Massage Therapy students are ready to apply their skills at a specialized clinic for expectant mothers, newborns and infants.
The week-long initiative will offer prenatal and infant massage treatments at no cost to clients. The annual initiative is an opportunity for the community to take advantage of free treatments, while giving future massage therapists a chance to apply their skills and knowledge.
Limited appointments available
Appointments for expectant mothers in their second and third trimesters are available for Monday, March 23 at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (11 spots available). Additional sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (18 spots to be filled).
A newborn clinic, offering treatments to infants up to 12 months old, will be held on Friday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. (20 spots available).
Clients will receive a comprehensive assessment and orthopedic testing to ensure their treatment plan is tailored to their individual needs, included in the 60-minute treatment session. Students will also provide personalized homecare suggestions and take-home information to clients.
Appointments will take place at the Student Massage Therapy Clinic, located at the Welland Campus (SE 130). Clients are treated in individual cubicles to ensure privacy. The clinic offers an inclusive environment where all are welcome. For details, call 905-735-2211 ext. 7020.
Hands-on experience
For Massage Therapy students, the specialized prenatal and newborn/infant clinics serve as a vital training ground. They manage every aspect of the professional experience – from health intakes and informed consent to documentation – to ensure they are prepared for their future careers as Registered Massage Therapists.
“The clinic benefits student learning with real time critical thinking and implementation of the skills they have learned,” said Autumn Young. “Prenatal massage is important for them to learn as this may not be and everyday condition they have walk into their clinic but is absolutely something all massage therapists will see in practice.”
Each clinic session features about a dozen dedicated students working toward their academic requirements, supervised by Registered Massage Therapists, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for both mother and child.
Professor Diana Morrison noted the students are well prepared for the clinic.
“Our Massage Therapy Program prepares students for pregnancy-care and infant-care through a combination of theory and supervised hands-on training before they enter the Student Massage Therapy Clinic,” said Morrison.
“The clinic gives them a chance to apply their skills in a real-world setting as they prepare for their professional careers.”
She noted that the project requires students to research evidence-informed benefits, identify safety considerations, and develop child-centered educational material which is given to clients attending the specialty clinic.
“Theory based learning ensures students understand the ‘why’ behind each clinical decision before applying hands-on skills,” she said.
Massage Therapy students are required to complete 330 hours of clinical treatment before qualifying for provincial exams. The three-year advanced diploma program is accredited by the Canadian Accreditation Council for Massage Therapy Programs.
