Christchurch, NZ
Join Brian for two tax-deductible CE classes in Christchurch, New Zealand, on January 26th-27th, 2019, during the peak of the Austral summer. The days will be long and warm, and Christchurch is beautiful, cosmopolitan, and close to the Pacific Ocean and abundant outdoor activities.
Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Posterior, Lateral and Anterior Neck
The neck is a strong, vulnerable and complex structure. It is the most movable part of the spine, and yet is strong enough to balance and support the head (10-11 pounds), even with chronically poor posture. Skillful deep tissue work in this area is not about brute force; it's about precision and strategy, informed by knowledge of the anatomical structures. It's rare to find massage therapists who really know how to massage the neck in a precise, specific way–especially around the small muscular attachments to the transverse processes-–even though this is often where the muscles are most frayed and/or inflamed.
In the morning you will learn specific techniques for releasing the cervical posterior paraspinal muscles (longissimus, semispinalis capitis, multifidus), suboccipital triangle, levator scapula (especially the cervical attachments), facet joints, splenius capitus and cervicis, posterior, middle, and anterior scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, and masseter.
In the afternoon we will focus on deep muscle-specific techniques for the anterior neck. Many people learned in massage school to avoid this area, but it responds safely and well to skilled and precise touch. We will focus on the scalene, suprahyoid, infrahyoid, and longus capitus and colli groups. This is really helpful work for clients who have been in car accidents, have emotional issues with their necks or throats, or use their voices professionally (eg, singers).
These are straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. The work is well-suited to either treating cervical injuries or improving your spa massage, and will increase your precision, palpatory sensitivity, and effectiveness. Body mechanics will also be a focus of the class as well as proper use of fingers to save wear and tear on joints.
"I honestly learned more in your neck class than any other CE I've taken, and I've been at it almost 13 years." -Tracey Brandt
"This is the best neck class I've ever taken." - Barbara Rue
Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the for the Shoulder Girdle
The shoulders are meant to float freely on the ribcage, held in elegant suspension by 16 muscles, but very often they are restricted, stuck down, and in pain. In the morning, you will learn to effectively liberate some of the major anterior structures of the shoulder girdle (such as the pectoralis minor, subclavius, and subscapularis), and help to give your clients a feeling of ease and freedom in their shoulders that reaches all the way around to their back.
In the afternoon, we will work with the shoulder girdle from the side-lying position. Besides being deeply comforting and relaxing, skilled side-lying work gives you excellent access to the structures of the shoulder. You will learn specific, effective, and potent techniques for releasing the muscles of the shoulder girdle, including the trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, levator scapula, subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, pectoralis minor, and the surrounding fascia. We sometimes think of side-lying work as primarily for pregnant women, but almost all of your clients can benefit from skilled side-lying work in this area, and it feels wonderful.
The day will focus on straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. Body mechanics will also be a focus of this class, as well as proper use of fingers and elbows to save wear and tear on joints.
At the end of the weekend, you will know how to identify and treat the most common injuries to the shoulder, and to balance and create a supportive foundation for the shoulder girdle, as well as creating states of deep relaxation for your clients.
"This was the best CE class I've ever taken." -Tyler Rapke
"I haven't felt this kind of freedom in my shoulders since before massage school! I have definitely been enjoying my wings." -Amy Ross
Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 16 (NCBTMB-approved)
Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, January 26th-27th, 9am-6pm each day
Tuition & Registration: $275 USD ($400 NZ) for both days if registered by December 31st, 2018, with a $125 USD non-refundable deposit. The price goes up to $300 USD thereafter. You can register online here.
The early registration balance of $150 USD or $230 NZD will be due at class. If the link is showing sold out, please contact info@pnwschool.com.
If Registering in New Zealand: This class is sponsored by the New Zealand College of Massage. Click here to view their posting, or register with them directly by emailing info@nzcm.ac.nz.
Please note that you are responsible for your own travel and lodging arrangements for your stay in Christchurch. If you have questions, you can contact NZCM at info@nzcm.ac.nz, or contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.