Curriculum
Bodymechanics Curriculum
MASSAGE THERAPY CLASS SCHEDULE
- Morning Classes start February 29, 2023
- Evening Classes start August 14, 2023
- Weekend Classes start November 5, 2022
The Bodymechanics curriculum is designed with the students success in mind. Our layered approach to teaching engages students and facilitates learning. A sample schedule would have 1 day of the week learning Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology; 1 day of the week learning Kinesiology; and 2 days of the week learning massage theory and practicing the techniques with our instructors. Each class builds off the day before, and students have access to instructors the length of the program.
We offer 2 different massage programs in each location:
Tumwater
- 700 hours – Morning and evening sessions in approximately 11 months.
- 648 hours – Weekends part-time, approximately 12 months (2-3 weekends per month.)
Our staff have active massage practices, and enjoy bringing sample scenarios and client cases into the classroom. Combined, our staff have over 100 years of massage practice and students are sure to learn from each instructor.
Additionally, our instructors are trained in teaching methodologies in our Massage Therapy Instructor Training Program.
Anatomy, physiology & pathology
Includes a tour of the body, chemistry, cells and covers in-depth all the systems of the body. Includes: Study of Disease in relation to bodywork, indications and contraindications for bodywork, appropriateness of massage for specific medical conditions.
Kinesiology
Includes muscle identification and understanding; origin, insertion and action, bones, ligaments, tendons, joints and more. We utilize a wide variety of methods addressing all learning styles to ensure a complete understanding of the muscles – including coloring activities, clay and skeletons, flash cards, muscle palpation and more.
Massage Theory & Practice (MTP)
The majority of the curriculum hours are spent in massage theory and practice. Topics include: the history of massage, equipment, self-care, postural analysis, basic and advanced techniques (trigger point therapy, myofascial release, manual lymphatic drainage, and soft tissue release). Additional modalities taught include pregnancy massage, sports massage, chair massage, outside athletic events (such as local marathons or fun runs), and other specialized techniques are included. Students practice massage techniques outside of school on friends and family to develop exceptional skills.

Our exclusive 16-hour Psychology of the Body segment offers a student a deeper understanding of the body mind connection in relationship to how clients hold deep trauma in the brain and offers tools to help clients overcome these long held injuries. This program was developed exclusively for Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage by the creator and founder of the BodyMind Bridge System of Deep Healing Shuna Morelli, BS, LMT, CH and one of our lead instructors at Bodymechanics School.
In MTP, students gain confidence through practical exams and evaluation from professionals throughout the program.
Pathology & Treatment (PTR)
Bodymechanics curriculum includes specialized injury treatment and pathology classes that you won’t see offered at other massage schools. This is where you will build upon the kinesiology & anatomy concepts and will see the synergy between theory and practice that will get your clients out of pain, back to work, and rebooking for regular massage. You’ll learn how the body functions, what causes dysfunction and how to return it to regular function again. Taught by Shari and her designated team of treatment therapists, the pathology & treatment segments of our education are truly a game changer.
Our program is designed to create critical thinkers who integrate advanced theory across the healing spectrum – incorporating knowledge learned in Kinesiology, Anatomy and Massage Theory to bring lasting results to clients. We believe this work is vitally important in todays environment in healthcare.
Clinical Business, Ethics & Communications
We not only prepare you to be a great massage therapist, but we provide you with the skills you will need to have a long and prosperous career. We support students who plan to be self employed as well as those who plan to work in a private clinic. We offer opportunities to meet with and mentor with practicing, successful massage therapists with strong marketing and business backgrounds. Course work includes boundaries, ethics, marketing, insurance billing, laws and financial management. Additional business mentoring classes are available from school owner, Shari Aldrich, LMT, at no additional cost for those students who are interested in launching their private practices and would benefit from additional mentoring.
Mandatory State Requirements
- First Aid
- CPR Certification
The Student Clinic
The student clinic offers the public a chance to experience our student massages at a discounted rate, while allowing the students a real-life simulated clinic experience under the guidance of their clinic instructor. We also offer speciality student clinics where we bring in people with specific injuries for students to work on to further solidify the information taught and enhance critical thinking skills.
Externship program
The goals of the optional Externship Program are to help the student apply and integrate their education into different workplace settings. Overseen by the program mentor, students will participate in different modules totaling 50-hours. The program mentor will meet with students at the end of the month to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses in each area – as well as to help them realize their niche audience.
TUMWATER
MYOTHERAPY & MASSAGE
2330 Mottman Road #106 Tumwater WA 98512