THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & BODYWORK CLASSES:

The Inside-Out Paradigm© - Freeing the Heart by Releasing the Body’s Central Linkage with Instructor Dale G. Alexander

Accessing the Power of Traditional Bodywork Systems

POWER versus PAIN: An introduction to using Muscle Recruitment Technique in your massage or bodywork practice

 

Accessing the Power of Traditional Bodywork Systems

Above and beyond the power of a single stroke, there exists a power in the systems of massage and bodywork we know and use. When the strokes or moves comprising a system of bodywork are combined in a specific sequence we have a protocol, and the protocol does several things:

• It maximizes the results of the strokes used.
• It produces a far greater effect on the whole body than would exist if the strokes were used independent of the protocol.
• It produces consistent results that are recognized by both the public and health professionals.
• It has a name that can be used in marketing for those who know the protocol.

In this one-day class, we will examine the theory of systems massage, and look at the varying approaches to health and healing that fall under the category of massage and bodywork. We will examine some of the more prevalent philosophies, their source, and subsequent evolution in the world of professional bodywork. Then we will take a single example, and move deeper.

Choosing the well-known system of massage, Swedish Massage, we will discuss the traditional protocol, actively question how much variation can be added while still retaining the protocol value, and re-examine what we really are offering clients in our practice.  Class includes theory and hands-on activities, including supervised practice.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of the class, participants will:

• Describe the philosophy behind a systems approach to massage and bodywork.
• Using Swedish Massage as an example, explain how the system produces effects above and beyond the individual strokes.
• Explain why Swedish Massage is considered the “bread and butter” of a massage therapist’s practice, and describe how to properly market your Swedish Massage.
• Evaluate your current standard Swedish Massage as to its system effects, and describe what changes would be needed to bring your Swedish Massage back into alignment with systems massage philosophy.
• Answer the following questions:
• What components have made Swedish Massage the most popular massage among consumers?
• What can you do to make your Swedish Massage not just good, but outstanding?
• Could it be easier for YOU? Easier on your body? Less wear and tear?
• How can you market your Swedish Massage to fill your schedule?

Tuition $175, 7CE. All classes begin at 9:30AM and end at 6PM with an hour and a half for lunch.
Instructor: Nancy Toner Weinberger

Not scheduled at this time:

POWER versus PAIN: An introduction to using Muscle Recruitment Technique in your massage or bodywork practice

9:30AM-6:30PM, 8CE Tuition: $195 Not offered at this time.

Muscle recruitment techniques “wake up” the body. They can be used to re-activate muscles that are not pulling their fair share of the load in life, and they can be used to moderate muscles that overwork or have so much tone that they can do no work for us because no more contraction is available. These techniques can also be used to train the body to respond to muscular demands integratively, thus reducing stress and preventing injury in the daily activities of life.

The techniques can be successfully applied with clients who are weak or tight, in chronic pain, or recovering from any number of orthopedic injuries. They are excellent for the elderly, as well as the bed-ridden. These techniques can benefit athletes by bringing them to their full muscular power. The technique is quick, easy to learn, and easy to incorporate into any type of massage or bodywork you may practice; it produces surprisingly rapid results.    

Learning objectives:
At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Explain the relationship between muscle and mind and how this relationship can be used to revitalize the musculature of the body.
2. Explain the mechanisms of balance and proprioception in the body and the responsive role of the musculature.
3. Directly experience muscular response to demands of balance.
4. Assess the need for muscle recruitment in a client’s body, identify blockages, and determine which muscle recruitment techniques to incorporate in a session.  
5. Demonstrate 12 specific muscle recruitment techniques for clients who are standing, sitting and lying down.   

Agenda:

2 Hours with a 15 min break
Lecture: Organizing Muscle Recruitment & the mind
Lecture; experiential exercise alone and with a partner: Balance & Proprioception- Standing, weight shifting, balance, walking

1 Hour
Lecture and demonstration: Moderating the response vs building the response
Prolonged effort vs shortened effort; moderated response; A tight muscle is a weak muscle. Language is important.

Lunch

1.5 Hours
Instructor Demonstration and Student Practice: Legs on the table; turn out, turn in, knee; frog leg; wooden soldier; prone moves.

Break- 20 minutes

1 Hour 40 min
Demonstration followed by student practice: Shoulders standing and sitting
Demonstration followed by student practice: Shoulders on the table
Demonstration followed by student practice: Intercostals and better breathing

.5 Hours
Lecture: Types of applications
Evals, Certificates

The 8-hour version of the class includes an additional hour of Supervised Practice.