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Advanced 450-Hour NMT Program

Orthopedic Testing

You will learn specific assessment tools to determine if massage is appropriate for a certain condition, or if you need to collaborate with another healthcare professional to ensure proper and effective client care. This information is obtained through an assessment protocol known as HOPRS (History, Observation, Palpation, Range of motion tests, and Special [orthopedic] tests), a methodical and organized way to gather information about the client’s condition.

For example, a client comes in with low-back pain.  It is important to determine if their low-back pain is due to a muscular problem, a nerve problem, or a joint problem. Using the HOPRS protocol of assessment and orthopedic testing, a massage therapist can assess for the likely origin of pain and dysfunction in the body. Massage therapists work with muscle and other soft tissue; when our testing indicates the possibility of a joint or nerve problem, we must refer the client to a qualified medical professional for diagnosis, and then collaborate with that medical professional for effective client care.

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You can request more information about class schedules, tuition or financial aid. An admissions advisor will get back to you quickly to answer your questions.

All Advanced NMT Classes

Click on any class name in the graphic below to learn more.
ADVANCED BODYWORK OF HEALING PHYSIOLOGY ANATOMY GROSS CLIENT ASSESSMENT ADVANCED PROGRAM Myofascial Therapies Lymphatic Massage Orthopedic Techniques Trigger Point Therapy Clinical Sports Massage Advanced Deep Tissue Neuromuscular Therapy Biomechanics of Injury Orthopedic Testing Client Treatment Strategies Range of Motion Testing Building Collaborative Relationships Injury Prevention Injury Rehabilitation Pain Management Soft Tissue Healing Medical Massage Functional Anatomy Kinesiology Virtual Cadaver Experience