Saturday: Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Posterior, Lateral and Anterior Neck
The neck is a strong, vulnerable and complex structure. It is the most movable part of the spine, and yet is strong enough to balance and support the head (10-11 pounds), even with chronically poor posture. Skillful deep tissue work in this area is not about brute force; it's about precision and strategy, informed by knowledge of the anatomical structures. It's rare to find massage therapists who really know how to massage the neck in a precise, specific way--especially around the small muscular attachments to the transverse processes--even though this is often where the muscles are most frayed and/or inflamed.
In the morning you will learn specific techniques for releasing the cervical posterior paraspinal muscles (longissimus, semispinalis capitis, multifidus), suboccipital triangle, levator scapula (especially the cervical attachments), facet joints, splenius capitus and cervicis, posterior, middle, and anterior scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, and masseter.
In the afternoon we will focus on deep muscle-specific techniques for the anterior neck. Many people learned in massage school to avoid this area, but it responds safely and well to skilled and precise touch. We will focus on the scalene, suprahyoid, infrahyoid, and longus capitus and colli groups. This is really helpful work for clients who have been in car accidents, have emotional issues with their necks or throats, or use their voices professionally (eg, singers).
These are straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. The work is well-suited to either treating cervical injuries or improving your spa massage, and will increase your precision, palpatory sensitivity, and effectiveness. Body mechanics will also be a focus of the class as well as proper use of fingers to save wear and tear on joints.
Sunday: Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Hands & Arms
Our arms and hands are tough, dexterous, and exquisitely sensitive. As massage therapists, they are perhaps our primary vehicle for sensation and communication, and we use them (and sometimes overuse them) intensively. Our clients' hands and arms often take a beating as well, especially with so much computer use in the workplace and at home. For all the work that they do, our hands and forearms seldom get the time or skilled attention that they deserve.
In this class we will focus on specific techniques for releasing the muscles and fascia of the hands, thumbs and forearms; increasing mobility in the corresponding joints; and 'deconstructing' forearm muscles that have become glued together. You will learn some simple but effective ways to make your arm massages more specific, potent, and satisfying--and receive some good (and much-needed) work yourself.
- To see the class description, or to register for this class, please click on the class title: Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Posterior, Lateral and Anterior Neck (Seattle December 13, 2025) -- Regular Price: $180
- To see the class description, or to register for this class, please click on the class title: Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Hands & Arms (Seattle December 14, 2025) -- Regular Price: $110
- If you would like to register for both of these classes and save $30, continue registering on this page.
- I honestly learned more in your neck class than any other CE I've taken, and I've been at it almost 13 years. -- Tracey B.
- I love neck work, and this class took things to the next level. -- Heather F.
- Great class! The techniques that were given were all useful and specific to healthy hands, wrists, and forearms. I would repeat this one. -- Nan H.
- All my little finger joints feel so free, and like they are lined with satin. -- Melissa D'H.
- This class has not only improved the work I offer my clients, but given me better hand mechanics and bodywork techniques to use on my own hands and forearms, relieving pain and prolonging my career. -- Rebecca A.