Instructor: Brian Utting, LMT; NCBTMB #451040-09

Day 1 -- Understanding the Somatic Nervous System and Proprioception

When we are at our best in a massage, we are skillfully engaged in a conversation with our client's nervous system, including the autonomic and somatic components. Why do our clients hold themselves and move the way that they do? How can we efficiently help them to let their muscles go? What can we do to help them optimize their (and our own) movement and relaxation patterns, and efficiently learn new motor skills? How can we make the benefits of our massage as lasting and effective as possible?

This class we will focus on the somatic (musculoskeletal) nervous system, including proprioception, cortical-limbic (ie, conscious, unconscious, and emotional) influences, reflexes, guarding responses, coordination, and the gamma efferent system. This will be more than just a physiology lecture--it's a course designed specifically for massage therapists. The focus will be on implications for bodywork, and how to skillfully and effectively apply this knowledge in your bodywork practice. You will gain a deeper understanding of the somatic nervous system, and how it applies to massage and to life. This somatic nervous system and proprioception anatomy and physiology class will go beyond what is typically taught in massage schools or in college anatomy and physiology courses.

Please note that this class is primarily lecture, interlaced with experiential and movement-based components that help students better understand the somatic nervous system.

"The information was presented clearly and logically, and is all useful for me in my practice. I already notice more awareness in my work. It has increased my understanding of why I do what I do when I'm working." - Jennifer G.

"I loved the detail and clarity of the instruction--it blew everything I got in massage school out of the water. I think I'll be able to apply this stuff immediately, and it already helps me think of my own body differently." - Jaren H.-L.

"Wow! Fantastic review and new perspective on the somatic nervous system and proprioception." - Christine P.

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Day 2 -- Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Legs & Hips

The legs are often treated by bodyworkers for the least amount of time in a session. Yet they support the upper body and are under tremendous compressive force, whether moving or stationary. When the structures of the feet and legs are functioning properly, they are one of the fundamental anchors of our stability and support. When they’re not, they are a major contributor to foot, knee, hip, and low back issues.

In this class, you will learn specific, potent, and effective Deep Tissue techniques to release the muscles and fascia of the hips, legs and feet. Some of the specific muscle groups you will work with include the deep calf flexors (tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis, flexor digitorum), the anterior compartment (tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum), the quadriceps group, the tensor fascia latae and IT tract, the gluteals, the deep lateral rotators, hamstrings, and adductors. These are simple, straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. Body mechanics will also be a focus of the class, as well as proper use of hands, elbows, and forearms to save wear and tear on joints.

To see a short video about this class, click HERE

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Registration Options: We are offering Brian Utting's classes at a discounted group rate if you register for both classes at once, versus taking each individual class. If you would like to register for just one or both days, please click on the following links to register, otherwise continue on to register for this class. Please note that by taking the full two-day class, you save $35.

• Understanding the Somatic Nervous System/Proprioception & Deep Tissue for the Legs and Hips: Both Days (Seattle November 16-17, 2024) - 16 hours This class can be taken as a full 2-day course or in the following one-day options:
  • Understanding the Somatic Nervous System and Proprioception (Seattle November 16, 2024) - 8 hours
  • Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Legs & Hips (Seattle November 17, 2024) - 8 hours

Class Date: November 16-17, 2024
Class Time: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Seattle Location 2 -- Staybridge Suites (please click on the link for location details)
Cost: $305
Cost/Hour: $19.06/hr
CE Hours: 16

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