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 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.
You will also learn some focused, muscle-specific work to release bound up erector spinae and transversospinalis muscles. These muscles are often glued down and are a major source of pain and limitation for our clients. The side-lying position gives you excellent access to some of the smaller muscles of the back (and their fascial wrappings)--muscles that are fundamentally important to our posture, movement, and well-being, but that are often completely missed in a standard massage.
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.
"I haven't felt this kind of freedom in my shoulders since before massage school! I have definitely been enjoying my wings." -Amy Ross
“This was an awesome nudge to remind me about the power and effectiveness of the side-lying position. It gave me a really great opportunity to drop in to a practice that I often neglect or forget.” -Stacia Givens
“Brian once again has created a class that is immediately applicable to real world bodywork. 10 out of 10!” -Syddy Thomas
"What stood out most was the blend of precision and creativity in Brian’s approach and learning how subtle adjustments can unlock ease and mobility. Turns out it’s not just a ball-and-socket; it’s an intricate, fascinating puzzle. I’m excited to bring these new skills into my sessions. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of shoulder function and treatment." - Lizzie More
Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, 10am-7pm
Tuition: $191.65 with a non-refundable deposit of $100 plus sales tax, and a balance of $91.65 plus sales tax (= $100) at the class. (Sorry about the new sales tax law, folks.)
This class will be held in a beautiful outdoor location, rain or shine. Plan on coming prepared for the day’s weather. If the weather is cooler, make sure to bring warm, dry clothing.
Questions: Contact Leah in Bellingham at 360-510-0335 or clarkleah.lmt@gmail.com. Contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.
Tuition is $191.65, with a $100 deposit (plus sales tax) to reserve your space in class. Please note that deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
The $91.65 balance (i.e. $100 including tax) is due at class, by cash or check only, payable to the instructor (no credit cards, Paypal, etc)
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