Refinement Classes
Common Sense Body Mechanics – 4 hrs.
Instructor: Xerlan Deery, LMT, BCTMB
This class invites the participant to examine a more massage therapist focused approach to logical and practical positioning when addressing a client in a massage session. Due to burnout and the “physical demands” of massage, many people drop out of the profession within 3 to 5 years, a sad fact, and with proper body mechanics, the physical reasons for abandoning massage therapy can be addressed. With the popularity of such techniques as deep tissue massage, and some forms that may require more physical focus on the part of the massage therapist, Common Sense Body Mechanics can help the participant rigorously examine the physics of their positioning, as well as learn better methods of utilizing their stance and physical approach while performing to provide a better experience – not only for themselves, but for their clients.
Fascial Rewind – 8 hrs.
Instructor: Christopher Deery, LMT, BCTMB
Fascial Rewind is based on what we all learned in our foundational education about fascia, updates it with the facts from current research, and broadens our understanding of what we already know. Fascia is just as important to work with as muscles. Millions have been made teaching specific techniques, tips, and tricks concerning the myofascia, and many massage therapists have some form of fascial work in their “toolkit”, and only a few take the opportunity to unwind the facts and science. Understanding the way that the body perceives the movement and manipulation of the fascia can translate to exponentially expanding the way massage and bodywork addresses the human body. This class will help the participant engage their existing knowledge and build upon it to more effectively work in a what we understand is the myofascial environment. Fascial Rewind targets the tailoring of a massage session based on the individual client, as well as practical techniques for the therapist to use for addressing conditions, issues and pathologies. Practical concerns of providing approaches for our clients to be allowed to address their “flexion addicted” postures and into a more fascially functional way of moving are provided. Special emphasis is also put on the current research and models of the myofascia, ways to examine the fascial environment, ways to fully engage myotatic units, and kinesiological principles of fascial movement.
This is a hands-on class, so be sure to bring a table to share, two sets of sheets, a bolster or two, or make arrangements so you will be able to work with your peers! It is also highly recommended that you bring something to write on, and with!
Reconsidering Reciprocal 8 hrs.
Instructors: Xerlan & Christopher Deery, LMT, BCTMB
Reciprocal Techniques (PNF, Resisted Stretching) is a huge topic. Using techniques and strategies utilizing the stretch (myotatic) reflex has been presented (consciously or inferred) throughout many massage and bodywork styles. This class is designed to capture, refresh and further develop this skill to produce a more effective and conscious result for Massage Therapists and their clients. Emphasis is placed on the kinesiological principles of reciprocal inhibition, but also on engaging reflexes, manipulating the benefits of using the reflex arc to maximize efficiency, and refining the skills that are already used. Remaining conscious of communication and language is also addressed in this opportunity to expand our reach in therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Trigger Point Refinement 8 hrs.
Instructor: Christopher and/or Xerlan Deery, LMT, BCTMB
Trigger point modalities have become almost commonplace in massage therapy, yet the similarities among the methodologies can be confusing and can lead to misunderstanding within the profession and with the public. This course will help the participant not only to come to an understanding with the necessary nomenclature surrounding the many forms of Trigger Point work but will also refine their understanding of what Trigger Point work is, and how it is presented to potential and existing clients. Emphasis is placed upon recognizing and refining the techniques that the attendee already has and encouraging them to further their education in Trigger Point techniques. Lecture, discussion, and hands-on participation.
Deep Tissue Refinement 8 hrs.
Instructor: Xerlan & Christopher Deery
Deep tissue massage is one of the most frequently requested and most commonly requested styles of massage in the profession. It is also one focus that causes the most consternation among the massage community. Many massage therapists feel that deep tissue massage is more physically demanding, leads to potential injuries, and may resort to compromising their body mechanics or forces them to use tools that may decrease the ability to ‘feel the feedback’ that the client’s bodies provide. In this presentation, massage therapists will learn to properly engage the tissues and refine their existing deep tissue massage skills, while remaining aware to their posture, as well as their depth and focus while providing a deep tissue session. Good deep tissue massage is more about effectively working with the client, and less about quick, confrontive and physically impactful. Great deep tissue massage is about working with the tissues, not on the tissues, in a conscious, intentional, and knowledgeable manner.
Sensitivity to the impact of deep tissue skills on the client are important, but just as important are the effects of performing deep tissue massage on the massage therapist. Learning to effectively use the therapist’s body mechanics deliberately in order to decrease the potential of fatigue and possible harm to the therapist is critical. Force does not equal strength or size, and great deep tissue massage does not require that you are muscular, big, or brutal.
Refining your skills is just one focus of this class, and frank discussion of depth versus pressure, speed and focus, effective use of the hands versus tools or elbows, and post session discomfort or bruising are other topics we cover in this class. Participants are encouraged to bring a massage table to share in class, two sets of sheets, a blanket, bolsters, their preference of massage medium (oil, lotion, or cream) and note taking materials.
Essential Strokes 8 Hrs.
Instructor: Xerlan Deery LMT, BCTMB
Essential Strokes is a hands-on class exploring the art and science of specific classical massage therapy strokes and variations. This is where the art meets the smart and we can recognize, remember, reclaim and refine our work.
Sometimes we don’t need to learn a new technique, we need to reexamine to use what we have better, safer and more effectively. Students will be encouraged and facilitated in creating a more intentional, specific and artistic connection with the client and sequencing of basic strokes and variations to integrate into any session.