AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam is one of the most vibrant, charming, and dynamic cities in the world. You’ll love the atmosphere and enjoy working with and meeting the locals.
CTM / Bindegewebsmassage
Bindegewebsmassage, or Connective Tissue Massage (CTM), is a precise and elegant way to work with the body's dermatomes and autonomic reflexes to induce corresponding autonomic changes in specific organs. The technique was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke, and is widely practiced there, although it is less known in the United States. Bindegewebsmassage is quite powerful, although it can appear subtle at first.
Starting with the sacrum, specific cutaneous zones are stroked with a dragging pressure in a precise and orchestrated way that can "trick" the body into responding as if specific organs or organ systems are being massaged. In response, the target organ vasodilates and its smooth muscles tissue relaxes. Bindegewebsmassage is quite effective for treating menstrual cramps, eliminating or reducing symptoms over 90% of the time. It can also be helpful with reducing the symptoms of migraines, asthma, and intestinal cramping. In addition, CTM can subtly affect the fascial layers (especially adhesions in the subcutaneous layer), increasing range of motion and flexibility, and reducing pain or tingling from tightened tissue. Bindegewebsmassage typically has a calming effect, and can be used for general parasympathetic relaxation as well.
A handful of clinical trials have shown CTM-style manipulation has beneficial effects in pain reduction, reduced depression, improved quality-of-life, and moderate short-term increases of beta-endorphins (pain-relieving neuro-transmitters). These trials add to anecdotal observations from clinicians that CTM often causes "virtually immediate relief in visceral or myofascial pain as well as general relaxation" (Prendergast & Rommer, 2013).
In this class, you will learn the "basic build-up", which primarily focuses on the sacral and pelvic areas and their corresponding target organs, and the "first followup", which focuses on the lower back and rib cage.
Click here for an article Brian wrote about Bindegewebsmassage for Massage New Zealand.
"That the viscero-cutaneous reflex interconnection is reversible, that is to say, that it not only leads from the internal organs to the skin, but vice versa, is a long-established fact. One of the most elegant and fundamental systems, which conforms almost flawlessly to the workings of the segmental reflexes, is connective tissue massage as prescribed by Dicke." - Hans Schliack, MD (German neurologist).
"It's fantastic to have new tools to treat migraines and menstrual pain, and give ease to an often 'stuck' area". - Rachael Brown
Evaluation and Treatment of Shoulder Injuries
A lot of our clients suffer from chronic rotator cuff injuries that seem to stubbornly persist using conventional massage techniques. Learn precise and specific orthopedic assessments and thumbs-free techniques to identify and successfully treat some of the most common injuries to the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, long head of the biceps, and acromioclavicular joint.
The class will include a review of rotator cuff anatomy, palpation of the rotator cuff muscles and related structures, and instruction in appropriate treatment massage techniques to treat the soft tissue lesions. You will also receive a detailed 30-page handbook for future reference.
"This shoulder class was the best class and instruction I've ever had." - Deborah Luger
"This is the best Continuing Education workshop I've taken, out of 120+ CE hours." - Julio Otazo
"Brian’s classes improve LMTs' skill level immensely... it feels like finding a rare gem in a pile of gravel." -Sarah Roeder
MUSCLE-SPECIFIC DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUES 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 backs.
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.
"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: 8-24 (NCBTMB-approved)
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 19, Thursday April 21, Friday April 22; 9:30am-6:30pm each day.
Tuition: The three 8-hour classes (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) are €175 each; If you register for two workshops, you’ll receive a 10% discount (€320 total). Take all three 8-hour classes (the 3-class package) and receive a 25% discount (€390 total). These prices will go up 10 days before the classes start.
Registration: The April sections of these classes are sponsored by the Akademie in Amsterdam. For information updates and registration, please visit their website here.
Questions: Please contact Akademie at info@akademie.nl or Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.
Please note that you are responsible for your travel and lodging arrangements in Amsterdam.