DOWN TO THE BONE: PAINLESS DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
WITH MARY GAIL SULLIVAN

In this class we will work with 3 major concepts.

• Deep but No Pain: How to work deeply without hurting the client or yourself.
• • We will learn alternatives to using thumbs for deep and specific work.
• • We will use lubrication to deepen our work without increasing effort
• • We will find the client’s “edge of tension” and work at that level gradually increasing in depth.
• • We will melt into the tissue rather than use our force.

• Alignment: How to effectively use your weight shift and lean and why it is important in deep tissue massage.
• • We will lean rather than use strength.
• • We will use the counterforce to deepen techniques by massaging the muscle at a right angle to the bony structures the body provides for us.
• • We will differentiate between direction of pressure and direction of movement and how weight shift directly relates to these directions.

• Speed: How the use of speed can be an effective tool in deep tissue massage.
• • We will use speed with no pressure to clear areas of congestion giving the therapist a clearer feel of the chronic tension and/or adhered tissue.
• • We will use speed to desensitize the tissue allowing deeper work to be performed without discomfort.

While practicing and using the three major concepts of Down to the Bone Deep Tissue massage, students will be taught techniques for the neck, low back and hip region. These techniques involve the use of forearms and elbows for broad work, and some orthopedic understanding of injury will be taught for the more specific work.

To work deeply without effort you will need to use counterforce and your alignment properly.  Therefore alignment will be a large part of this class. Good form, weight shift and awareness of one’s body is needed to do this safely and effectively. The use of speed without pressure can help us get to the areas of need more quickly due to its ability to clear out congestion. Speed used in this manner can highlight adhesions and chronic tension. In addition it can quickly help soothe sensitive areas for deeper work. This deep tissue course is unique in using glide and lubrication to get deep.  This approach is not strenuous on the therapist’s thumbs, wrists or hands and will not create discomfort for the client.  This approach to deep tissue work will create more options for you and your client.

WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM THIS COURSE?
Mainly this course is designed for massage therapists but may be of interest to Physical Therapists and chiropractors who do a lot of massage or tissue manipulation. Any manual therapist having pain in their thumbs, wrists and hands would benefit greatly.  It can also help with neck and low back pain while working. It is excellent opportunity for therapists wanting to broaden their approach in deep tissue. It is also helpful for the therapist who has clients with fibromyalgia; elderly clients or those clients who need specific and deep work but have a low pain threshold.

COURSE PREPARATION
Anatomical focus for this course will primarily be palpation of muscles and bony landmarks. Nevertheless, reviewing the neck, back and hip regions to enhance your visual memory is recommended.  In your review pay less attention to insertions and origins and more attention to finding these muscles and landmarks on your own body.

MATERIALS NEEDED
Linens and oil (cream can be used but lotion is not recommended)
Your favorite anatomy book (encouraged but not required)
A technique manual will be provided.
A DVD of the techniques will be available for purchase.

Class limit:   12 students (One teacher and assistant: Donna Mertagh.)

12 NCBTMB Approved CE Hours

COST

$250.00 per series

COURSE LOCATION

Middlesex Rehab
135 North Beacon Street
Watertown, MA 02472

DATES


Down to the Bone Part I:
Session 1: April 11 and 18, 2010
Session 2: August 8 and 15, 2010
Session 3: October 3 and 10, 2010

Down to the Bone Part II:
Session 1: November 7 and 14, 2010

2-day workshop
9am-5pm each day

The workshop will be held on two Sundays, providing time to practice the concepts and receive supervision.

REGISTER NOW

Choose Your Session

Down to the Bone I Session 1: April 11 and 18, 2010 Down to the Bone I Session 2: August 8 and 15, 2010 Down to the Bone ISession 3: October 3 and 10, 2010 Down to the Bone I I Session 1: November 7 and 14, 2010

If you would like to pay for this course by check, please click here, to fill out a form and mail your payment.

Note: Checks should be made payable directly to Mary Gail Sullivan.

Thank you for your interest in The Bodywork Education Project. We look forward to bringing you a first rate educational experience.  Please feel free to email us at infoatthebodyworkeducationprojecdotcom if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.

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