foundational neuromuscular theory, principles, muscle strokes, and experiences. This form of neuromuscular therapy is uniquely effective and provides the opportunity for clinical or mindbody applications. Clients find themselves releasing deep held tensions from the myofascial system as well as creating self-supportive and healing neuro-pathways of thought and movement. Topics covered include basic muscle stroke patterns, basic muscle stroke movement patterns, specific muscle strokes, and posture conditions. Prerequisites: The Body Metaphoric, Therapeutic Massage 2, Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 3, CMT, or permission

Neuromuscular Strokes for the Calf, Thigh, Pelvis, Abdominals, Diaphram & Intercostals

History of T-NMT & Understanding Neuromuscular, Fascial, Myofascial, & Deep Tissue Work

Indications, Conta-Indications & Benefits of Transformational Neuromuscular Work

Correct Application of "Ecological Pressure" (Eco-Point) vs. Painful Bodywork

Applications of Joint PlayOrigin & Insertion Technique

"Clearing" a Muscle6-Walks Technique for Integration

Iliotibial Band Pathologies & ReleasePosterior IT Band Drift & Correction

Patello-Femoral Syndrome & Correction

Golgi Tendon / Spindle Cell Technique in a NMT Session

Transformational Neuromuscular Therapy 2

T-NMT2 - 52 hours - This course continues the area of study begun in Transformational Neuromuscular Therapy 1. Additional muscle strokes and patterns are taught and pain mechanisms are reviewed in the context of muscle therapy. Students begin to explore integrated movement patterns during this class and they study additional posture conditions. Prerequisites: T-NMT 1 or permission

Neuromuscular Strokes for the Back, Neck, Scapula & Shoulders

Special Considerations for Spine Conditions Motioning Techniques

Fascial FreeingFascial Lines of the Body

Nerve Entrapment & ImpingementMyofascial Release

Movement Therapy TheoryKeys to Adopting New Movement & Posture Patterns

Spinal Rotation TechniquesFigure 8s & Graffiti Techniques

Hendrick's Breathing TechniqueUnderstanding "Metaphoric" Movement

Understanding the Rotator CuffTensegrity & the Body

Including the Stretched Position in the Neuromuscular Stroke

Therapy Integration 2

TI2 - 40 hours - As the student progresses through the program, this course provides the same quality experience through individual assessment, feedback, and integration as Therapy Integration 1. Students focus on increasing professionalism and effectiveness throughout this course. Prerequisites: Therapy Integration 1 Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 3, Assessment Skills, The Body Metaphoric, & T-NMT 1

Practice Required to Prepare for ClinicsMid-Term Feed-Back Exchange & Discussion

A "Spa Style" Swedish Clinic Experience50 minute Swedish with 10 minutes of Extra Therapy

Doing Better S.O.A.P. NotesMaking Choices in the Therapeutic Session

Additional Case Studies IdeasRefining Assessment Skills & Injury Assessment

Intake to Plan Flow Chart4 Main Areas of Work on an Injured Client

Treatment Goals for InjuriesAn Injury / Chronic Pain 60 Minute Session Clinic

Transformational Neuromuscular Therapy 3

T-NMT3 - 48 hours - This course enhances and integrates the area of study covered in Transformational Neuromuscular Therapy 1 and 2. In addition to more muscle strokes and patterns, students learn trigger point therapy, practical muscle testing, multiple session patterns, working with common injuries, more posture conditions, and case studies. Prerequisites: T-NMT 2 or permission

Neuromuscular Strokes for the Arms, Forearms, Hands, Feet, Deep Anterior Neck, T.M.J., & Face.

Neuromuscular Techniques to Release Tendons, Ligaments, & Joint Structures

Ischemic Compression Technique4-Directional Bruise / Swelling Release

Muscle Dysfunction OverviewTowel Roll Technique

Power Exercise ReleaseNeuroLymphatic (Chapman's) Reflexes for Muscles

Athletic Tune-Up StrategiesAdvanced Assessment Flow Chart

Postural & Phasic Muscle TypesLevels of T-NMT Muscle Strokes

Assisted Stretching

AS - 34 hours - This course teaches several effective, efficient, and safe methods to stretch the myofascial system. These techniques release tensions, improve proprioception, create better balance in muscle groups and systems, and increase the range of motion. Student will know which techniques will bring the best results for the presenting symptoms of the client. This information greatly increases the massage therapist's effectiveness and ability to facilitate her/his client's myofascial healing. Prerequisites: Experiential Anatomy & Physiology 2 & Assessment Skills or CMT or permission

Understanding PNF, Muscle Energy Techniques, Facilitated Stretching, Isolated Muscle Stretches, Etc., 

Isometric, Reciprocal, Concentric & Eccentric Assisted Stretching Techniques and Theory, 

Stretches for Spasm, Fibrosity, Tonification & When Injuries are present, 

Session Patterns for Conditions Like Low Back Syndromes & Chronic Joint Pain, 

Organizing Your T-NMT Program Techniques - What Ones to Use in What Situations, 

Experiencing Stretches on Many Muscles of the Body, 

Combination Techniques (I.R.P, & C.R.A.C.)Stretching Theory & Reflexes, 

Passive Release for MusclesPassive Release for Joints, 

Integrating Stretches into a Bodywork SessionAssisted Stretching as Client Home Work, 

Internal Organ Massage & Balancing

IO - 38 hours - This course teaches techniques for assisting the healing of the internal organs that include massaging the organs, mobilizing the organs, clearing areas that disturb or relate to the organs, and many reflexes that stimulate the physiological functioning of the organs. Concepts and techniques are explained in depth and practiced in class. Easy to follow handouts contain the class information as well as contraindications, cautions, and symptom information about each organ. This course is a must for a thorough massage therapist. Prerequisites: Transformational Neuromuscular Therapy 1 or CMT or permission.

Understanding Organ Pain & Its Relationship to Muscular Problems,

The Relationship of Connective Tissue Layers of Organs & Musculo-Skeletal Symptoms & Vice Versa,

Clinically Therapeutic Medical Massage Releases for Over 12 Internal Organs,

4 Basic Releases for Overall Health, Organ Referred Pain Zones,

Oriental 5-Element Theory for Organ Health, NeuroLymphatic (Chapman's) Reflexes for Organs,

Hara Energy Area Work for Organs, NeuroVascular (Bennett's) Reflexes for Organs,

Muscular Clearing for Organ Health, Basic Energy Work for Organs,

Acupressure Techniques for Organ Health.

Therapy Integration 3

TI3 - 20 hours - This course provides the students with their final follow up on their major research projects and helps them to bring together and integrate all that they have learned in the program. The focus will be on final case studies, final individual assessment, program feedback, and final integration. Prerequisites: All other CMT program courses

Written Final AssessmentHands-On Final Assessment

Final ClinicFinal Review & Feed-Back

850 Hour Program ONLY Courses (Can be electives for the 700 hour program)

*Awareness & Transformation

A&T - 32 hours - This course helps the student explore and increase their intrapersonal intelligence and understanding of the process of healing. Students explore centering exercises and presence exercises. Students spend time discussing and/or being facilitated through the intrapersonal and interpersonal issues that students and massage therapists may face. Students learn inner exploration, and intuition techniques. Prerequisites: Program enrollment or permission

Speakers on Allied Health ModalitiesOriental 5-Element Theory & Practices

Applied Kinesiology (Muscle Testing)New Concepts & Theories of Healing

The 6 Healing SoundsFacilitating the Process of School

*The Language Of Relaxation

LD - 30 hours - This course teaches how to compose your language to best facilitate your client's own internal experience. These language patterns, based on the work of Milton Erickson, Dawna Markova, and the principles of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, have been molded to best fit the needs of bodyworkers and healers. The Language of Relaxation can be used during any type of bodywork session and is a necessary component of effective relaxation, inner exploration, and process work. Supportive learning aids are available. Prerequisites: Learning Strategies & Therapeutic Relationships or CMT or permission

Visualization to Encourage Healing & Relaxation Brain Wave States & Healing

Pathways VisualizationVAK Relax Techniques

Affirming & Increasing RelaxationMoments of Miracles Visualization

Questions to Find MeaningAligning With Higher Intention Visualization

Visualizations During a Swedish MassageVisualization for Stress Release

Multi-Sensory Heart-Centered Affirmations

State or Resource Recall for Healing or Athletic Performance Enhancement

*Transforming Trauma

TT - 38 hours - This course teaches a safe, confidential, and effective technique for changing stressful internal relationships to traumatic events. The shift of that relationship often brings deep release of holding patterns in the myofascial system as well as a very deep relaxation. Students learn trauma theory, symptoms, and contraindications and compare several techniques. A technique of accessing the body's own knowing helps the practitioner and receiver discover the events that seem to be traumatic, and which events would be appropriate to deal with at the time. Techniques focus on safety and personal ecology as they help release the energy held by trauma and make it available for more generative personal applications. This course brings greater depth and effectiveness to the art of massage therapy. Prerequisites: Program enrollment or CMT or permission

Our Definition of "Trauma" as Deep StressThe "Symptoms" of Deep Stress

Deep Stress & the Fight or Flight MechanismsMassage for the Disaster / Trauma Setting

Clearing Stress Receptors of the HeadReScripting Stressful Events

The Future Pace VisualizationStates of a "Trauma"

Noticing Deep Stress in the Massage Therapy Client & Athletic Performance

How Health is Affected By Deep Stress & Patterns Imprinted in the Body's Bio-Computer

Muscle Testing to Prioritize Treatment of Specific Muscles

Understanding the Conscious & SubConscious Minds & Their Relationships

The Affects of Deep Stress on Awareness, Creativity, Healing & Wholistic Thought

Releasing the Patterns that Limit Our Success, Effectiveness, Performance & Fun

*BodyGuide EnergyWork

EW - 32 hours - This course teaches a form of energy work that is based on the body's innate powers of manifestation and expression. This technique is a graceful balance of logic and intuition that most clients can easily understand. Powerful and responsive to the client, this technique can be used in any bodywork or process oriented sessions, or may be used as a complete, stand-alone facilitation. Still allowing the therapist to explore their intuitions, it is effective at even its simplest level. Prerequisites: The Body Metaphoric or permission

Basic Energy Theory & ModelsEnergizing & Sensitizing Our Hands

Basic Body Flows ClearingEmotions Locked in the Body & Energy Patterns

Basic Chakra Clearing & BalancingRunning Energy for Injuries & Disease

Theories of Energy Blockage & Energy "Cysts" & Their Return to Flow

Metaphoric Energy Flows for Healing & Empowerment

Oriental 5 Element Command Point Acupressure Balance for the Meridians & Healing

Oriental 5 Element Creation Cycle & Regulation Cycle Applications

*Aligning With Purpose

P - 16 hours - Using several different methods of discovery, this course helps students reconnect with their sense of purpose in life and how their time at MountainHeart can best serve that purpose. Students can then align the focus of their classroom time, research projects, practice sessions, and personal growth sessions to be more purposeful for them. This course is great for anyone. No prerequisites

The Concept of Being On PurposeLife Experiences that Teach Us Our Purpose

How the Body Guides US to Our PurposeCreating & Sharing a Purpose Statement

Futuring Strategies for Clarity of VisionLetting Go of Attachments & Aversions for Success

Creating & Aligning Our Goals so They Connect Us to the Power & Energy of Our Purpos

To request Information - CALL - 970-275-1090 Or Email school@mountainheart.org-
Text or after hours call: 970-275-1090            * School Catalog *
 Massage Therapy Education at it's Finest! MountainHeart School of BodyWork, P.O. Box 575, 90 Aspen Lane, C-3, Crested Butte, CO  81224 - Neuromuscular, MindBody Therapy, Sports Massage, Instructor Training, Assessment Skills, Assisted Stretching, Spa Therapy, MindBody Therapy, Medical Massage, 5-Element Oriental, Acupressure, EnergyWork, Stress Release, Trauma Release, Communication Skills, Total Person Facilitation, and much more!