Learn specific and effective techniques to treat chronic back pain and the deeper muscular, ligamentous, and connective tissue structures of the low back and hips—structures that are often overlooked by massage practitioners. We will focus on the sacrotuberous, sacroiliac, and iliolumbar ligaments, as well as the lumbar facet joints. We will also treat several key muscles, including the myofascial units of the hip and core (rotators, iliopsoas and QL), and the tendinous attachments along the iliac crest, with an eye toward the integrated treatment as a whole. There will be a concise and insightful anatomy review of these structures with an emphasis on fascial continuities and the functional relationships between the muscles, ligaments, fascia, and neuromechanisms of the low back.
Our treatment of the low back will draw upon various techniques from neuromuscular, injury treatment, deep tissue, and structural modalities. There will be particular emphasis on optimal body mechanics, and delivering a quality of touch that promotes maximum efficacy and client results. Body mechanics is often presented in the context of self-care and longevity, but good body mechanics improve your quality of touch and increase your effectiveness with every stroke and modality that you apply. This three-dimensional emphasis on optimal body mechanics will make your low back massage more three-dimensional as well.
Instructor: Benjamin Lee
CE hours: 8
Tuition: $160.
Note: This class is not currently NCBTMB-approved for CE credit, although it meets the hands-on requirement for Washington CE.