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Understanding the Somatic Nervous System and Proprioception

  • Staybridge Suites 3926 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA (map)

Understanding the Somatic Nervous System and Proprioception

When we are at our best in a massage, we are skillfully engaged in a conversation with our client's nervous system, including the autonomic and somatic components. Why do our clients hold themselves and move the way that they do? How can we efficiently help them to let their muscles go? What can we do to help them optimize their (and our own) movement and relaxation patterns, and efficiently learn new motor skills? How can we make the benefits of our massage as lasting and effective as possible?  

In this class we will focus on the somatic (musculoskeletal) nervous system, including proprioception, cortical-limbic (ie, conscious, unconscious, and emotional) influences, reflexes, guarding responses, coordination, and the gamma efferent system. This will be more than just a physiology lecture--it's a course designed specifically for massage therapists. The focus will be on implications for bodywork, and how to skillfully and effectively apply this knowledge in your bodywork practice. You will gain a deeper understanding of the somatic nervous system, and how it applies to massage and to life. This somatic nervous system anatomy and physiology class will go beyond what is typically taught in massage schools or in college anatomy and physiology courses.

Please note that this class is primarily lecture, interlaced with experiential and movement-based exercises that help students better understand the somatic nervous system.

"The information was presented clearly and logically, and is all useful for me in my practice. I already notice more awareness in my work. It has increased my understanding of why I do what I do when I'm working." - Jennifer Gagnon

"I loved the detail and clarity of the instruction--it blew everything I got in massage school out of the water. I think I'll be able to apply this stuff immediately, and it already helps me think of my own body differently." - Jaren Hoppe-Leonard

"Wow! Fantastic review and new perspective on the somatic nervous system and proprioception." - Christine Pearson


Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

Date and Time: Saturday, October 14, 10am-7pm
Tuition: $160. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. Click here to register.

To register for both Saturday, October 14th and Sunday, October 15th, click here.

Please note that per TTC policy, students will be required to wear masks during class; either a surgical mask or one of the 94’s or 95’s.