Welcome to Module 3

This module provides education on endangerment sites to avoid when performing manual therapy and provides focused instruction on the foundational techniques of Swedish massage, including effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Students will learn the purpose, proper application, and sequencing of each stroke, as well as how to modify techniques based on patient needs. Emphasis will be placed on developing hands-on proficiency and understanding how these techniques support circulation, relaxation, and tissue health in manual therapy.

Module Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

Lecture Objectives

Recognize the indications, contraindications, and parameters of therapeutic massage and soft tissue mobilization techniques. (CLO 1)
Compare the physiological effects of different therapeutic massage techniques. (CLO 2)

Lab Objectives

Demonstrate competence in performing therapeutic massage and common soft tissue mobilization techniques. (CLO 3)
Respect patient modesty by ensuring appropriate patient draping while performing a therapeutic massage. (CLO 4)
Display proper universal precautions while performing joint mobilization, therapeutic massage, and soft tissue mobilization techniques. (CLO 5)
Demonstrates correct body mechanics when administering manual therapy techniques (CLO 19)

(CLO = Course Learning Outcome)

To Do

Please read/watch all of the module learning materials (readings, presentations, videos, etc.) and complete all assignments/assessments listed below. If you have questions, please contact the course instructor or ask in the Questions About This Course forum.

Readings:

Physical Agents Theory and Practice, Chapter 9

Review the Presentations:

Soft Tissue Mobilization Massage
- Amorosino, Christie. Swedish Massage Techniques [PowerPoint presentation]. PTA 120 Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Function. Accessed September 3, 2025.
Endangerment Sites, Contraindications, Precautions
- Amorosino, Christie. Endangerment Sites, Contraindications, Precautions [PowerPoint presentation]. PTA 120 Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Function. Accessed September 3, 2025.
Videos:
- Effleurage
- Tapotement
- Tapotement

Assignments/Assessments

Complete the following assignments by the date and time indicated on each assignment page.

Independently

Module 3 Review Questions: Swedish Massage Techniques

In Lab

Module 3 Skills Check: Petrissage Assessment
Module 3 Skills Check: Light and Deep Effleurage Assessment
Module 3 Skills Check: Tapotement Vibration Assessment

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