All workshops are of one-day duration, from 9am to 5pm
All workshops are accredited for Continuing Education Units (CEU's) by the Association of Massage Therapists ltd (AMT), and are recognised for
CPE's by the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
Click here for the workshop Calendar
Curly Customers: Muscles That Confound
(NEW WORKSHOP)
Some muscles have the ability to interfere with the autonomic functions of the body. Some can upset the body's proprioception. Other muscles create symptoms that can be misdiagnosed as being created by other structures and systems of the body.
In this one-day workshop the anatomy, function, and interesting characteristics of variety of muscles will be discussed. Treatment techniques will include direct myofascial release, deep transverse friction, digital ischaemic pressure, positional release, and muscle energy technique amongst others.
Muscles that are to be studied and treated include sternocleidomastoid, the suboccipitals, masseter, the pterygoids, temporalis, sternalis, serratus posterior superior, serratus posterior inferior, and the thoracic multifidi.
Neck and Headache Pain
This workshop concentrates on the soft tissue components of neck pain and different types of headaches. Overall postural influences will be considered and the referral patterns of upper back, neck and facial muscles that can create headache pain will be studied. A variety of treatment techniques will be used for individual muscles that can contribute to pain and discomfort in the region. The techniques include Direct Myofascial Release, triggerpoint therapy, Positional Release, and contract-relax stretches.
Particular attention will be given to the role of the suboccipital muscles and their treatment. The suboccipitals are important factors in many headaches. They have a major proprioceptive role, and are the only muscles that have a direct fascial link to the meninges. They are also very compromised by the postural habits of many of our clients.
Myofascial Shoulder Restrictions
Fascia has very different characteristics to the contractile muscle tissue, and needs different treatment techniques to effectively influence it. This workshop introduces massage therapists to ways of influencing the non-contractile fascia that combines with muscle to create the myofascial unit. The emphasis will be on soft tissue problems and restrictions that can influence the smooth pain-free working of the shoulder.
Direct Technique Myofascial Release will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced. By using techniques that target fascia, as well as those that influence the contractile muscle fibres, massage therapists will have a greater variety of treatment tools to draw upon. Direct Myofascial Release will be the primary treatment technique. Ways of targeting the superficial fascia, as well as the deep fascia, will be explored, including direct and superficial Shifting techniques, and skinrolling.
Shoulder Pain and Scapula Stability
Posture and body use habits can have a dramatic effect on the healthy functioning of the shoulder. The glenohumeral joint is an inherently mobile joint that allows great range of movement of our arm. The efficient working of the numerous muscles that attach to the scapula and others that cross the glenohumeral joint is vital to shoulder health. If the muscles are not working properly in their length-strength relationships and if our posture is poor, then over time, restrictions of movement plus pain and discomfort may occur.
This workshop looks at posture and the stability of the scapula, and how these often initiate and influence shoulder problems. Postural considerations and appropriate exercises to help with scapula stability will be introduced. Massage techniques to help alleviate shoulder pain, such as triggerpoint therapy, deep transverse friction, Direct Myofascial Release, and Positional Release, will be practiced.
Arm and Hand Pain
This workshop looks at a number of conditions that occur in the arm, such as lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golfer's elbow), cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and biceps tendinosis. Sites of likely neural entrapment are discussed and addressed, and upper limb tension tests are introduced. Included is a review of muscles in the shoulder, neck and chest regions that refer pain and symptoms into the arm and hand.
Massage techniques that influence the superficial fascia, the deep fascia and the muscles are employed. Techniques such as direct and superficial Shifting, skin rolling, deep transverse friction, Direct Myofascial Release and Positional Release will be used.
Massage for Breathing Pattern Disorders
(Such as Chronic Hyperventilation and Asthma)
The process of breathing is examined in this workshop, and some of the problems that can occur with breathing. Asthma is a relatively well known condition. Chronic hyperventilation is less well known but affects a surprising number of people. It can be involved in symptoms such as widespread muscle pain, continual tiredness and fatigue, exercise intolerance, anxiety, and foggy thinking. Many patients with chronic hyperventilation do not know that they have the condition. With chronic hyperventilation significant chemical changes occur within the blood due to over-breathing. It is these chemical changes that help produce a wide array of symptoms.
The continual recruitment of secondary muscles of respiration can lead to overuse of these muscles, which in turn can compound some of the symptoms experienced. Another major influence on breathing is overall posture, with some postures reducing the efficiency of the respiratory muscles. Massage can be an important tool in helping patients with breathing pattern disorders. Postural problems can be addressed, and short, tight overused muscles can be targeted. The resulting changes to posture and muscle condition make it easier for the patient to work at changing their pattern of breathing.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis can be structural or functional, mild or severe. There are a number of different theories as to the cause, but the reasons for scoliosis are often unknown. The focus of this workshop is the function that massage can play in the management of the condition. Specific strategies for easing discomfort and increasing limited range of motion will be taught. Techniques will address both local and global soft tissue considerations. Myofascial techniques will be emphasised, as will the concepts of "ease" and "bind" in assessing ways of addressing the soft tissue tightness.
Muscular Influence on Pelvic Alignment
Upon assessment we often find that many patients present with a misaligned pelvis. This may be a precipitating factor in neck, shoulder, back, gluteal, hip and knee problems. This workshop looks at soft tissue tightness and weakness that can contribute to poor pelvic alignment, and will introduce methods to assess and treat the relevant soft tissues. By detecting and treating these patterns of soft tissue tightness, we can often assist the patient to regain and maintain pelvic symmetry. Stretches and strengthening exercises for key muscles will be introduced.
Massage techniques include direct myofascial approaches to soft tissue restriction, triggerpoint therapy, Positional Release, as well as contract-relax stretches. The concept of treating some muscles or muscle groups through a variety of positions, both static and moving, will be explored. You will assess which muscles need to be targeted before you start treatment, thus eliminating time spent treating all of the muscles in the region.
Lower Back Pain and Pelvic Stability
About 80% of the population will suffer from lower back pain at some time during their life. In approximately 90% of cases the symptoms will resolve without any therapeutic intervention within two to four weeks! However, 60% to 80% of back pain sufferers will have at least one recurrence within a year.
Rather than just treat soft tissue problems, we need to look globally to try and address the causes of the problems. Overall posture should be observed to see how the patient uses their body while upright in gravity. Posture needs to be carefully assessed. Areas of weakness need to be strengthened, and areas of shortened tightness need to be lengthened. Most importantly, the efficient working of the endurance aspects of postural muscles needs to be considered.
This workshop will look at postural issues that influence the health of the lower back. Massage techniques and stretches will be used to lengthen muscles that are typically short and tight. Exercises for strengthening muscles that are often weak when lower back pain occurs will be introduced.
Sciatica, Piriformis Syndrome and Hip Pain
This workshop explores conditions such as trochanteric bursitis, piriformis syndrome and sciatica. These can create pain and problems in the hip, gluteal and leg regions. Sites of likely neural entrapment are discussed and addressed. Included is a review of muscles in the lower back and buttock regions that refer pain and symptoms into the gluteals, hips and legs.
Major muscles that influence the sciatic nerve or refer 'pseudo sciatic pain' will be treated. Stretching and self massage techniques for clients will be introduced. Massage techniques that influence fascia as well as the muscles are employed. Particular attention will be paid to the muscles that can impinge upon the free gliding of the sciatic nerve.
Leg and Knee Pain
This workshop examines problems that can occur in the lower limb. There is particular attention paid as to how massage therapists can assist patients with knee pain through both hands-on treatment and exercise.
There are many causes of knee pain. Soft tissue problems may cause knee pain, or they may result from knee pain. Whenever pain or swelling is present around the knee, some inhibition of muscular activity results. This then often aggravates the knee problem, which can then cause further inhibition of muscle activity. Learn approaches and techniques in this workshop that can help to break this cycle.
Constant hamstring tension can be a major problem for many clients, and surprisingly the suboccipitals may be involved. Learn how the suboccipitals can influence hamstring length and function, and how massage therapists can help overcome the resulting excessive tension.
A variety of massage techniques will be explored to positively influence both knee conditions and lower limb problems.
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