Chiropractor Teaches Massage
If you are interested in learning massage therapy from a chiropractor with more than 23 years in the massage field, check out the Soma Institute of Massage.
Jun 15, 2006
This is an interview with Dr. Vicki Cunningham regarding the only physician taught massage therapy program in Oklahoma.
Soma Institute of Massage Therapy, Inc.
This week, I welcome my guest, Dr. Vicki Cunningham, of the Soma Institute of Massage Therapy, Inc. located in Oklahoma.
Why should prospective students of massage choose your school or program to train as a massage therapist or massage practitioner?
I offer the only entirely physician taught massage therapy program in the entire state of Oklahoma, perhaps the whole country. My students get the benefit of over 21 years of personal massage therapy experience, but also my chiropractic education and practice experience. In addition, our class size is intentionally limited to a maximum of 8 students and usually just 6 per class. That gives a lot of one on one instruction.
What type of massage therapy program do you teach at your school, and can you give a brief definition and background information on this particular type of massage technique?
I teach a basic 500 hour massage therapy program that includes the standard Swedish massage movements in addition to deep tissue, myofascial release techniques, and trigger point therapy. I teach more biomechanics and a solid anatomy/physiology class than most schools. I give an introduction to all of the mainstay therapies, aromatherapy and reflexology, but we try to teach a basic orthopedic massage well and let the student get more advanced training in other modalities after their graduation. This saves them time and money and allows them to take the CEU classes that they are truly interested in.
What makes your massage school different than the rest?
I train students to be the best at what they do and don't substitute useless hours that are not pertinent to their massage profession just to keep them in class. We do not charge for student massages at Soma either. This is done as part of their education, not as a money maker for the school. We allow advanced students to accept tips, but there is not charge to the public. This is extremely rare in massage education. Most schools consider their students as cash cows for the school. I have always found this to be objectionable.
How long is your program(s) and what kind of commitment is required?
As previously stated, our program is 500 hours and under normal circumstances takes approximately 11months to complete. We meet two evenings a week from 6 to 10pm and some Saturdays. Obviously, a student must commit to that kind of schedule and time frame.
What educational prerequisite is required for admittance to your massage
school?
We require that a prospective student be of sound body so that they can actually perform massage therapy without hurting themselves. They must be an American citizen and at least 18 years of age with no prior arrests or pending moral litigation. They must have a general appearance that is socially acceptable.
Do students have a choice about the types of massage they wish to learn at your massage school, and do you also teach other holistic practices?
We teach a basic massage therapy program with some introductory classes in common modalities. We do not offer a choice in curriculum.
And finally, in your opinion, what makes a good massage therapist?
A good massage therapist is one that truly understands the human body and it's normal biomechanics. A good therapist must be compassionate, honest, a good listener, reliable and consistent.
Thank you, Dr. Cunningham.
For more information, contact the Soma Institute of Massage Therapy, Inc.
