Join Brian for two tax-deductible CE classes in Christchurch, New Zealand, on February 15-16, 2020, 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 Torso
These muscular structures support the core--they are integral to maintaining balance, structural alignment, ease of breathing, mobility, and the ability to function without lower back pain. In the morning, you will learn specific, potent, and effective Deep Tissue techniques to release the iliopsoas, diaphragm, QL, lower multifidus, and the lumbodorsal fascia. These are straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice, often with profound results. There will be a concise and insightful anatomy review of these structures with an eye toward fascial continuities and the functional relationships between them. We will also focus on correct placement and proper use of fingers, knuckles, and elbows for optimal results.
In the afternoon we will focus on some muscle-specific Deep Tissue techniques for the Paraspinals (erector spinae and transversospinalis) that are different from but complementary to what you learned in massage school or elsewhere. The emphasis will be on releasing and unbinding the erector spinae group, the transversospinalis group, the lumbodorsal fascia, and the quadratus lumborum. These muscle-specific techniques will improve the precision and effectiveness of your back massage, and can be easily integrated into your style of bodywork. Body mechanics will continue to be a focus of the class, as well as proper use of elbows, fingers and knuckles to save wear and tear on joints. Students who have taken this class have reported that they were able to apply the techniques in their practices right away and that their clients loved the results, feeling a newfound sense of freedom and ease in their backs.
"This is one of the most practical classes I've ever taken. Brian presented useful information and then taught practical application of this info. He walked us through how to find each muscle--something I have always wished other instructors would do. I left the training with expanded skills and knowledge, which I have been able to use right away with my clients." - Evelyn Bass
"I absolutely love this work. I can hardly wait to bring it into my practice." -Hannah LePiane
Assessment and Treatment of the Lumber and Sacral Ligaments
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than a million American workers suffer back injuries in a year, and that they account for about 20% of total work-related injuries. Back pain can be debilitating for many people, and even when it's just a nuisance, it can significantly impact their fundamental quality of life. Massage can often be a helpful tool in the recovery and rehabilitation process, but, unfortunately, it is also quite common for clients to receive massage that has a minimal impact on the source of their pain and discomfort.
One of the elements commonly missing when working with back injuries is a better understanding of, and ability to specifically palpate, the terrain of the low back and sacrum, particularly connective tissue structures like the various supporting ligaments. These ligaments are every bit as important as the muscles, bones, and fascia, but are often overlooked by massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.
In this class, you will learn to palpate and treat some of the most commonly injured ligaments in the low back and pelvis, including the iliolumbar, intertransverse, sacroiliac, sacrotuberous, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments, as well as a few key postural muscles.Clients notice the difference right away when they feel you touch the "right spots", and their chronic pain and tension begins to dissolve from the inside out.
"I found this class extremely informative; it's something my own body needed, and I hadn't been able to pinpoint it." -Sabrina Barrera
"This class was taught by experienced instructors who had really thought through the progression of the class--the content made sense and flowed well, lending itself to really retaining the knowledge." -Meredith Condon
"Brian's teachings are intelligent, precise and effective. After receiving the work yesterday, my back feels more fluid and happy, and during the treatment, I went to that deep place of relaxation where drool happens." -Jen Elden
Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 16 (NCBTMB-approved)
Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, February 15 & 16, 9am-6pm each day
Tuition: $250NZ ($160US) per day for Saturday or Sunday, if registered and deposited with a $100NZ ($65US) deposit by January 15; $275NZ thereafter. Take both classes for only $450NZ ($290US) if registered and deposited by January 15; $495NZ thereafter. Reviewers of the Torso class receive and additional $50NZ discount.
Please note that you are responsible for your own travel and lodging arrangements for your stay in Christchurch. If you have any questions, please contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com or Lynn in Christchurch at lynn.wilson@outlook.co.nz or by phone at +64 021-210-2776..