Pathology Course for Massage Therapists

Every massage therapist encounters clients with various pathologies. Now you can enhance your knowledge through a 3 credit college course, MASS 222, Pathology for Massage Therapists which concentrates on recognition, assessment and treatment of common musculoskeletal pathologies.

This course covers assessment and identification of dysfunctions, creation of specific treatment plans, and ways that massage therapy affects both the diseases themselves and their consequences.

While this course is an integral requirement of the CCBC Massage Therapy degree program, currently practicing massage thereapists (both RMP and LMT) may enroll in this course individually, with permission of the program director.

If you are already a practicing RMP or LMT and are interesting in Studying Pathology for Massage Therapists for professional enrichment, call the program director at 443-840-1431.

Congratulations Massage Therapy Graduates!

Congratulations to the 2009 graduates of The Community College of Baltimore County's Massage Therapy Program. Graduates will receive an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Massage Therapy. A celebration was held on December 17th where the received Massage Therapy pins and a gift from their faculty along with their Massage Therapy Program completion certificates. Following the formal program family and friends enjoyed a bounty of wonderful food and refreshments as they joined in the celebration.

Graduates will continue their studies in the coming weeks as they prepare for their National Certification Exam, a prerequisite for applying to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Maryland. CCBC Massage Therapy department will host a free NCE Review Course on January 9th and 10th for graduates, and the CCBC Massage Therapy Foundation is funding the $225 NCE Exam fee.

Congratulations on your accomplishment, and wishing you continued success!

Congratulations Instructor of the Year

Theresa Pac-Marshall was named Massage Therapy Instructor of the Year at the CCBC Massage Therapy Graduation Celebration on December 17th, 2009. A highly regarded bodywork instructor who takes a very active role in teaching and encouraging her students as they develop knowledge and skill, Theresa has taught Massage Therapy for 8 years in the Associate's Degree program at the Community College of Baltimore County.

Photo: Theresa Pac-Marshall (L) and Cher Hunter (R)

Massage Pathology Corner - Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by an excess growth of epithelial cells of the outer layer of the skin. The patches can be localized in one area of the body or there can be extensive patches all over. The cause is unknown, however, there is a tendency for this disorder to run in families and autoimmune dysfunction does seem to be involved. It is not infectious.

The patches can be dry and scaly, with color ranging from pink to red with areas that can be white to almost silver. They have well defined edges and are most often found on the scalp, elbows, knees, back, chest and buttocks. There is often no other symptoms though some clients may have plaques that become dry, cracked and encrusted leading to itching and pain. Secondary infections of the areas can occur related to itching and cracking.

It is estimated that up to 3% of the U.S. population is affected by psoriasis. In moderate to severe cases, the client may also find that joint pain and inflammation occur. This is known as psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder and ranges from topical corticosteroid or retinol creams to ultraviolet light therapy, special baths, antihistamines and immune system inhibitors.

Massage is indicated for psoriasis and the creams and oils used may be very beneficial to combat dryness and cracking. Avoid pressure that is too deep over the area. Massage can also help with self image and self esteem issues that can arise. Massage should be avoided locally if the area is inflamed, tender or there is secondary infection.

For further information on this disorder, visit the National Psoriasi Foundation Website

or The Mayo Clinic website

CCBC Massage Students Do Seated Massage for Charity

The CCBC Massage Therapy Students joined On Purpose Women at their yearly Holiday Vendor Fair on Dec. 2 at the Good Shephard Church in Towson to help out a good cause.

Five of our students attended the combination Vendor Fair and Networking Meeting held by On Purpose Women Networking. Over a hundred people attended to view the Vendor tables and attend the Network Group. While they browsed, many took advantage of the seated massages that were being offered by the students from the college. The only cost was a voluntary donation to The Light of Truth Center in Baltimore. The Center is a non- profit organization that assists women who are recovering from addictions and are expanding their facilities.

The students were able to get hands on experience, learn about handling large groups of people in a fair setting and also were able to observe first hand the wonderful business networking that goes on at On Purpose Women with the founder Ginny Robertson.

For more information on On Purpose or The Light of Truth Center click the links above.
You can also find out more about CCBC Massage Therapy by clicking on the Title of this article.