Saturday: Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Torso: Iliopsoas, Diaphragm, QL and Paraspinals
These muscular structures support the core--they are integral to maintaining balance, structural alignment, ease of breathing, mobility, and the ability to function without lower back pain. In the morning, you will learn specific, potent, and effective Deep Tissue techniques to release the iliopsoas, diaphragm, QL, lower multifidus, and the lumbodorsal fascia. These are straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice, often with profound results. There will be a concise and insightful anatomy review of these structures with an eye toward fascial continuities and the functional relationships between them. We will also focus correct placement and proper use of fingers, knuckles, and elbows for optimal results.
In the afternoon we will focus on some muscle-specific Deep Tissue techniques for the Paraspinals (erector spinae and transversospinalis) that are different from but complementary to what you learned in massage school or elsewhere. The emphasis will be on releasing and unbinding the erector spinae group, the transversospinalis group, the lumbodorsal fascia, and the quadratus lumborum. These muscle-specific techniques will improve the precision and effectiveness of your back massage, and can be easily integrated to your style of bodywork. Body mechanics will continue to be a focus of the class, as well as proper use of elbows, fingers and knuckles to save wear and tear on joints. Students who have taken this class have reported that they were able to apply the techniques in their practices right away and that their clients loved the results, feeling a newfound sense of freedom and ease in their backs.
Sunday: Assessment and Treatment of the Lumbar and Sacral Ligaments
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than a million workers suffer back injuries in a year, and that they account for about 20% of the total work-related injuries. Back pain can be debilitating for many people, and even when it's just a nuisance, it can significantly impact their fundamental quality of life. Massage can often be a helpful tool in the recovery and rehabilitation process, but unfortunately, it is all too common for clients to receive massage that has a minimal impact on the source of their pain and discomfort.
One of the elements commonly missing when working with back injuries is a better understanding of, and ability to specifically palpate, the terrain of the low back and sacrum, particularly connective tissue structures like the various supporting ligaments. These ligaments are every bit as important as the muscles, bones, and fascia, but are often overlooked by massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.p>
In this class, you will learn to palpate and treat some of the most commonly injured ligaments in the low back and pelvis, including the iliolumbar, intertransverse, sacroiliac, sacrotuberous, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments, as well as a few key postural muscles. Clients notice the difference right away when they feel you touch the "right spots", and their chronic pain and tension begins to dissolve from the inside out.
- To see the class description, or to register for this class, please click on the class title: Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Torso: Iliopsoas, Diaphragm, QL and Paraspinals (Seattle January 10, 2026) -- Regular Price: $180
- To see the class description, or to register for this class, please click on the class title: Assessment and Treatment of the Lumbar and Sacral Ligaments (Seattle January 11, 2026) -- Regular Price: $180
- If you would like to register for both of these classes and save $40, continue registering on this page.
- "The flow was perfect. I loved how simple Brian kept the info and how straightforward he was with demos. He always stayed on track, made if fun and I learned so much." ~ Haley E.
- "Great class! Perfect amount of material covered. Clear instructionand enough time to practice -- high-level of expertise." ~ Catherine C.
- "Brian was super knowledgeable and offered modifications with ease, helping each student master their own style." ~ Sadiqua I.
- I found this class extremely informative; it's something my own body needed, and I hadn't been able to pinpoint it. -- Sabrina B.
- This class was taught by experienced instructors who had really thought through the progression of the class--the content made sense and flowed well, lending itself to really retaining the knowledge. -- Meredith C.
- Brian's teachings are intelligent, precise and effective. After receiving the work yesterday, my back feels more fluid and happy, and during the treatment, I went to that deep place of relaxation where drool happens. -- Jen E.