Compression Massage; Upper Body Part 1

Service Description

This class is for all massage therapists; both table and mat-based practitioners who would like to expand their skills in the art of long-held compressions. Sustained compression work is immensely effective for clearing chronic issues, eliminating pain, and resetting the nervous system. If you want to make profound, long-term changes in a client’s body, this is the style to master. It is slow work that requires patience, presence, steadiness, and good body mechanics. Fortunately, there are many different ways to accomplish the same goal, so this style is adaptable for most massage therapists. It does not require more strength. On the contrary, this style requires less strength and wear and tear for the practitioner. The key is to use body weight and body mechanics to comfortably deliver the appropriate amount of steady pressure with your elbows, knees, forearms, feet, and sitz bones. Long-held compressions have always been a part of massage (especially Thai Massage) simply because they are so effective. However, they are uncommonly used either because it becomes painful for the practitioner or ineffective because there is a lack of training in the subtleties and direction of compression work. Christopher Ray’s 25+ years of massage work has focused around long-held compressions, and through experience, he has turned this style of Thai bodywork into a powerfully therapeutic art-form. A key component to facilitate compression work for a long-term career has been the Strap Support System that Christopher created in 2002. He credits this strap system for the fact that his body still feels good after doing more than 30,000 hours of massage work. During this class, you will be able to practice with the strap system. We will also show how props can be used if you are unable to hang straps over your table or mat. The key bodywork principles of working from a place of ease and sensitivity apply universally, whether your style includes longer compressions or is more mobile and fluid. Part 1 Upper Body focuses on opening the chest, arms, and hands primarily in supine position. Will also include some side-lying position. Includes arm ‘sandwich’ compressions. We will explore therapy plans for common upper body ailments such as frozen/injured shoulders, texting syndrome, carpal tunnel, golfer/tennis elbow, and more. Class runs from 9am-5pm each day with an hour lunch break. You will receive 14 ceu's. (NCBTMB) Deposit is non-refundable 1 month before class begins.