The Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy
History
To open a school in the field of massage therapy - meeting the criteria of local government; becoming certified by the Council for Private Post Secondary & Vocational Education - is crucial and a monumental task. Cynthia Ribeiro met the challenge and WIN Therapy became a reality!
In 1994, after much research and planning, Cynthia sought to develop a training program that would lead the massage community into the future. Instructors with expertise in varied modalities were brought on board. The grand opening of the Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy (WIN) was held July 23, 1994.
Cynthia is a Professional Therapeutic and Sports Massage Therapists and Certified Instructor. Cynthia was an established instructor in Orange County for several years before opening the school. She is a national and state convention speaker, as well as a volunteer officer of several AMTA local and regional chapters.
Mission
The mission of the Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy is to provide a comprehensive, academic, and challenging program in the art and science of massage therapy. As a result, we intend to graduate high quality health care professionals that know how to collaborate with other health care practitioners of integrative medicine.
Our Purpose
To offer a student-oriented program that educates and trains our students to become competent, caring, and successful massage therapist.
Philosophy
Massage has been practiced through the ages, yet the field of massage therapy is young. We believe that to continue to successfully gain recognition from the medical community, practitioners must have a solid foundation in these areas: anatomy, the structure of the body; physiology, the functions of the body; kinesiology, the study of the movement of the body; and pathology, the study of the nature and cause of disease which involves changes in the body's structure and function. Physicians are confronted daily by complaints of pain and dysfunction of myofascial tissue. We believe that massage therapists who have highly developed palpation skills, who are committed to a study of the body, who are trained in techniques of evaluating musculoskeletal aspects of the body, and who are skilled in a variety of modalities of soft tissue techniques will be at the forefront as massage therapy continues to gain acceptance as part of the health profession.
Objectives
It is our goal to have a student-oriented campus where the acquiring of knowledge and skills takes place in a safe and fun environment. Our objectives are to provide an education which:
- Develops comprehensive knowledge relating to the anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology of the human body and its relation to the practice of massage.
- Teaches self-care and builds a strong foundation in the use of appropriate body mechanics.
- Instills confidence, knowledge, and practical skills in the fundamental application of hands- on techniques.
- Demonstrates and teaches the theory and techniques of a variety of therapeutic modalities.
- Instills the ability to properly assess the client’s condition, and to discern when the client should be referred to medical professionals.
- Promotes safety in client/therapist relationships by enhancing the massage therapist’s verbal and listening skills and students’ awareness of personal and professional boundaries.
- Facilitates the development of business skills necessary to begin employment or operate a successful private practice.
Importance of A Good Education
Massage Therapists will be more successful if they are knowledgeable and highly skilled. Our scientific-rich education is committed to high-standards. We are a program established in the belief of lifelong learning and ongoing program improvements. It is the duty of our educators to fully prepare students for what they and their clients may encounter and may choose to address. We have an in-depth training program with educators who actively support our students in meeting academic challenges and support career goals. We want to make sure the student is prepared to be an expert in this field.
Location
Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy
22951 Mill Creek Drive, Suite A
Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.
(949) 830-6151
Directions
From 405 or 5 Southbound: Exit at Bake/Lake Forest, stay to left to Lake Forest Drive exit, exit to right, turn right on Lake Forest, pass through Irvine Center Drive/Moulton Pkwy, go to Mill Creek, turn left. Make a right turn into the first parking lot - #22951 (next to the American Red Cross).
From 5 Northbound: Exit at Lake Forest, turn left (west) on Lake Forest, pass through Irvine Center Drive/Moulton Pkwy, go to Mill Creek, turn left. Make a right turn into the first parking lot - #22951 (next to the American Red Cross).
Student Services
We have available a research library with over 1000 books directed towards massage therapy. We provide audio and video equipment, overhead and slide projectors. Our facility contains over 50 visual aids like skeletons, models, wall charts for anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and for a variety of modalities such as Touch for Health, Reflexology, and Trigger-Point Therapy. Also provided, is a hydrocullator with hot packs and a refrigerator with cold packs. Over 25 adjustable height tables including face cradle, half bolster, full bolster are provided for student use on campus. Massage therapy stools are provided for each massage table.
Each teacher and administrative staff member is available to our students for academic and career counseling. Cadaver lab: WIN Therapy students have the availability to attend Orange Coast College for studies associated with anatomy & physiology of their cadaver labs. Kitchenette: For students convenience we provide a kitchenette area with microwave, refrigerator, toaster over, and filtered water dispenser.
