Massage World Issue 121 - Spring

EDITOR Ruth Duncan

EDITOR Madelaine Winzer

EDITOR

FEATURES

FEATURES

FEATURES

Ruth Duncan

Earle Abrahamson

Earle Abrahamson

Earle Abrahamson

Sue Burgess

Ruth Duncan

Julie Barnard

Sue Burgess

Ruth Duncan

James Earls

Ruth Duncan

James Earls

James Earls

Rachel Fairweather

Susan Findlay

Rachel Fairweather

Rachel Fairweather

Owen Lewis

Susan Findlay

Susan Findlay

Su Fox

Owen Lewis

Natalie Lenton

Owen Lewis

Natalie Lenton

Colleen O’Flaherty-Hilder

Sunita Passi

Colleen O’Flaherty-Hilder

Annabelle Apsion

Gina Sanki

Mary Sanderson

Sunita Passi

Sarah Toplis

Gina Sanki

Claire Squire

Madelaine Winzer

Madelaine Winzer

Claire Squire

Madelaine Winzer

GRAPHIC DESIGN Victoria Osborne

SOCIAL MEDIA Pia Singleton

MEDIA

GRAPHIC DESIGN Victoria Osborne

COMMUNICATION C J Newbury

GRAPHIC DESIGN Victoria Osborne

SOCIAL MEDIA Pia Singleton

PUBLISHERS NK Publishing

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SOCIAL MEDIA Pia Singleton

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PUBLISHERS

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The publisher has taken all reasonable measures to ensure the accuracy of the information in Massage World and cannot accept responsibility for errors in or omissions from any information given in this or previous editions or for any consequences arising thereof. The Editor may not always agree with opinions expressed in Massage World but allow publication as a matter of interest, nothing printed should be construed as Policy or an Official Announcement unless stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means whether electronic, mechanical and/or

The publisher has taken all reasonable measures to ensure the accuracy of the information in Massage World and cannot accept responsibility for errors in or omissions from any information given in this or previous editions or for any consequences arising thereof. The Editor may not always agree with opinions expressed in Massage World but allow publication as a matter of interest, nothing printed should be construed as Policy or an Official Announcement unless stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means whether electronic, mechanical and/or optical without the express prior written permission of the publisher.

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MThe clocks have changed, and we are slowly moving towards the longer and warmer days. Spring often feels like a time to renewal and growth and this edition of Massage World will certainly help you grow your knowledge and skills. There is an abundance of thought-provoking articles aiming to inspire and engage your critical thinking skills and offer insight into different ways that we can promote health.

TThe sun is trying to make a statement as our calendars begin to fill with exciting events and workshops in upcoming months. One event that has our attention is the World Massage Championships in Copenhagen this June where some of the best massage therapists in the World will showcase their skills and network with like-minded individuals. In this issue, you will find a guide to the World Massage Championships that will outline the order of events for the weekend and a little bit about the judges who will score the therapists on their performance.

he clocks have changed, and we are slowly moving towards the longer and warmer days. Spring often feels like a time to renewal and growth and this edition of Massage World will certainly help you grow your knowledge and skills. There is an abundance of thought-provoking articles aiming to inspire and engage your critical thinking skills and offer insight into different ways that we can promote health.

Colleen O’Flaherty-Hilder discusses aromatherapy and stress while Sue Burges delves into Kinesthetic Optimum Recovery & Enhancement (K.O.R.E) muscle testing. Owen Lewis discusses uncertainty, postural evaluation and the neural/ dural system while Earle Abrahamson’s article looks at what we consider what matters most in Massage Therapy Education.

Colleen O’Flaherty-Hilder discusses aromatherapy and stress while Sue Burges delves into Kinesthetic Optimum Recovery & Enhancement (K.O.R.E) muscle testing. Owen Lewis discusses uncertainty, postural evaluation and the neural/ dural system while Earle Abrahamson’s article looks at what we consider what matters most in Massage Therapy Education.

James Earls discusses fascia, movement and the important aspect of interdependency of body systems then we have our therapist spotlight interview with Tamer Morsy titled ‘Inspired by Change’. Ruth Duncan looks at the fascial system and historical thinking that it stores memories.

James Earls discusses fascia, movement and the important aspect of interdependency of body systems then we have our therapist spotlight interview with Tamer Morsy titled ‘Inspired by Change’. Ruth Duncan looks at the fascial system and historical thinking that it stores memories.

For now, it’s time to chill quite literally!

For now, it’s time to chill quite literally!

The world is constantly changing, and many individuals are looking to invest their time in a career that will not be replaced by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Earle Abrahamson explores whether massage therapy is something that can be replicated by AI in the future and suggests ways AI may enhance massage therapy. There is always something new and exciting in this industry with Owen Lewis sharing an extract from the recently released book Core that adopts a holistic yet practical approach to demystifying the core, considering this crucial muscle group for its physical importance to bodily movement as well as our emotional and spiritual centre. What’s more, Annabelle Apsion introduces us to the Rosen Method which uses somatic bodywork to assist a client in noticing how they are inhabiting their bodies so they can move past blockages and become more confident in themselves and trust what life holds for them.

There are so many more inspiring articles so take your time and see what resonates with you at this moment in time.

MADELAINE WINZER Freelance writer @madswinz

RUTH DUNCAN Guest Editor

8 What Is Humanly Possible in Massage – AI in Therapy

Earle Abrahamson questions whether AI can truly replicate the intuitive understanding of a skilled human massage therapist.

12 Rosen Method Bodywork

Annabelle Apsion explores how somatic bodywork can be used to help individuals get more in touch with their true selves.

18 Soft Tissue Release (part II)

The focus is on the elbow in part II of this series on Soft Tissue Release by Mary Sanderson

22 Therapeutic Outcomes – what are they and why do they matter?

Therapeutic outcomes depend on multiple factors unique to each individual client and therapist. Ruth Duncan explains why therapeutic outcomes are so important.

26 Muscles – Core Flag

An extract focusing on muscles from the recently released book Core by Owen Lewis

30 Natural Trends Worth Investing In

Madelaine Winzer talks about how to think of ways to adapt and follow the trends in the wellness and spa world and come up with new and interesting experiences for your customers to talk about, enjoy and as a result, boost your business value.

32 Massage, Touch & Trauma

Rachel Fairweather discusses the effects of trauma and its relevance to bodywork.

44 Integrated Cancer Care

Susan Findlay expresses the importance of tailoring massage therapy to address the physical emotional, and spiritual needs of the client to enhance the overall quality of life for those living with cancer.

news & views

MTI Roadshow: East Anglia

19 May 2024, 10.00 – 16.30

Mulbarton Village Hall, Norwich

We are looking forward to welcoming participants to our East Anglia Roadshow. The day will consist of in depth pratical workshops that reflect MTI’s holistic approach to massage therapy, along with a catered lunch from Rambling Roots and plenty of time to network.

The Workshop

Join Owen for a workshop full of discovery in this science-backed approach to understand, assess, treat and train our central anatomy. Based upon the recent publication of ‘Core’, this workshop is a chance to explore deeper concepts while gaining practical skills.

Explore the relationships of pelvis and torso. Discover when the pelvis is affecting the torso, or how a rib can affect the sacrum. Develop you skills in pattern recognition to treat the cause, without being blinkered by the symptoms. This course is supported by research and clinical experience. It will give you a four dimensional appreciation of functional anatomy. A truly enjoyable and fascinating day of practical hands on assessment, treatment and training.

Scan to register

Urban Retreat @ Jing Institute for Massage

Wellness in the Garden of England

The Kent Wellness Festival is a  2 day celebration of all aspects of the wellness industry: fitness, nutrition, meditation, yoga, mindfulness, spirituality and self improvement.

Mixing the old with the new, we are creating an event for like-minded individuals to come together to improve and enhance all aspects of their own wellbeing, self improvement, self exploration and self empowerment.

We aim to inspire, educate, challenge, innovate, support, enrich and empower through workshops, talks, practical classes, readings and treatments.

The event is a great opportunity to discover the best wellness professionals and businesses in the industry and we endeavour to give our customers the tools to create the best balance of themselves to achieve a full and happy life.

Find out more here:

Discover the incredible joy of Jing and escape the bustle of the city for a sumptuous session of massage, mediation and yoga in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine. The UK’s leading school for massage (think Hogwarts with incense) is opening its sacred studio for a second time, after a sell-out success last year.

Offering rejuvenation and inspiration, the wonderful wizards of Jing will guide you through a retreat experience, where you can check-in with yourself and your community. Bring a friend or come solo. Breathe deep and reward yourself with a little self-care and delightful opportunity to learn some magic massage skills to try on others you love.

Find out more here:

FHT TRAINING CONFERENCE 2024

13 - 31 MAY 2024

The annual FHT Training Conference will take place online and via Zoom from 13 - 31 May 2024.

This training event aims at providing therapists with the opportunity to expand their professional and personal development, network with fellow therapists and experts and stay updated on industry trends

The conference will run for three weeks and offers a programme of pre-recorded seminars, interactive live webinars, CPD opportunities and additional downloads and resources.

Register here: https://www.fht.org.uk/education

Professional Beauty and Hair Glasgow 9-10 June 2024

Bringing the best in Beauty and Hair to Scotland’s leading Professional Event at the SEC, Glasgow.

Get the most out of your visit to Professional Beauty and Hair! The ShowHub App is a complete exhibition planning guide for visitors to our exhibitions.

Download Showhub App Here:

Acupuncture Open Evening at CNM

Atilla

Szantos –Acupuncture Course Director

16th May OnlineWebinar

6.30pm - 8.30pm

Are you curious about acupuncture and want to learn more? Or perhaps you’re thinking about changing careers to become an acupuncturist?

Come along to our upcoming acupuncture open event to learn how CNM’s hybrid acupuncture course can help turn your passion for health into a profession.

Our ground-breaking new course offers a unique study programme that allows students to study both online and in-person, offering flexibility around work and personal commitments.

Using our cutting-edge online learning platform, students are immersed into an interactive training hub consisting of live online tutorials, filmed lectures and forums to network with peers. You can study remotely from anywhere in the UK. The practical training takes place in person at our London campus in blocks of four to six days, a few times per year.

Scan to find out more

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What is humanly possible in massage AI in Therapy

BY PROFESSOR EARLE ABRAHAMSON

In the evolving field of complementary healthcare, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, heralding a new era of opportunities and possibilities. This article explores the convergence of technology and the healing touch, specifically addressing the implications of AI in massage therapy.

Consider a massage experience that is precisely tailored to individual needs, dynamically adjusting pressure, technique, and focus areas based on the body’s responses. Imagine if this massage was given by machine not human. This is not a futuristic dream but rather the potential reality promised by AI in massage therapy. The benefits are substantial, including heightened personalisation, improved therapeutic outcomes, and a paradigm shift in our understanding and experience of the ancient art of massage. Nevertheless, as with any groundbreaking advancement, there are barriers on the horizon. Privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and the delicate balance between human touch and technological precision, require careful examination.

Can AI truly replicate the intuitive understanding of a skilled human massage therapist? What safeguards are in place to protect the sensitive nature of personal health data?

Throughout this exploration of the intersection between AI and massage therapy, I aim to unravel the potential advantages that AI brings to the field while navigating the challenges it presents. From redefining the parameters of personalised wellness to addressing the ethical dimensions accompanying such innovation.

AI’s Potential to Elevate Massage Therapy

Modern society requires that we work more efficiently paying closer attention to how we use technologies to support our work, our lifestyle choices and our communication. I grew up in the 70s a where AI was a future dream. Being told to go to your room was a punishment. Fifty years later the same command to children is seen as a treat, where they can interact on-line, through AI, with friends and family. Imagine a world where administrative tasks no longer consume your time, allowing you to focus solely on delivering quality care. AI-powered client management systems have demonstrated efficiency gains in tasks like appointment scheduling, reminders, and communication. Having these tasks automated not only improves overall client satisfaction but also empowers therapists to prioritise their primary role – of providing massage therapy. Technology is fast evolving for example, biometric feedback integration takes the potential benefits to another level. By utilising wearable devices and sensors, AI can analyse physiological responses during massages, offering realtime feedback on stress levels and muscle tension.

The educational landscape also stands to benefit from AI. Virtual Reality (VR) simulations powered by AI algorithms create immersive learning experiences for students, fostering practical skill development. AI simulations can prepare students for diverse real-world situations, providing a bridge between theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise.

Navigating the Challenges: The Potential Roadblocks in AI Integration

Despite the promises, the infusion of AI into massage therapy raises concerns that practitioners must be vigilant about. One significant apprehension revolves around the risk of losing the essential human touch and intuition that defines the therapeutic relationship. Privacy becomes a paramount concern in an era of data-driven technology. There are potential risks associated with handling sensitive client information in AI-driven massage practices. It is imperative to establish robust safeguards against data breaches and unauthorised access to uphold the trust clients place in their therapists. Many professional associations are now having to reconfigure their policies and practices to accommodate for changes to law based on data privacy and AI use. If training data predominantly represents a specific demographic, the risk of perpetuating biases in treatment recommendations is significant. A diverse approach to AI development becomes crucial.

How can we, as a massage industry, better adjust to the tidal wave of innovation and potential of AI in the massage therapy sector? The solution lies in what is reasonable and what is essential. As therapists and educators, we must consider the risks when we work or teach. From an educational perspective, the tutor is no longer the expert in the room. They may be more experienced than the students being taught, but expertise may be challenged when students have a range of AI tools at their fingertips. The key here is not to ban AI but rather integrate its use ethically. In doing so we have a duty of care to use AI to support learning and develop digital capabilities so that our massage students have the composite skills necessary to cope in the current practice and learning environment. In practice we must learn to adapt and perhaps consider the value of using AI to support but not to replace our practice. There are multiple applications for using AI in practice from generating notes to producing guidelines for clients. Without human intervention these products are nothing more than a string of words, algorithms and a collation of fact. Their accuracy is questionable and needs to be checked rigorously before being used.

Remember clients seek massages not merely for physical relief but also for emotional well-being. AIdriven experiences, if perceived as overly dominant,

industryinsight

may create a sense of disconnection, detracting from the holistic therapeutic experience that clients seek. Technical dependence and skill erosion represent broader risks. There is an inherent danger of therapists becoming overly reliant on technology, leading to a gradual erosion of essential massage skills and intuitive abilities. Striking a balance between leveraging AI tools and nurturing hands-on expertise becomes pivotal in maintaining and protecting the industry.

Finding Harmony: Strategies for Maximizing AI Benefits

To ensure that AI becomes a helpful ally rather than a potential adversary, massage therapists can adopt strategic approaches. First and foremost, it is crucial to view AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human skills. Ethical considerations play a central role in navigating the integration of AI. Establishing ethical guidelines and maintaining transparent communication regarding data usage and privacy policies are essential for building and preserving trust in AI-driven massage practices.

Continual professional development emerges as a cornerstone in navigating the evolving landscape of AI in massage therapy. It would be useful to include modules on AI into the massage curriculum exposing its uses and benefits as opposed to burying it into the unknown. Ensuring that practitioners are equipped to use these tools effectively while staying attuned to the evolving nature of AI technology is crucial.

Conclusion: A Balanced Symphony of Tradition and Innovation

In the dynamic interplay of tradition and innovation within massage therapy, practitioners wield significant influence in orchestrating the seamless integration of AI into their practices. On the positive side, AI holds the promise of revolutionising the massage therapy experience. With advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities, AI-powered massage tools can analyse vast amounts of data to tailor treatments specifically to individual clients. This personalisation not only enhances the therapeutic outcomes but also optimises the overall efficiency of massage sessions. AI can assist therapists in identifying patterns and trends in client preferences, enabling a more precise and effective delivery of therapeutic interventions.

Moreover, AI-driven tools can contribute to the continuous professional development of massage therapists. By offering real-time feedback and insights based on the therapist’s performance, AI systems can act as invaluable educational companions, fostering ongoing skill enhancement. This not only benefits individual practitioners but also elevates the overall standards of the profession.

Ensuring that practitioners are equipped to use these tools effectively while staying attuned to the evolving nature of AI technology is crucial.

However, as with any technological advancement, the integration of AI in massage therapy is not without its challenges. One significant risk lies in the potential depersonalisation of the therapeutic process. The intimate and empathetic connection between therapist and client, integral to the massage therapy experience, may be compromised if AI becomes too dominant. Striking a balance between the efficiency of AI-driven tools and the personalised touch of human interaction is crucial to preserving the emotional and holistic aspects of the therapeutic experience.

Another concern is the ethical use of client data in AI applications. The collection and analysis of personal information for the customisation of treatments raise privacy and security issues. Massage therapists must be vigilant in ensuring that AI technologies adhere to strict ethical standards, safeguarding the confidentiality and trust essential to the client-therapist relationship.

In navigating this complex landscape, it is important for massage therapists to view AI as a tool rather than a master. Embracing AI with a mindset of collaboration allows for the creation of a harmonious symphony where tradition and innovation coalesce, enriching the practice of massage therapy for both practitioners and clients alike.

In conclusion, as William Morris wisely noted, “The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” In massage therapy, embracing AI as a thoughtful and supportive partner ensures that innovation enhances tradition rather than overshadowing it. Through this mindful integration, practitioners can unlock new dimensions of therapeutic excellence while preserving the intrinsic human connection at the heart of their practice.

EARLE ABRAHAMSON

Earle Abrahamson is a Professor in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning at the University of Hertfordshire, National Teaching Fellow, Principal Fellow of Advance HE and inaugural ISSOTL fellow. He currently chairs the GCMT and is an elected registrant board member on the CNHC. Earle was former chair of the MTI and is an internationally renowned author, therapist, educator, and practitioner.m

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◆ ROSEN METHOD BODYWORK ◆

Working with the emotional as well as physical body for deep relaxation and vitality

Part 1

BY ANNABELLE APSION

Rosen Method Bodywork belongs to the group of modalities referred to as Somatic Bodywork. Somatic bodywork is crudely defined as a combination of counselling, therapeutic touch and muscle awareness techniques that assist a client in noticing how they are inhabiting their bodies.

Somatic Bodywork

There is a huge interest in somatic bodywork and the recognition of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and physical well-being and the way each influences the other.

Until a relatively short time ago the mind and its effect on our body and vice versa was not something that many people considered ‘real’, ‘important’ or even possible. Current interest in the benefits of touch for mental and emotional health has gained momentum through the books and teaching of innovators in the world of psychotherapy like Gabor Mate, Bessel van der Kolk and the work of Peter Levine. Marion Rosen preceded these well-known advocates of somatic bodywork, developing her method, Rosen Bodywork, in relative isolation in Berkeley California in the 1970’s, based on her own observations, her love of dance and sport, her training in massage and breathwork working in combination with psychotherapy and her clinical practice as a physiotherapist.

When Marion developed her method, psychotherapy was the main avenue people had to be able to talk ‘through’ their feelings and get help to manage difficult life challenges. We all know the discomfort and pain of dealing with situations and relationships that leave us feeling confused and unhappy. Psychotherapy can help us to change our perceptions, gain confidence, and learn

how to recognise our own needs as well as be able to develop new strategies to handle painful and sometimes traumatic experiences.

Non-Physical Techniques

The 1970s was a time too when people were taking a great interest in spiritual teachers and learning breathing and meditation techniques, to cultivate a sense of connection to what we might call their non-physical and non-egoic selves. It was also a time when many new bodywork approaches were coming into being. People sought massage to feel better, less stressed, get rid of body tension and aches and pains, and to feel cared for too. Physiotherapy at the time Marion was practising was very much a medical approach to addressing pain and injury in the body and used physical manipulation as well as exercises to help patients recover mobility and comfort.

All these approaches are still available to us and have continued to develop and evolve. But we now also have access to therapies that involve a combination of elements, that have been developed by pioneers in the somatic world who realised that sometimes mental and emotional health could be

improved through touch and movement and that physical health could often be improved by using emotion-based approaches to recovery and well-being.

In essence, we now have a huge range of therapies we can turn to for different needs.

Many of us now trust our own instincts more to know what might serve us best, by seeking the input of a range of therapies – so that we create our own optimum health portfolio unique to each person. We can explore different modalities and combine their benefits to curate our own bespoke and unique wellness journey.

Over the last 30 years I have taken different personal development programmes, experienced different types of massage, enjoyed Pilates and Feldenkrais sessions, courses in movement, benefited from osteopathy, cranial sacral work and physiotherapy. I have also been on spiritual retreats, and utilised various forms of psychotherapy and analysis - and I imagine I will always want to keep exploring what’s out there, what’s available to us, to learn, ‘heal’, and hopefully live a life where my personal wellness benefits not just myself but others. In other words – like many of us, I don’t see my own health as a luxury but as vital so I can contribute more to the world and in a more healthy and ‘sane’ way.

I have seen the consequences of ‘burnout’ in people, and the consequences of disregarding self-care. Sometimes we can fairly easily recognise ourselves when we are overtired, because we become irritable, or experience stressrelated health issues like difficulty sleeping, unwanted weight loss or gain, unexplained aches and pains, headaches and digestive issues – and sometimes we only become aware of the effect of selfneglect many years later, for example, stress and exhaustion can lead to certain heart issues, muscular skeletal issues, and mental and emotional ‘pains’ such as depression, anxiety and numbness to our own needs. These emotional and mental health consequences also of course affect our choices, and how we live which affects those we are close to.

Remarkable Results

Rosen Method Bodywork specialises in meeting the physical and psychic ‘exterior’ we all have – to find what many describe as their ‘inner self’, often hidden and forgotten underneath layers of protection, specifically muscle tension, which we all acquire as a natural response to daily, and often life, challenges. Underneath

massagetechnique

The Rosen Method developed when Marion started exploring why some of her patients kept injuring themselves or did not recover well for inexplicable reasons. She began to bring in a different style of touch and to speak with her clients commenting on what she observed and asking them about their feelings and what was happening in their lives. The results were so astonishing doctors started to refer patients to Marion when they suspected there was a psychosomatic element to the person’s condition, or they just didn’t know how to help them.

Interest grew in Marion’s method of working with the body and mind, and she was asked to teach others what she was doing. It was not only the remarkable physical recovery of Marion’s patients that so impressed others, but the emotional improvements and related health benefits others witnessed. Marion’s patients would often make significant life changes which up until their treatment they would never have made, for example, changing careers, overhauling, and improving their relationships, greater self-confidence and happiness, better sleeping, and the reduction and often disappearance of aches and pains that had seemed impossible to resolve.

So, what happens in a Rosen Method Bodywork Session?

Think – I’m lying on the massage table tense and irritated – with some dull lower back pain which I just have, and nothing seems to help. I’ve had it checked out and it just seems to be there whatever I try, and perhaps as I lie there, I also acknowledge I’m feeling low. Yes low, with a high level of anxiety – I might not even really know exactly what it is I’m anxious about or why I’ve come for a sessionthings could be worse after all. Ok so I basically just want to feel better, relax if I can, switch off, oh yes and perhaps feel more connected to myself and have a surer sense of what I want to do, ok – yes!

I feel better generally. So, as I lie on the table with the practitioner gently running their hands around my body as they feel for ‘me’ – where ‘I’ am – and maybe where I am ‘not’, where I have disconnected, frozen, and held my breath – I also have a chance to tune in to myself in a way I might never do when on my own. I follow the practitioner’s touch, I hear what they say as they share their observations and wonderings...I start to feel more ‘me’.

The practitioner may find places in my body that feel to them almost rigid, defended and almost impenetrable, fixed places where my musculature is on high alert or bracing, even though there is no reason in the world for that as far as I can see because, after all, I’m just lying on a table. Life is ok and I’m relaxing…surely?

As the session progresses then the practitioner will also notice and bring to my awareness places in my body where I can relax more easily, where I am more comfortable, and where I can feel my more tender side, I suppose I might call it. When the practitioner meets

If you’d like to try some Rosen for yourself there is a 3 Day Living Anatomy Course on April 10-12th in North London, and a week-long residential Bodywork course at Earth-Spirit Retreat Centre in Somerset July 19 – 26th.

me with their rather lovely supportive and nurturing touch perhaps, I notice there are some places where I feel more emotionally vulnerable, which surprises me - sometimes it almost feels like an emotionally younger place in me wakes up and remembers how can that be?

The practitioner will also find the places where my breath is more visible and where it is not…where it is almost as though I am keeping very still and quiet – even holding my breath sometimes without even realising that that is what I am doing. In fact, I realise I often do that, I’d never noticed that before. And then there are the places where I seem to be holding myself together as though my life depended on it and places where I let go more readily – I feel ‘safe’. The practitioner is always noticing the pace and depth of my breath, my changing facial expression no matter how subtle, listening to what I say and the quality with which I speak, or sigh and all the other many tiny and delicate ways our bodies reflect our inner experience – twitching eyelids and rapid eye movement, swallowing, sweating, changing colour, getting colder /warmer, going sleepy, sudden muscular spasms that dart like lightning and are gone, of course, frowning, smiling and sometimes a silent tear escaping softly from our eyes, a giggle or a sigh, an expression of wonder or rapture.

ANNABELLE APSION

Annabelle trained in Berkeley California in Europe with a range of teachers including founder Marion Rosen. She is the Co-founder of the Rosen Method Training and Therapy Ltd where she works as a senior Rosen Method Bodywork Teacher and Practitioner. Annabelle is also a well-known actress currently working for the last 9 years in the highly-rated BBC show Call the Midwife.

www.rosenmethod.co.uk

Overuse Conditions of the Musculoskeletal System

BY SU FOX

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

This refers to any chronic, painful and debilitating overuse condition. It is a term that has only recently been given recognised status, as a result of legal cases claiming compensation for injuries received in an occupational setting.

Bursitis

When a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac in a joint to reduce friction, becomes inflamed through pressure, friction or injury, the condition known as bursitis develops. There is pain that is aggravated by movement. Deltoid bursitis is common in tennis players and gymnasts. Housemaid’s knee refers

to inflammation of any of the bursae in the knee joint. The other more common problem sites are the shoulder joint (subacromial bursitis) and the base of the big toe (bunions).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This is the most common type of repetitive strain injury. It can occur as a result of occupational injury, such as prolonged typing, but it can also be one of the complications of pregnancy. The tendons from the muscles of the forearm that flex the fingers pass under a band of fibrous tissue on the front of the wrist –the carpal tunnel.

Overuse or regular awkward use of these muscles can inflame the tissue

and cause the tendons to swell, putting pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that also pass through here. The result can be weakness and numbness or tingling in the hands.

Frozen Shoulder

The socket of the shoulder joint is shallow, to allow for a large range of movement. The muscles and the ligaments that surround the joint provide stability. Damage to them causes pain and instinctive restriction when movement is attempted, and is called a frozen shoulder. Inflammation may occur in any muscle or tendon separately, in which case only the movement initiated by that muscle would be affected.

Image by stockking on Freepik

It helps to massage parts of the body that may be compensating...

Tendinitis

The strain of a tendon, often at the junction with the muscle or with the periosteum, gives rise to inflammation, pain and stiffness. As the tendon recovers, scar tissue will be formed, which is less stretchable than the original material and susceptible to re-injury. Tennis elbow is tendinitis of the muscles of the back of the forearm at their insertion, and is caused by excessive hammering or sawing-type movements, or a tense, awkward grip on a tennis racquet. The Achilles tendon is also susceptible to strains. At the insertion with the calcaneus is the retrocalcaneal bursa that can become inflamed. Both of these problems can occur in runners who wear inadequate footwear.

Recommendations for Massage

In the acute phase, very gentle mobilisation of the affected and adjacent joints is indicated to prevent loss of movement. When the inflammation has subsided, massage of surrounding muscles may help to relieve pain, and prevent immobilisation if a joint is involved. It helps to massage parts of the body that may be compensating. In the case of tendinitis, cross friction strokes (moving the fingers across the direction of the tendon fibres) can help with the healing.

Su Fox BSc PGCE UKCP Reg MTI Reg CSTA Reg has worked as a complementary therapist and psychotherapist since 1988. For over twenty years she taught massage and related skills in day care centres for the elderly, people with learning difficulties, and mental health issues as well as professional massage qualifications at Hackney Community College. She was director and chair of The Massage Training Institute between 1991 – 2000 and during that time co-authored, with Darien Pritchard, of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Massage and authored The Massage Therapist's Pocketbook of Pathology, which has just been revised and reissued as The Massage Therapist’s Pocketbook of Pathology, by Lotus Publishing. During this time she was also running a successful private practice in psychotherapy at The Burma Road Practice in North London, focusing particularly on trauma work. Su has always believed that the talking therapies need to address the body, and that alternative therapies often failed to consider mental and emotional health, and this led her to write Relating to Clients. The Therapeutic Relationship for Complementary Therapists, published in 2009. In 1993 she added Craniosacral therapy to her qualifications and is a regular contributor to Fulcrum, the journal for the Craniosacral Therapy. She can be contacted at viasufox56@gmail.com www.burmardpractice.co.uk/therapist-counsellor-london-n16/13-su-fox-therapist-n16

Soft Tissue Release The elbow & wrist

BY MARY SANDERSON

Extract from Soft Tissue Release - A Practical Handbook for Physical Therapists

in faulty techniques, and repetitive gripping and extension of the elbow such as occurs in racquet sports.

Elbow Flexion

Major Muscles: Biceps brachii, brachialis, brachioradialis and pronator teres.

Brachialis is the primary elbow flexor and controls the movement during extension. It has the capacity to develop myositis ossificans, so extreme care should be taken following a direct trauma.

The elbow

The humerus articulates with the radius and ulna to form a hinge at the elbow joint (fig. 1). The proximal ends of the radius and ulna form a pivot joint allowing a rotational movement (supination and pronation).

Joint stability at the elbow is predominantly provided by the collateral ligaments and musculature around the elbow. The neck should be considered during treatment of any overuse injury to the elbow.

Inflammation of the lateral and medial elbow is related to the muscles that produce wrist movements. Common overuse problems originate

The biceps brachii is a strong supinator as well as an elbow flexor, and these actions are often performed together. The muscle also contributes to shoulder flexion and stability of the shoulder joint, with its long head being more prone to injury. Brachioradialis as a flexor works strongly when the elbow is midway between pronation and supination.

Elbow Extension

Major Muscles: Triceps brachii and anconeus.

Triceps is the only muscle on the posterior of the upper arm. Because the triceps works strongly in fast elbow extension movements, it is exercised in any pushing movements, for example dips and push-ups. Punching or throwing can stress the attachments. Actual strains are rare, but faulty technique

can cause pain and tearing, particularly at the musculotendinous junction. Anconeus controls extension movements.

Pronation of the Forearm

Major Muscles: Pronator teres, pronator quadratus and brachioradialis. Pronator teres works strongly alongside the flexors during pronation and flexion movements, such as in the grip in horse riding.

Pronator quadratus is stronger if the pronation is conducted with elbow extension.

Supination of the Forearm

Major Muscles: Biceps brachii, supinator and brachioradialis. Biceps brachii is the strongest

Figure 1. Structure of the elbow

Figure 2. Passive STR to the biceps brachii.

MUSCLE EFFECTS OF MUSCLE RESTRICTIONS

Biceps brachii

Reduced elbow extension and pronation. Because of the two-joint nature of this muscle, tightness will affect the interaction of shoulder and elbow movement. With the shoulder in extension, elbow extension will be reduced; conversely, with the shoulder flexed, the elbow ROM increases.

Brachialis As a single-joint muscle, elbow extension will be reduced (regardless of shoulder position).

Supinator Tightness of the supinator is more likely in conjunction with tightness of the biceps brachii rather than by itself, but it would probably reduce elbow extension and pronation.

Triceps brachii Limited elbow flexion and some reduction in anterior shoulder elevation. Can be implicated in tennis elbow.

Brachioradialis Reduced elbow extension.

Anconeus No known effect.

Pronator teres

muscle in supination.

Loss of elbow flexion and forearm supination. Due to origin and insertion at the elbow joint and the superior distal radio-ulnar joint, the effect of tightness will depend on the relative positions of these articulations, with reduced supination when the elbow is extended.

Supinator is exercised most strongly if combined with elbow extension

Elbow – Treatment

With the subject supine and the elbow flexed, gently grasp either side of the belly of the biceps. Extend and pronate to stretch (fig. 2).

Treat the whole muscle, paying particular attention to the origins and carefully angling the locks because of the sensitivity of the area. Treat the lateral side and direct the lock under the biceps to work the brachialis.

With the shoulder fully flexed beside the subject’s ear, lock into points along the triceps and flex the elbow (fig. 3). Pay close attention to the

tendon attachments. The supinators and pronators in the forearm can be worked effectively by incorporating combination movements of supination or pronation with flexion and extension of the wrist, to separate the muscles of the forearm.

The Wrist and Hand

The wrist and hand contain 28 bones. The wrist is a condyloid joint consisting of the distal radius and three proximal carpal bones (fig. 4).

The hand is formed by a range of joints that provide the possibility of dextrous movements such as gripping and grasping. The extrinsic muscles, originating in the forearm provide strength and intrinsic muscles of the hand provide the fine motor movements.

As with the ankle, there is a band of connective tissue that supports the many tendons which attach across the wrist joint. The space created underneath the flexor retinaculum is known as the carpal tunnel. The flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis, as well as the median nerve, all pass through this tunnel. The posterior retinaculum holds the tendons of the extensor muscles in place.

Wrist Problems

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a result of congestion in the tunnel (see fig. 5). Any repetitive actions involving the flexors, such as gripping, can cause inflammation in the tendons. If numbness and tingling are present then the median nerve is also affected. STR is effective for separating the tendons and the adhesions between them and the retinaculum. Frequently this condition can be successfully corrected by surgery, but the use of STR at an early stage can make an operation unnecessary.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) occurs with overuse, leading to adherence and inflammation of the tendons in the posterior compartment. Activities such as typing or playing the piano repetitively, or racquet sports where the extensors contract eccentrically to brace and control the force during backhand shots, can all cause degrees of RSI.

Table 1. Effects of muscle restrictions on elbow movement.

Figure 2. Passive STR to the biceps brachii.

Figure 3. Active STR to the triceps brachii.

massagetechnique

Wrist sprains are common in contact sports, and STR is a good form of early treatment to ensure good strength gains. With any wrist problem, a systematic treatment of the whole forearm and hand is necessary. Abduction, adduction, flexion and extension need to be considered. At the wrist, STR can separate adherence between the individual tendons and the retinaculum.

Wrist Extension

Major Muscles: Extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum communis, extensor indicis, extensor digiti minimi, extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. Pain located at the lateral elbow is often classified under the umbrella term of ‘tennis elbow’ (‘lateral epicondylitis’). The term refers to an overuse injury, common in racquet sports and manual labour. It leads to chronic inflammation of the common extensor origin (CEO), resulting in fibrous tissue in the tendon, musculotendinous junction, or at the tenoperiosteal junction, which causes pain and a weak grip. In conjunction with PRICE and stretching, STR is an invaluable tool in the management of tennis elbow. A general treatment to the arm and beyond, such as the shoulder and neck, should be conducted

prior to focusing specifically on the adhesive tissue in the forearm.

Wrist Flexion

Major Muscles: Flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus.

Pain located at the medial elbow, where inflammation develops at the common flexor origin (CFO), is generally known as ‘golfer’s elbow’ (‘medial epicondylitis’). It is common in racquet sports and manual labour, and also throwing and weight training. Addressing the whole arm, shoulder and neck with STR is essential as well as focusing on the congestion at the bicipital aponeurosis and elbow flexors. (Fig.6)

Wrist Abduction

Major Muscles: Flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis (jointly produce wrist abduction [radial deviation]). (Fig.7)

Wrist Adduction

Major Muscles: Flexor carpi ulnaris and extensor carpi ulnaris (work together in wrist adduction [ulnar deviation]), and has sufficient strength for slow movements with minimal resistance.

Wrist – Treatment

With the subject in a supine position, apply STR to the extensors from the wrist to the elbow by locking in and flexing the wrist. Concentrate on locking between the extensor muscles to stretch the fascia

Pronator quadratus and pronator teres

Forearm held in position of increased pronation, with decreased or difficult supination. This is less pronounced with the elbow flexed because of the shortening of pronator teres.

Flexor carpi radialis Wrist flexion towards radial side.

Flexor carpi ulnaris Wrist flexion towards ulnar side. An effect of tightness is decreased flexion and wrist abduction

Flexor digitorum superficialis Flexion contracture of middle phalanges.

Flexor digitorum profundusClaw deformity, but usually in combination with other muscle issues.

Extensor carpi radialis (brevis and longus)

Decreased flexion and wrist adduction.

Extensor digitorum Hyperextension deformity of MCJ.

Supinator Elbow flexion with forearm supination, affecting pronation-supination movement.

Adductor pollicis Adduction deformity of thumb, having implications for pinch and grasp, with considerable functional impairment.

Table 2. Effects of muscle restrictions on wrist and hand movement MUSCLE EFFECTS OF MUSCLE RESTRICTIONS

Figure 4. The wrist and hand.

where congestion and adherence are often present. If there is any form of ‘tennis elbow’, progress to the CEO and apply an MFR lock as the subject flexes the wrist (see fig. 5.8). Locate points at the back of the wrist, separating the extensor tendons from the retinaculum. Avoid irritating any areas of inflammation, concentrating instead on releasing the congestion around them.

Treat the flexors in the same manner, but lock and extend the wrist to release the tension (fig. 9). Applying pressure between the flexor tendons at the wrist will relieve carpal tunnel syndrome; this release may be enhanced by incorporating either abduction or adduction following the wrist flexion.

Soft Tissue Release: A Practical Handbook for Physical Therapists is a complete reference guide for students embarking on clinical practice, therapists from all backgrounds wanting to understand more about pain management, or any individual wishing to harness the power of soft tissue release to treat their own pain.

MARY SANDERSON

Mary is a specialist in soft tissue therapy and has been a senior tutor for the London School of Sports Massage (LSSM) since 1994. She has run her own private practice in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, for over 25 years, treating a wide range of clients including elite sports people, musicians and performers. Mary also regularly presents on CPD programmes for manual therapists, personal trainers and coaches.

Figure 5. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed anteriorly at the wrist by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum, and serves as the entrance to the palm for several tendons and the median nerve.

Figure 6. Anterior arm superficial muscles.

Figure 7. Posterior arm superficial muscles.

Figure 9. Active STR to the common flexor tendon.

Figure 8. Active STR to the common extensor tendon.

Therapeutic Outcomes

What are they and why do they matter?

BY RUTH DUNCAN

Regardless of whether you are an experienced therapist or new to the profession, the concept of therapeutic outcomes should be something you’re aware of and routinely evaluate as part of your treatments. When I mention these as something that you routinely evaluate, you might not have a defined heading for ‘therapeutic outcomes’ in your treatment records or complete a comprehensive post-treatment questionnaire but you will take note of the subjective and objective responses to your therapy intervention.

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik

However, therapeutic outcomes go far beyond subjective information and your posttreatment assessment. Therapeutic outcomes depend on multiple factors unique to each individual client and therapist. To promote a positive therapeutic outcome, therapists build and implement a strong interpersonal relationship known as the therapeutic alliance. Both terms, therapeutic alliance and outcome, have foundations in psychotherapy framing the client or patient, at the centre of care. When I started my own training over two decades ago, the basis of this was called rapport building. We were taught positive client communication and interaction used throughout a client’s journey with you from their appointment booking to completion of care. Essentially, a positive therapeutic outcome relies on how you interact with your client. It considers client’s values, needs and wants as well as their perception of you, your skills, your treatment space and the potential outcome of your care, amongst others.

A 2001 summary of the therapeutic relationship stated that the therapeutic alliance has a higher correlation with a positive therapeutic outcome than that of a specialised treatment intervention(1). However, a 2020 study that looked at the value of the therapeutic alliance in physiotherapy stated that therapeutic touch, manual therapy and exercise were not included in the accepted definition of the term ‘therapeutic alliance’(2). What this suggests is that a positive therapeutic alliance is a more effective form of therapy than the actual therapy or technique-based intervention. This always makes me think of the movie ‘Catch Me if You Can’ with Leonardo DiCaprio where he pretends to be a doctor. All the patients and nursing staff love him but all he can say is ‘I concur’. He had the potential to promote a positive therapeutic outcome and had a great therapeutic alliance but obviously had no skills

A positive therapeutic outcome relies on how you interact with your client.

as a doctor. This can be the stark truth of a therapeutic outcome. The actual technique-based intervention may play the smallest role in the therapy process but if it’s sold well by the therapist who builds a good therapeutic alliance or the client has a deeply held belief that the therapy will work, then there is a high potential for a positive therapeutic outcome. Obviously, the opposite can also occur. If a highly skilled and welleducated healthcare professional is not a good communicator and doesn’t have the ability to instil confidence or the client doesn’t believe the intervention will work, the positive therapeutic outcome diminishes.

This is where we need to look at the difference between effectiveness and efficacy especially if want to remain evidence based. A therapy can appear effective in practice when we focus on the therapeutic outcome. However, we need to consider what resulted in the positive therapeutic outcome which evaluates far more than which techniques were provided. In contrast, efficacy is the evaluation of the performance of a specific intervention or technique established from studies such as randomised controlled trials(3) To suggest that a specific technique or therapy has worthiness, it needs to undergo scientific investigation that is both repeatable and measurable. We therefore cannot claim that focusing on therapeutic outcomes proves the efficacy of a technique or specific therapy as we simply don’t know that. Therapeutic outcomes look at the effectiveness of the entire therapeutic intervention measuring multiple factors that all rely heavily on the therapeutic alliance. Therefore, therapeutic outcomes include the therapist’s confidence, communication and empathy

offering that much-needed ‘listening ear’ to promote trust and a greater client willingness to achieve desired goals. It has also been suggested that the quality of an interpersonal relationship such as the therapeutic alliance in healthcare affords a high expectation of future happiness(4).

As a new therapist, once my client was on the treatment coach I was told we had three mandatory things to say when offering massage to promote relaxation. Are you warm enough? Is the pressure ok? And please turn over. I trained as a massage therapist in Florida USA where we had student clinics to build skills and complete practical assessments. During the clinic, our tutors had to hear us say these three things. However, the seasoned massage client was often undressed and on the treatment couch before I’d even finished welcoming them into the room. They were fully aware that the quicker they got on the treatment couch, the longer their massage would last. Therefore, a positive therapeutic outcome for these clients would include me not getting in the way of their dash onto the treatment couch. Trying to build confident communication skills in those early days of my career was not that easy.

Therapeutic alliance and outcome measures are used throughout healthcare measuring timely discharge from hospital after surgery, responses to treatment for mental health issues as well as the management of persistent pain, amongst others. Therapeutic outcomes align well with the more commonly used Biopsychosocial model of care where outcomes are not just based on the relationship between the client and therapist but look further afield to psychological and social contexts which are meaningful for the client.

researchroom

How can we measure therapeutic outcomes?

There are 3 common types of measurements or assessments that can help us evaluate therapeutic outcomes.

1. Self-reported. This is where the client offers their perception of their experience usually by a series of questions and may even form a questionnaire. You may have heard of these as patient-reported outcome measures or PROM’s.

2. Performance measures. These usually revolve around some kind of assessment including time and function to complete tasks or quality of movement to reach a goal.

3. Observation. This includes the evaluation of outcomes by the therapist and by others around the client such as family, friends and colleagues.

Taken together, these provide the therapeutic outcome of an intervention that is not only meaningful for the client but also provides outcome measures for the therapist and their working environment. However, when you look deeper into self-reported measures, you are investigating what’s of value to the client. This considers the client as a complete individual and includes how ill health has and will affect them and the people around them. It also includes their beliefs, perceptions, expectations, previous experiences, culture, family, work and social environments. This means that the self-reported measures, or PROMSs, are the values that an individual client places on the entire therapeutic process.

The aim of the therapy is to get the client back to wellness. Therefore, the therapist has to establish a strong therapeutic alliance to learn what is meaningful and valuable to the client so that goals can be set and met. You can see how these measures maintain a client-focused therapeutic process despite them being unique to each client.

The therapeutic alliance can also be built by imparting knowledge to the client in an easy and understandable way helping them reach that much sought-after goal of conceptual change. Interpersonal skills include identifying

beliefs and concepts surrounding the client’s ill health or pain that may be incorrect or limiting such as guarding, fear avoidance and limiting movements to protect a ‘bad back’ or that their pain is so bad that their body must be very broken. The conceptual change here would be to describe how the idea of a

‘bad back’ is outdated and the term perpetuated a belief that their back needed protection when in fact the best thing they could do was to move. Conceptual changes about pain require the therapists to have a solid foundation of what pain is and what it’s not so that they can help the client understand that pain and tissue damage rarely relate. Helping clients to understand what’s going on for them can build new habits, and beliefs and encourage them to commit to any rehabilitation, exercise or self-care provided to them.

Therapeutic outcomes also establish the belief a client has in themselves to cope or get better called self-efficacy. Often a client’s self-efficacy is low at the beginning of therapy but if a good interpersonal relationship is built along with a deeper and meaningful understanding of their pain or illness along with how they can see and feel improvement, self-efficacy can increase. Overall, an increased selfefficacy improves the client’s mental health and promotes the positive prospect of a return to health.

If you would like to learn more about the therapeutic alliance, pain and therapeutic outcomes, join me on Understanding Pain - The Influential Therapist online on 20/21 May (both evenings) or 29 September (daytime) to learn how to apply these in your practice.

For more information and to bookwww.myofascialrelease.co.uk/up-sales In-Touch Education & MFR UK – email Ruth@Myofascialrelease.co.uk Text/WhatsApp: 077808 4416

References

1. Lambert, M. J., & Barley, D. E. (2001). Research summary on the therapeutic relationship and psychotherapy outcome. Psychotherapy, 38(4), 357–361. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-3204.38.4.357

2. Søndenå, P., Dalusio-King, G., & Hebron, C. (2020). Conceptualisation of the therapeutic alliance in physiotherapy: is it adequate? Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 46, 102131. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MSKSP.2020.102131

3. Gartlehner, G., Hansen, R. A., Nissman, D., Lohr, K. N., & Carey, T. S. (2006). Introduction. Criteria for Distinguishing Effectiveness From Efficacy Trials in Systematic Reviews https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44024/

4. Ferreira, P. H., Ferreira, M. L., Maher, C. G., Refshauge, K. M., Latimer, J., & Adams, R. D. (2013). The Therapeutic Alliance Between Clinicians and Patients Predicts Outcome in Chronic Low Back Pain. Physical Therapy, 93(4), 470–478. https://doi.org/10.2522/PTJ.20120137

What Is Functional Exercise?

BY JAMES EARLS

You can know the name of that bird in all the languages of the world, but when you’re finished, you’ll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird.… So, let’s look at the bird and see what it’s doing—that’s what counts.

Richard P. Feynman,

What Do You Care What Other People Think?

As the famous physicist Richard Feynman points out in the quote above, knowing the names of anatomical bits does not provide an understanding of what they do. We need to look beyond the individual elements and see them in context. This book aims to be ecumenical in its approach to movement—there are many styles, disciplines, schools of thought, and anatomical variations that could be covered when discussing how humans move. I do not aim to analyze, correct, or challenge any of them, as they all have a place and each can help people live happier, healthier lives. There is a movement style out there to gel with each therapist, and, in turn, each therapist will find the clients who connect with that style. My hope is that the application of our interventions will be enhanced if we can understand the rationales behind them.

Rather than attacking the clam exercise, let’s understand what it does and what it does not do. If we want to claim it is not functional, then we should understand what “normal” movement is (if we consider normal, everyday movement to be the defining character of functional). So, it is at this point that we should define the difference between the anatomy of functional, everyday movement and functional movement and exercise.

They have much in common:

three-dimensionality of movement, an appreciation of gravity, ground reaction forces, and momentum, along with the multidirectionality of muscle forces. However, functional exercise can be

During everyday activities the body naturally swaps back and forth between open- and closed-chain movement. The most common pattern is for the upper limbs to move in open chain as we reach for our glasses, cups of coffee, or the steering wheel, while our lower body carries out closed-chain actions as the feet stay in contact with the floor, or the pelvis is perched on a seat.

applied without any understanding or deep appreciation of everyday anatomy or how the body moves when it is walking, running, reaching for the plates in the top cupboard, or sweeping the floor. Exercises can be created to mimic all of those actions, to build up strength and coordination, and those can be functional, but my belief is that any exercise only really becomes functional when the therapist understands how it helps build toward greater success for that client.

For that reason, I contend that a clam (or any other “isolated” exercise) can be just as functional as any funky arm waving performed in the middle of the room. What defines the functionality of an exercise is not its novelty, its threedimensionality, the new-fangled piece of equipment similar to something our ancestors might have used, or the fact that one does it barefoot in a freezing stream—the functionality of an exercise comes down to the fact that I have a clear goal for my client and that I have suggested a specific exercise to help their safe and successful progression toward better, safer, less painful movement.

Rather than attack or undermine any exercise, we can take a step back and just ask ourselves what is going on during the exercise and what its qualities and characteristics are that we could use to help with a client. To return to the clam example above, the Functional fans claim it doesn’t replicate the real action of the glutes, and that might be true. But do we all understand what the real actions are? Do we know what direction and

when each of the glutes will “fire” and by how much? And do we know which other muscles, joints, and tissues will be adapting to facilitate the movement?

To answer each of those questions in turn for every possible movement would require a much larger and much less entertaining book. Human movement is extremely variable, and the firing of the glutes will depend on whether one is walking uphill, downhill, along a flat road, getting up from a chair, or … add any of your own possibilities. This book does not aim to give you those answers but to provide you with the vocabulary and the skills to answer them for yourself regardless of the novelty of any midstream, arm-waving, barefoot, javelin-throwing squat variation you might be asked to analyze.

Gaining that vocabulary will require breaking down some of the many unconscious prejudices that were quietly instilled during the rote learning of anatomical-position-based anatomy. So much time was spent on the naming and listing of muscles according to the effect they had on the joints they crossed that we neglected to see how the rest of the body reacts during movement. For example, as alluded to above, the hip abductors used in the clam exercise match the textbook action (more or less), but the abductors can control adduction, and they have

to do so with every step we take—in a controlled manner—and that creates a whole new set of things for us to consider. If we are standing, walking, or running and we allow one hip to adduct, what happens to our head? Do we let our head follow the tilt of the pelvis? Perhaps in some cases, but usually not. To prevent our eyes ticktocking back and forth as we walk, we allow the spine to side bend as the hips adduct and abduct, and so there are numerous knock-on effects through the body. Try the exploration shown in figure 2 to start building a greater sense of these interrelationships.

Important Experiential Note

Awareness of why you might not feel the same reaction through your body as I have described when you work through some of the exercises is vital to grasping the teachings in this text. It can be useful to work through many of the movements with a study partner or in a classroom situation, as you might not be able to see or feel the reasons why, for example, your left foot did not pronate, or your spine didn’t react the way you imagined. Having more eyes and more brainpower applied to the problem will accelerate your learning. It will help you practice the vocabulary and expand your vision as you can explore each other’s reaction in each exercise.

Figure 1. (a) “Weak glutes” and “nonfiring glutes” have been blamed for numerous pathologies, and clients have often been prescribed the clam exercise as part of their rehabilitation. While there are many benefits to the clam exercise, one of the negative side effects of its prescription is that it reinforces the limitations of anatomical position. During the clam exercise, the femur moves away from the pelvis, an abduction of the hip with some lateral rotation, almost the exact description of the action of gluteus maximus. (b) Contrast the exercise with the function of gluteus maximus during gait. Following heel strike, the glutes must decelerate hip adduction, flexion, and medial rotation. In this case, gluteus maximus does not perform its “actions”—rather than accelerate, or enable, hip abduction or lateral rotation, it must act functionally to decelerate the opposite movements.

anatomyrefocused

WHAT

Contracting Muscles and Opening Minds

One of the things you might have noticed in the exercise in figure 1 is that we just used the “abductors” in two different directions. First, they worked to decelerate the adduction of the right hip, and then they were used to lift the hip (and spine!) back to neutral. However, it is only the latter “action,” the abduction (and only that hip movement), that is normally listed in the textbooks.

Only the concentric, shortening action of the muscle is traditionally listed, but to understand the functions of the abductors we had to include its eccentric (the controlled lengthening into hip adduction as the iliac crest moves away from the femur) and isometric abilities (holding the pelvis level), as well as the concentric (the return to a horizontal pelvis). Although the ability to list concentric actions is highly regarded in most examinations, to start “seeing” movement one must be free from the blinkers of assuming movement is created by concentric actions. This unblinkered vision becomes especially useful when we add other forces into the mix, because real-world movement occurs through constant adjustments in the tone of muscles as their contractile fibers react to a complex blend of momentum, gravity, and ground reaction force (main pics).

Many people have found it useful to reconsider muscles as stiffness adjusters within the myofascial system. Muscles will constantly change their tone to match your current movement needs. A

little more tone to prevent your collapse under the influence of gravity and ground reaction forces, a bit less tone to allow the front of the hip to open as the momentum of the other leg swings through, or a lot more “glute” tone to help push you up the hill. Simply, muscles monitor the relationships between bones, and they allow, prevent, or create movement, depending on our needs and our abilities.

As we saw in the exercise in figure 1, a muscle’s tone not only controls the relationship between the bones it attaches to, it also affects the rest of the body. Widening our vision of how muscles can influence beyond their traditionally accepted borders reveals the fallibility of another textbook tradition—“origin” and “insertion.”

The idea of origins and insertions is gradually becoming less popular and being replaced by the more honest proximal and distal attachment, but even this new terminology can inhibit our appreciation of the wider, real-life influence of a muscle. But using proximal and distal attachments to describe a muscle’s position at least gives us the ability to remove the open-chain prejudice inherent within textbook listings of actions.

Although few of us are told about it, the origin and insertion tradition was based on the assumption of the insertion being the attachment that moved toward the origin, but, once again, that was based on the fantasy world of anatomical position. Anatomical position assumes every movement is internally created by the muscle under investigation and that the distal bone is free to move, but, as we have

Figure 2. (a) Repeat the exercise from figure 1.5 by standing on your right leg and allow your pelvis to drop down to the left. Feel how your rib cage remains relatively vertical, indicating that the spine must have side bent to reduce the tilt between your pelvis and thorax. (b) Now, focus on your right abductors and use them to draw your pelvis back to horizontal. As the pelvis comes back to level, the spine straightens. The straightening of the spine is a reaction to the contraction of your hip abductors—that is, the hip abductors influence the movement and the position of the spine, not just the pelvis and the femur.

already seen, this is not always the case. In the real world, we must cope with closedchain movement, where bits of us might be stuck on the ground, in a chair, or grasping an overhead bar. These fixations of distal limbs, our back, or our pelvis by elements within the environment will reverse the actions and allow the muscle to control the proximal rather than the distal bone.

JAMES EARLS

James has been a dedicated manual therapist for almost 30 years. During the last 20 years he has have specialized in myofascial approaches to bodywork and co-authored ‘Fascial Release for Structural Balance’ and ‘Born to Walk’.

While teaching myofascial anatomy around the world he encountered many interesting models and became especially interested in the functional movement work of Gary Gray. After being awarded the highly regarded GIFT Fellowship from the Gray Institute he managed to blend my understanding of myofascial anatomy and functional movement into his second book – ‘Born to Walk’ – which has been translated into numerous languages with an updated second edition released in 2020.

His work combines my interests in functional, evolutionary and comparative anatomy to explore the ‘truths of movement’. He firmly believes that by understanding normal, everyday movement we are better able to understand the limitations our clients may experience and thereby develop appropriate, fun and individualised movement practices for them.

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Natural Trends Worth Investing In

BY MADELAINE WINZER

In the last business spa article, we talked a lot about the running of a spa, how to maintain your business, look after your customers, manage risks, and keep up the standard that is needed for a consistently attractive and profitable spa. Keeping your customers loyal and heading home after an enjoyable experience so they recommend it to friends is your number one priority. Your customers are your income and without them and your reputation, your business will quickly diminish.

In this article, we talk more about how to attract investors and how to think of ways to adapt and follow the trends in the wellness and spa world and come up with new and interesting experiences for your customers to talk about, enjoy and as a result, boost your business value.

Investors in a customerfacing business and those from whom you might want to lend money will unsurprisingly look at the quality of your customer base and the consistency and range of revenue streams.

Investors are those who are willing to put money into your business for the long-term by way of owning part of your business through shares. Lenders, most frequently banks will lend you money for a fixed term, say five years and will charge interest each month at a rate above the base rate currently at 5%. Both want your business to grow and be profitable so they can get their financial return.

They will look at what your plans are for the future, where you see the business going and how their money will help and be invested. This is a key part of your

business plan to generate revenue in a consistent, ethical, and longer-term way.

Spa Business is a very old business, and more than long-term has been around for centuries, so it is an attractive one for investors as it is not a fly-bynight idea or risky technology, but something which customers have valued over thousands of years. Although we may think so, because of its current presentation and perception, wellness is not a new thing but is at the heart of an individual’s psyche and rooted in places known for thermal waters.

Spa is an easy-to-understand business and something which appeals to investors as it enhances people’s lives, so they feel good about investing, not just for the financial return, but for the benefits they bring people.

There are many businesses which probably unintentionally can cause damage to people’s health, mental or physical as they involve too much dependence on technology, screen time, glitz, glamour, and entertainment or involve food and drink which are not necessarily beneficial to your health. A business which improves your mood naturally contrasts with these and is growing in demand.

Being in touch with yourself and the environment is often lacking, which is why investing in places and treatments is an attractive business. Physical and mental well-being is an appealing and ethical place for investors to be.

We have been researching the current trends for well-being-related business. Unsurprisingly the top two are around the environmental impact of the business and in creating a safe space where people can truly detach from their daily routines of screens and stress.

People are reluctant to go to a spa or invest in a spa which is not environmentally friendly or natural. There is a huge range of areas to think about in this regard, even simple things like minimising the use of machines in the spa whether it be in the use of water jets, energy-intensive heating, employing natural light, not using plastic in the fittings and spa build and gym machines and equipment. We also see

...eco-designed spas are also much more cost-effective to operate and involve a lot lower maintenance...

the move away from energy-intensive items like flotation tanks which are highly costly in terms of energy and not an environmentally inclusive offering.

We foresee a trend in equipment light, and natural spas going back to ancient spa traditions but in a modern context. Examples are using ground source heat, natural ventilation and sunlight, reclaimed wood, and the use of plants to clean the air and provide a natural scent with water flowing naturally under gravity.

The idea of a natural spa, one which emulates the natural world of streams and plants, and the fresh air of nature is one where people feel more release and can let the stresses go. We very much encourage and envision spas which are screen-free, mobile device-free, and probably musicfree.

Investment groups, funds and investment portfolios will look for a mix of investments, incluß´ding technology and consumer products, but we see well-being as becoming a key part of portfolios based on recent interviews with investment managers.

As we have noted, spas and well-being are centuries old and show real benefits to people. If your offering to investors is of a long-term sustainable eco-friendly spa with the benefits that brings to people, then this is certainly something that would appeal to investors and lenders.

Such eco-designed spas are also much more cost-effective to operate and involve a lot lower maintenance with a move away from machines and high electricity use.

In terms of energy use, we believe that a net zero energy spa is possible, and many technologies are eminently suitable for a spa building. These include solar panels, hydroelectricity, heat pumps, natural insulation and ventilation and the use of plants. All can be used to create a net zero

carbon spa which would be valued by both customers and investors as we seek to care for the planet as we pursue our well-being goals.

With regards to how a spa ‘feels’ and its vibe, we are continuing to do our research and are finding so far that people want to go to a spa to feel that they live in the moment for the entire time that they are there. This means that the spa environment and layout are as simple as possible - very intuitive and you can leave behind your phone, reduce instructions to a minimum and just simply zone out in a natural environment. People do not want to be worrying about how to operate a gym machine or listening to or reading 10 minutes of instructions ahead of entering a floatation tank or similar complex but artificial setups. There is clearly a market for these, but we see a trend towards natural and easily accessible spas.

We also believe that in keeping with nature that a range of well-being exercises are encouraged, which involve simple movements, flexibility and little or no equipment. People can then continue these exercises at home, and they also create a lasting connection and memory of the spa as it is the place where they first did such movement and can be life-changing if they continue to work on their flexibility and movements afterwards. This triggers a feeling of well-being and longevity associated with a spa experience.

In conclusion, we have outlined what we believe to be to key things to consider which are trends in the well-being world, and which are essential to think about for attracting customers and investors. Creating a place which is a natural environment and has zero net energy cost and net zero carbon is immensely beneficial in so many ways. Having as natural a spa as possible which customers can ease into very quickly helps them to detach and detox is what we see as their number one priority. It has been in Spa ethos for centuries back to the days when the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans would sit in a spa for a few hours which was natural stone with natural flowing water and no outside distractions leaving you feeling clean and having moved gently and easily in a natural environment.

Massage, Touch & Trauma

There are a disturbing number of adults who have experienced the horrors of sexual, physical abuse or domestic violence; just look at the statistics that speak for themselves:

◆ Nearly a quarter of young adults have experienced sexual abuse during childhood.

◆ One in nine young adults has experienced severe physical violence during childhood at the hands of an adult (Source: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/)

STOP! …Before you pass over this article thinking “Not relevant -I don’t work with anyone who has experienced significant trauma”. On the contrary, there is a strong probability that a significant proportion of your clients have experienced severe trauma during their lifetime – and they probably won’t tell you about it.

◆ 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence over their lifetimes, and between 6-10% of women suffer domestic violence in a given year. (Council of Europe, 2002)

And this is only the tip of the iceberg of traumatic incidents that can affect physical and emotional health. Add to the list the ongoing trauma of, for example, living with a parent who is alcoholic or has mental health problems; chronic illness of relatives, bereavement and the trauma of life threatening accidents (203,950 road traffic accidents resulting in personal injury in 2011), and you start to have an idea of why understanding this subject is important to massage therapists.

THE EFFECTS OF TRAUMA AND ITS RELEVANCE TO BODYWORK

Clearly, experience of severe and repeated trauma can have extreme effects on not just our emotional health but our physical health too. Prolonged or extreme stress has been linked with a host of common illnesses and chronic pain conditions including headaches, back pain, RSI, digestive problems, lowered immune response, fibromyalgia, ME, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, asthma, cancer and heart complications. Not to mention the psychological counterparts such as depression, anxiety or more serious mental health problems. Several research studies show that violence against women has serious consequences for physical and mental health, and women who have experienced abuse from her partner may suffer from chronic health problems of various kinds.

There is a complex and often selfperpetuating relationship between pain and emotion - for example depression can lead to episodes of chronic pain and chronic pain can lead to depression (Tunks 2008). A systematic review (Linton 2000) showed that stress, distress and anxiety are significant factors in the development of neck and back pain and another study showed a strong correlation between a diagnosis of anxiety and chronic widespread pain (Benjamin 2000). Recent brain imaging studies have shown that emotions have a powerful effect on modulating pain - when experimental subjects were shown pictures that provoked different emotional states, this caused corresponding changes in relevant structures involved in pain processing in the brain.(Roy 2009)

Many of the conditions that we treat in clinic are clearly inextricably linked with the effects of stress and trauma in the body. So what do we need to know to help us treat effectively?

HOW TRAUMA AFFECTS THE BODY

Both ancient and modern wisdom unite in the assertion that trauma can affect both physical and mental health. The ancient healing practices have recognized the mind and body as indivisible for centuries – trauma affects the balance of our energetic life field that in turn affects our physical and mental wellbeing.

Long before Western psychology and the fields of psycho neuro - immunology caught on, most ancient systems of healing were clear about the role of stress and imbalance as a fundamental factor in pain and disease. Traditional Chinese medicine views imbalance as a primary causal factor in disease, identifying a particular emotion with each organ – joy for the heart, anger for the liver, worry for the spleen, sadness for the lung, and fear for the kidney. Excess or insufficiency in emotions can cause imbalance and therefore ill health and pain.

The Hawaiian concept of health is based on the word “ola” which means “life” and the “attainment of peace” with strong root associations with abundant energy. Sickness is called ma’i with the root meaning of a “state of tension” – a very clear indication of ill health being related to stress. The shamanic approach sees all sickness to be self generated as an effect of stress, The location is simply where the stress is focused. The source of stress is seen as resistance – our desire for things to be different than they are.

More recently, bodyworkers interested in the somatic understanding of trauma are indebted to the work of Peter Levine and his seminal work “Waking the Tiger; Healing trauma”. Levine explores our reaction to those situations we perceive as life threatening and how this compares to instinctual animal behaviour. Our reptilian brain (brain stem) still responds to threat or danger by adrenalizing the body into flight or flight mode. However, as humans, often our rational brain prevents us from taking action as we

MASSAGE, TOUCH & TRAUMA

are unable to decide between these 2 choices. A third, lesser known, reaction – the freeze response – is often adopted by animals where they literally “play dead”, decreasing metabolic activity and collapsing into immobility. This is like having the foot on the accelerator and the brake pedal at the same time –although the animal appears immobile, in actuality there is an inner racing of the nervous system coupled with an outer immobility – the result of this literally creates a “tornado” of energy in the body. Animals in this position will literally “shake off” the energy following the freezing period and then go happily about their business with apparently no ill effects. However for a number of reasons humans have lost the instinctual ability to discharge this residual energy leading to a wide variety of symptoms following trauma; i.e., anxiety, depression, psychosomatic and behavioral problems. In extreme cases this can manifest as post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD which is incredibly debilitating.

Moreover, as the system is now stuck in hyperarousal, any situation which in any way looks or feels like the original trauma will lead to a re- experiencing of symptoms. This is vital to understand as there is a high possibility that bodywork can re-create the effects of the traumatic situation unless we understand the fundamentals of how to create a safe space for our clients. As you are unlikely to always know which of your clients have experienced sexual or physical abuse, it is vital that this is part of good practice for ALL clients.

CREATING A SAFE SPACE FOR ALL CLIENTS – “FIRST DO NO HARM”

The first rule of good bodywork is to create a psychologically safe space for your clients. This is well known in talk therapies but often overlooked in bodywork. A safe space involves factors such as:

◆ Good communication. Adopt an open listening style when taking a case history; be non judgmental, maintain good eye contact and ask

questions that enable your client to give answers in their own words. Ask about current or past stress levels, family history or illnesses while growing up, any significant emotional or physical traumatic events – this can all help to give you an all round picture of the person you are dealing with. Make sure you don’t slip into role of counsellor; open non –judgmental listening is enough.

◆ Letting the client know they are in control: Clients who have been physically or sexually abused have had their boundaries completely violated. Their bodies will be hypersensitive to any perceived re-creation of this. They need to know you are trustworthy and that you will do what you say. Explain exactly what is going to happen in the session; how to position themself; how they will be draped. Ensure a “safe space” emotionally and physically by letting the client know that this is a confidential space and whatever they need to do during the session is OK. Let them know they are in control and if anything doesn’t feel right in any way you will back off and change what you are doing. Remind them that pain does not lead to gain during therapeutic massage and to let you know if you are doing anything that is making them grit their teeth or clench their fists.

- Ex plain what will happen at the end of the session. For example say something like “I will leave the room and let you get dressed in your own time. When you are ready, just wait in the chair and I’ll come back after a few minutes. It is really great for me to get feedback on how you found the session as that will help us in future sessions to design a treatment plan that is most appropriate for you”

◆ Pr ofessional draping: Draping is there for a reason. It lets the client know where you are going to be touching and which areas

are private. NEVER work under a drape unless you have a really good reason and have explained to your client why you are doing this and gained their permission. Keep your draping clear and tight and remain mindful of any potential exposure during the session.

◆ NO means NO – Always respect your client if they ask you to stop or not to work an area! This may seem obvious but I have seen excellent and well - meaning bodyworkers overrule something a client has said because “your body needs it”. This is the quickest route to re-traumatising a client or allegations of misconduct. If you feel an area needs work but your client has asked you not to, you will need to gain trust over several sessions, months or years and work towards this with full permission.

- Du ring the session, if you are going to radically change your mind about what you stated you are going to do, let the client know and why, i.e. you’ve seen a more effective way to do what you wanted to do

- Let them (get them to) speak first when you come back in. You want immediate feedback. As part of the feedback, ask them if anything didn’t feel OK (emotionally or physically) and respect that in the next session

- Ma intain good boundaries: You are a massage therapist. Do not slip into role of counsellor, friend or spiritual guru for any client. Be clear about who you are and what you provide. Be precise about your timing and do not give extra time for sessions unless this has been asked for and paid appropriately. All of this helps your clients to feel safe and that you are trustworthy – you will do what you say and say what you do.

MASSAGE, TOUCH & TRAUMA

DEALING WITH EMOTIONAL RELEASE OR RE-TRAUMATISATION DURING A SESSION

It is extremely important to be able to recognize the signs of retraumatisation during a session as this can be damaging and distressing to the client. There is a distinct difference between someone having a healthy and manageable emotional release on the table and the client who is becoming re-traumatised. Red flags to watch out for which means that you need to intervene are:

◆ Rapid body movements that are becoming uncontrollable

◆ Feeling uneasy in your own body

◆ A feeling that the client “isn’t there”

◆ Cl ient refusing to engage with you verbally – not answering questions or staring blankly

◆ Uncontrollable crying, shaking, laughing

◆ Sudden change in breathing pattern

◆ Cl ient putting hands over eyes or refusing to look at you

In these cases it is vital that you re-orient your client back to reality and the here and now as it is very easy to disappear into a literal “black hole” of trauma where they are unable to think, feel or react to you clearly.

Use the following steps as a guide to deal with the situation:

1. Gr ound yourself- take a deep breath, feel your feet against the ground and breathe out any anxiety or helplessness you are feeling

2. Or ient your client to the here and now by directing her to current sensory experiences. A good start is to ask her to wiggle her toes and wiggle her nose. Then get her to open her eyes and look at something neutral - ask her to describe the colour or count how many ceiling tiles there are or something similar. If she is not doing as you ask you will need to keep asking and be very firm until you get an appropriate response

3. Do not get involved in conversation about recounting the traumatic event – your job is to bring the client back to the here and now.

4. If your client is crying or upset do not get involved in “comforting” or “trying to make it better”. Just listen and say something like “that’s fine – just feel what you feel and be aware of the feeling of your body against the couch at the same time”. In this way the trauma does not become overwhelming.

5. When your client is clearly back in the here and now you can discuss whether it is appropriate to continue the session or not. If you decide to continue the session, make sure your client stays in a position where they are able to feel in control of any cathartic energy release ie: telling them to feel what they feel but noticing the feeling of their body at the same time.

6. At t he end of the session discuss ways forward together – unless you have been appropriately trained in bodywork and trauma you may need to suggest additional support such as talk therapy or another appropriately trained bodyworker.

WAYS FORWARD IN MIND-BODY WORK WITH TRAUMA

Without a doubt, the field of working with both mind and body is being recognized in both talk therapy and bodywork as the way forward for the distressing symptoms of PTSD and other mental health symptoms that do not respond to the sole use of bodywork or talk therapy alone. Therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic experiencing (based on the work of Peter Levine), SER (somato emotional release – used in advanced cranial therapy) and Hakomi to name a few, all use the concept of a combination of touch and talk therapy directed at releasing energy or re-calibrating the nervous system. This is an exciting but highly skilled area and I would urge any readers interested in working with trauma to gain thorough training in any of these disciplines.

About Rachel Fairweather and the Jing Institute of Advanced Massage

Rachel Fairweather is co-founder and director of the Jing Institute of Advanced Massage. Based In Brighton, London and Edinburgh we run a variety of courses in advanced techniques to help you build the career you desire.

Our short CPD courses include excellent hands on learning in a variety of techniques including hot stone fusion, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and stretching. For the first time you are now able to learn these techniques at your own time and pace with our revolutionary online low back pain course aimed at giving qualified bodyworkers the skills they desire.

For the therapist who wants to be the best they can possibly be, we offer a BTEC level 6 (degree level) in advanced clinical and sports massage – the highest level of massage training in the UK.

Want to find out more? Please contact The JING Institute!

Tel: 01273 628942 Email: info@jingmassage.com Website: www.jingmassage.com

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

Colouring and Workbook for Therapists and Healthcare Professionals

Ruth Hull

This newly updated and expanded colouring and workbook complements Ruth Hull’s companion text, Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Therapists and Healthcare Professionals but can also be used in conjunction with any other anatomy and physiology textbook.

This comprehensive book covers all the body systems and is the perfect study and revision aid for anyone studying a wide range of complementary therapies from aromatherapy, reflexology and massage to hair and beauty up to level 3. It can be used either in class or as a separate self-study resource, and contains:

• over 75 brand new illustrations for the student to colour;

• pr inted on uncoated paper, the ideal material whether using pen, pencil or crayon

• a section in which students are encouraged to learn for themselves and revise their work. They are guided through creating mind-maps, spider diagrams, cue cards, mnemonics, and summaries that will help them understand and memorise their work;

• a series of exercises that test the students knowledge in different ways colouring in and labelling diagrams, matching columns, filling in gaps, problem-solving exercises, cross words, word searches, true/false exercises, and un-jumbling words;

• vocabulary tests;

• mu ltiple choice questions;

mock exam papers 14 exam papers containing multiple choice questions which cover the entire anatomy and physiology syllabus.

£22.99

Available here - www.massagebooks.co.uk

Available In 3 Different Widths To Suit Therapists & Clients Of All Sizes!

“Fit your treatment table, like you would your shoes”

Treatment tables have long been a standard size. But with the advancements in bodywork research and ergonomics, we’ve come to learn that one size does not fit all.

Massage Warehouse has spent the last few years investing in new designs that can be made in different widths to cater for all heights of therapists combined with different sizes of clients. They have a range of models across their range, that now come in different sizes catering for all budgets.

Firstly, if you are a professional therapist, try to choose a professional table that will last you a very long time. Many therapists starting out nowadays choose budget tables on amazon which they have to replace soon once they run into problems. Once you’ve chosen a professional model, you can then choose your size of table. Shorter therapists may choose a narrowed width or if you have very large clients or want to offer the most comfort you can choose a wider table.

If you have any questions about what table may fit you best, get in touch with the qualified therapist on customer support at CustomerSupport@MassageWarehouse.co.uk or call 01443 806590.

Core Flag

The structural fabric of the torso has a warp and weft that displays the effects of the forces of gravity, ground reaction force, mass, and momentum. As D’Arcy Thompson states, the form of an object is a “diagram of forces” (Thompson, 1917). This is like how the rings on a pot show the centrifugal forces: a pattern of forces that tells of the change from a lump of clay to a functional art form (figure 1).

Our lines of force are organized much like the flag of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, nicknamed the Union Jack (figure 2a). I first heard the idea of a flag of muscles when in conversation with author, lecturer, and bodyworker, James Earls, an idea that can be discovered in his book Fascial Release for Structural Balance (Earls & Myers, 2017).

The Union Jack flag was designed by another James: James I in 1606. The flag combines three older flags to show the collective union of nations: The English cross of St. George, the Scottish white saltire of St. Andrew, and the Irish red saltire of St. Patrick. This combined approach to flag design mirrors the core concepts of multiple aspects conjoined to create a whole. I shall use this flag as a guide, a map to further explore the core’s fluttering fabric of forces.

The flag’s horizontal and vertical stripe of the cross of St. George shall, for the purposes of this text, represent the vertical rectus abdominis and horizontal TrA. The oblique cross of the red or white saltire represents the obliques.

The most satisfying part is that this anatomical pattern of muscles is repeated on the back of the body. The obliques “X” is replaced by the “X” of the upper and lower fibers of quadratus lumborum, the vertical rectus abdominis is replaced by the vertical erector spinae, and the TrA continues its loop to connect front to back. While the basic orientation or pattern of the anterior and posterior muscles is pleasingly similar, there are key differences in function and specific location.

The function of muscles is formed by evolutionary necessity. The anatomical map shows a crisscrossing pattern that exists to deal with the diverse forces to which our body is subjected. While not a complete muscular picture, the pattern of the Union Jack is useful in understanding the need to

exercise in multiple directions. Exercises that only focus on linear movement, for example, would increase the dominance to one part of the pattern. Such singular plane action would likely cause discord and imbalance, creating a dominance toward the more vertically orientated muscles represented by the vertical part of the cross of St. George. For some, the English are already too dominant a nation, just ask anyone who desires Scottish independence!

A more comprehensive understanding of the role of these muscles allows a more complete picture that can be applied to training as we develop a more balanced, strong, mobile, and adaptable multidirectional, multidimensional system (figure 3).

Separate books could be—and in some cases have been—written about each individual muscle associated with our core. Here, we shall briefly discuss some of these key muscles. I refer the reader to any number of comprehensive anatomy texts for a more complete and detailed explanation. The aim here is to find a practical use for some of the key principles described in anatomy texts.

The problem with discussing each muscle in isolation is that it increases our sense of its importance. Most of the muscles we discuss here are thin and subtle; a point driven home to me whenever I teach palpation to

Muscles

BY OWEN LEWIS

Figure 1. The spiraling rings of this magnificent pot tells of the forces of its creation.

< Image by fxquadro on Freepik

bodyworkerinsights

manual therapists. It is not unusual for manual therapists to have an overblown sense of the importance of a particular muscle. This perception can be conveyed into their hands—the result being a tendency to push too hard and miss the subtle differences of fabric texture and direction. This contrasts with the practitioners who are able to listen with their hands and feel the delicate layers organized like the fine layers of a croissant. Each layer is exquisitely thin, the thinnest superficial structure of the external oblique (2.81–3.17 mm) and only slightly thicker than the internal oblique (4.02–5.15 mm) beneath which lies the papery and deepest TrA (2.31–2.57 mm) (values from Rahmani et al., 2018). This is a significantly different experience that requires a subtlety that contrasts palpating the meaty Cornish pasty of the quadriceps.

It is clear that all muscles influence one’s stability, mobility, and strength. Ideally, we should discuss all the muscles all of the time, but this would be confusing and unpractical. Fragmented learning, however, should not be confused with training. Exercises should focus upon movements and not on individual muscles. A fact emphasized by leading researcher Stuart McGill who explains that “it would be counterproductive to focus activation on just one muscle . . . training a single muscle appears to lead to dysfunction or at least compromised function” (Vleeming et al., 2007). McGill goes further, explaining the need to train movements, suggesting a “super binding” effect when all abdominal muscles are activated simultaneously, such that the measured torso stiffness is larger than the sum of their individual stiffness (Vleeming et al., 2007).

So it is with trepidation that I shall describe specific muscles as a

recognizable mechanism for considering the complexity of the whole. Thankfully, this theoretical and fragmented approach to learning anatomy will not be reflected by the style of training advocated.

The Muscles Rectus Abdominis

For many, the muscle most associated with the core is the rectus abdominis. Simply known as the “abs,” it is the six-pack of Hollywood dreams and “perfect” beach bodies (figure 4). While the extreme of “chiseled abs” is not for everyone, improving the functionality of the rectus abdominis is a more useful goal for everybody. It is hoped that by taking a little time to appreciate this muscle, we will allow better training outcomes and improve the scope for more specific, variable, and interesting exercises.

While we may think of the rectus abdominis as one muscle, it is actually two (figure 3). The right and left rectus abdominis is divided and so also connected by a band of connective tissue, the linea alba. An elastic tissue, the linea alba can expand during pregnancy and— in most cases—return to its original size postpartum. Together, the two rectus abdominis muscles act as powerful flexors of the torso in the sagittal plane. Most commonly the rectus abdominis is exercised by flexing the spine in a conventional sit-up. Reversed, and the rectus abdominis complies with the request to “tuck that bottom under young lady” by old-fashioned dance teachers.

Figure 2. (a) The Union Jack flag; (b) the four bilateral muscles of the abdomen resemble a Union Jack, with the obliques forming an “X,” and the rectus abdominis and TrA forming a cross.

Figure 3. Cross section of the torso.

bodyworkerinsights

which the rectus abdominis does. The next logical conclusion is that to train such a muscle, one should flex the spine against a force. The result of this logical method is the sit-up, an exercise that mirrors the actions of the supine cadaver.

Sit-ups help educate the rectus abdominis that its job is to flex the spine. But is this always the case? A simple experiment may help you to question this conventional logic.

For most people, exercises that ask the rectus abdominis to resist or decelerate extension have more functional everyday importance than training flexion of the spine. If you run, walk, throw, or reach up to get the cookie jar, then it is logical to include extension exercises into your training (for example figures 5 and 6). If you only train flexion, you may well be reducing the functional capacity of the rectus abdominis.

Historically the singular and restrictive tendency has been to train the rectus abdominis only in the sagittal plane. The realization that the rectus abdominis is involved in side bending starts to alter our training. Simplistically, a contraction of the right rectus abdominis would cause a lateral side bend to the right and the opposite to the left. While I believe there is no such thing as a bad exercise, some exercises are poor choices for some individuals, tasks, or goals. Sit-ups often tell a story of poor functional understanding of movement that is based on cadaver dissection rather than real-world movement. Our current trend of movement training is still largely based on the actions of muscles as described in traditional anatomy textbooks. These actions are a result of the relatively crude method of pulling on a muscle and seeing its response at a joint or joints.

Previously we saw Dr Tulp (see figure 1.2) pulling the flexor carpi radialis to discover its actions. Pulling, or shortening muscles, such as the rectus abdominis, of a cadaver is the conventional method of movement discovery. Using this method, it is logical that a muscle that goes from the front of the ribs (ribs 5–7 and xiphoid process) to the front of the pelvis (symphysis pubis, crest, and tubercle) must flex the spine,

Stand or sit and flex forward, bending your back. Now gently push into your belly—you’ll find that your rectus abdominis is soft and relaxed not rigid, tense, or at work. Now try to extend your spine into a backbend, the opposite of the muscle action. Feel that your rectus abdominis has become harder now as the rectus abdominis fires and contracts.

This simple experiment clearly shows us that while the action of the rectus abdominis is flexion, its functional role is the opposite. The function of the rectus abdominis is to decelerate extension, so our training needs to better reflect the more normal functions of muscles. The rectus abdominis needs to be trained to lengthen under tension to become better able to control common actions that require controlled extension.

A lack of extension in the torso will likely result is more work elsewhere. Reach up for the cookie jar on the top shelf and the shoulders, for example, would be required to go into more flexion to compensate for a lack of spinal extension. This increase in workload often results in provoking overuse injuries to the shoulder, especially if you like cookies.

5

6

OWEN LEWIS is a highly experienced and educated clinician. An accomplished teacher of many years he has recently teamed up with James Earls to create Born to Move. Born to Move is a comprehensive set of courses that are not confined to any one doctrine but blends and utilises James and Owen’s varied and extensive understanding of the body in movement. Being taught by Owen is to experience simplicity within the complex. Seeds of knowledge watered by a wealth of clinical relevance.

Clinically Owen has gained a distinguished reputation. Grounded in his extensive anatomical and biomechancial understanding he works alongside his clients. Taking a principle based framework that allows the discovery of individually tailored, effective solutions to problems and empower change. His diverse interests in art, anatomy, philosophy and movement to ensure his workshops are a pleasurable part

your training. borntomove.com

of

Figure 4. In Hollywood even the monsters have six-packs. Although really it’s eight compartments divided by three bands of connective tissue. The lower compartments are deep to other muscles (obliques and TrA) and so difficult to observe.

Figure 5. An elastic band works arm extension and consequent pre-tensioning and work to maintain torso position.

Figure 6. Throwing and catching a ball. Torso tensions, decelerates, and recoils with each throw and catch of the ball.

MASSAGE MENTOR ◆

Integrated cancer care

Susan’s first love is dance, anything to do with of movement. She as a nurse in Canada soon left the profession when she the UK as she wanted a deeper connection with her clients. For many she worked in both health and teaching 20+ classes a week running GP referral schemes. She make better use of all her knowledge which led her to retrain as Massage and Remedial Soft Therapist. Currently she is the NLSSM and specialises in Oncology Massage. She is the Sports Massage: Hands on Therapists and is the Sports feature writer for Massage volunteers her time as a member of GCMT.

BY SUSAN FINDLAY

isMassagechanging!

A friend and colleague of mine died in 2008 from a form of breast cancer associated with pregnancy (PABC), at the age of 33 she discovered a palpable mass in her L breast and went to her GP for further investigations. She was a young, vibrant, single woman who worked as a massage therapist and teacher, she was living an active life that included regular yoga, hiking and salsa classes. She was slim and enjoyed a healthy diet but was not immune to having a gin and tonic in the evening.

Sher on Massage Mondays weekly massage videos www.susanfindlay.co.uk

he underwent a number of tests, including a thorough breast examination and since she was in her first trimester it was easier for the clinician to palpate and find the lump. It gets more difficult when the pregnancy is further along in the 2nd or 3rd trimesters due to the changes in the breasts such as engorgement.

When she received a positive diagnosis

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at this time. PABC is found in about 7% of cases, it is an aggressive form of cancer that requires an equally aggressive approach to treatment and because it is an oestrogen based cancer, which is a hormone boosted by the pregnancy, she was offered a termination which she accepted. It was a hard decision, one she did not take lightly but felt it was necessary to increase her chances of survival.

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At the time of her diagnosis the idea of offering an integrative treatment program was not common. The same was true about oncology massage, it was not common for it to be offered as it was still considered a contraindication,

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which to be fair was probably correct at the time but not necessarily for the right reasons. Historically our education system taught therapists that cancer could be spread or that we could contract it through touch (in some cases this is still being taught today). The good news is, based on current research, we are now able to offer touch therapies as we have a better understanding about what we can offer and what we cannot. However, one contraindication remains true, if a therapist has not undergone the necessary training to address the complex presentation then they are working unsafely and outside of their remit.

Using an integrative model of care has been shown to have better outcomes, both during and after cancer treatment. The British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO) a “leading professional organisation for integrative oncology in the UK” makes it their goal “to promote the integration of conventional, nutritional, lifestyle and complementary medicine to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.” Their considerations are evidenced based research to support the inclusion of modalities that can work alongside conventional therapies. My friend chose a mix of conventional treatments and complementary therapies. She was an independent person who did her research and made informed decisions, however they didn’t always fit into the medical program which might have ultimately been to her detriment. I respected her choices, who is to say what would have been a better choice and it is hard to say how each of us would react when faced with life and death decisions, some choices were successful, and others were not, but as an oncology massage therapist it is important to listen rather than offer an opinion. The one therapy that my friend chose was to receive regular reflexology and massage, not a whole body routine but one that addressed the specifics of her situation and considered where she was in her cancer treatment and care. As a part of the health journey, touch has been recognized as having an important part to play in a patients ability to cope with the disease and the cancer treatment.

I often speak about the importance of touch and the wide range of benefits that are of benefit to the client, much more research is being done in this area demonstrating the reduction of pain, better sleep, improved mental wellbeing all of which

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today’s challenges

INTEGRATED CANCER CARE

Covid-19 Protocols

that innately recognizes movement from the time we spent in the womb such as rocking, holding, or vibration.

date about all the current policies, procedures. I cannot say this for every PA, but I do know that those sitting as board members of the GCMT (The General Council of Massage Therapies) played a significant role in getting information out to all their members.

person, receives a massage that addresses

order to protect against damage. The effectiveness of our touch is far reaching, if we use our skills in communication, a slow and mindful touch your client will be able to achieve a depth of relaxation that could equate a long and restful sleep.

I was heartened to see that so many therapists joined in on the conversation, how the profession started talking as a unified body, and how we got behind our professional associations, with GCMT emerged as a body with influence. It is now up to us to support our PA’s in their efforts to petition the government to recognise the value of higher education within the profession.

Aside from touch here are a few of the common modifications and considerations that we may need to include:

So, what can you do? The good news is, the more education and experience you have the easier it will be for you to re-establish yourself. For those therapists that are new to the profession, it is important that you have a niche, a specialism that places you in a position of greater value. Your expert skills will establish you firmly and increase the need for your services.

◆ adapting their position to support any areas that have had surgical intervention, or accommodating the effects of the disease such as breathing difficulties

I want to leave you with thoughts of encouragement; we all know how important massage is and the thought of a future without it is daunting, both for our clients and ourselves as professionals. I cannot see massage stopping; whilst we may have to improvise and adapt, we will certainly survive.

References

One of the easiest ways to achieve a relaxed state is to combine breath work alongside techniques that evoke a release of tension. I often use rocking, shaking or traction to encourage a client to relax, combined with breath work it is very effective in achieving a state of ease. Our speed at which we work is also important, we need to work much slower and for most therapists that I teach this is the eureka moment, a whole new world opens under your hands, you can sense what is happening, and your hands become your sight. If you work too quickly you will miss the opportunity to connect, it is a bit like walking quickly through a room of people and not taking the time to observe who is in that room. What we have been taught is to do something to someone rather than respond to what you feel. For example, routines are often a part of our training, what you do on one side you repeat on the other, minimizing our ability to feel and respond, we end up performing rather than responding.

◆ technique choices might be based on their immediate needs i.e. pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety

◆ location, where we can work, based on equipment, treatment, and disease

◆ timing, treatments can range from 15 minutes to 45, it depends on a client current state of health

“Coronavirus And The Impact On Output In The UK Economy - Office For National Statistics”. Ons.Gov.Uk, 2020, https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/ grossdomesticproductgdp/articles

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the delivery of the massage will be bespoke to them, based on all the points made previously. My friend and colleague taught me a great deal, the most important lesson I took away from my experience was to listen more, be present and to just ‘be’.

SUSAN FINDLAY

Susan Findlay specialises in Oncology Massage, she is the Director of NLSSM and is a board member of GCMT as well is a Trustee for Circle of Comfort Cancer Care.

Susan’s first love is dance, sport, anything to do with the joy of movement. She trained as a nurse in Canada but soon left the profession when she came to the UK as she wanted a deeper connection with her clients. For many years she worked in both health and fitness, teaching 20+ classes a week and running GP referral schemes. She wanted to make better use of all her knowledge which led her to retrain as a Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapist. Currently she is the director of NLSSM and specialises in teaching Oncology Massage. She is the author of Sports Massage: Hands on Guide for Therapists and is the Sports Massage feature writer for Massage World. She volunteers her time as a board member of GCMT.

You can join her on Massage Mondays for free weekly massage videos www.susanfindlay.co.uk

She is passionate about providing the highest quality of massage training in both soft tissue therapy and Oncology Massage, with workshops around the UK and Ireland including online! Susan runs her own clinic from her home in Wales and the school in North London, and is also the author of Sports Massage, A Hands-on Guide for Therapists.

In Oncology massage one of the important differences should focus on your ability to be present and respond to what you feel, this will disperse the notion that oncology massage is a

“Set Up A Business”. GOV.UK, 2020, https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business. Hellicar, Lauren. “Coronavirus: What Support Is Available For Small Businesses And The Self-Employed?”. Simplybusiness.Co.Uk, 2020, https://www.simplybusiness. co.uk/knowledge/articles/2020/06/coronavirus-support-for-small-business/.

Overall, integrative oncology massage recognizes each individual’s experience with cancer is unique and complex. By tailoring massage therapy to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the client, therapists can provide valuable support and enhance the overall quality of life for those living with cancer.

You can find out more about Susan at www.susanfindlay.co.uk, or on Instagram @susanfindlaymassage, and you can contact her directly at info@susanfindlay.co.uk.

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Massage Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated Calling Holistic Massage therapists to go back to their roots!

BY SARAH TOPLIS AND JULIE BARNARD

Have you always wanted to be a holistic massage therapist but are confused by all the different courses available? Are you a qualified massage therapist wanting to improve your knowledge but blinded by all the courses teaching differing techniques? Are you lacking in confidence because you feel that the skills and qualifications you have are not enough? Do you feel overwhelmed by the choices of CPD courses and opinions on which direction you ‘should’ be heading next?

When you feel constantly bombarded by the latest trends and offerings out there, we are here to tell you that you are not alone. Pop the kettle on, curl up in your favourite spot and read on….

Our mission, as educators in the massage sector, is to grow confident holistic massage therapists who listen, care and fully understand their clients’ needs: therapists who have rock-solid foundations of skills, knowledge and techniques, in addition to adopting a holistic approach to their self-care, all of which enables longevity of their career as a practitioner.

With almost 35 years of combined experience working within the sector, we have learned, observed, researched, applied, and experienced a wide range of massage styles, techniques, and approaches. Over those years we have both felt confused,

inadequate and lonely, confident and qualified, and humbled and inspired. What many massage therapists don’t admit is that we have often asked ‘Am I enough?’ ‘Do I know enough?’ This pushes us to learn more, read more, explore more; signing up for more courses in our attempt to find the holy grail of methods we believe will give us ultimate enlightenment and knowledge. We know, we’ve been there!

We should always be informed on the latest research, and all massage therapists should attend CPD courses or lectures every year because not only is there always something to learn, but we also commit to CPD through membership in our professional bodies. Just pause for a moment though and recall when you undertook your level 3 massage qualification; the incredible skills and techniques you learnt, your belief in the therapeutic power of touch and your ability to listen with your hands. That training has taken you on a journey of learning and discovery in your capability to help your clients.

Never underestimate the ability you have and know that you do not have to keep up with the latest ‘buzz’ at the expense of the knowledge and skills that we already have. You should never do

this because you believe that you are not enough: YOU ARE ENOUGH! Whatever style of massage you have learned, whichever approach you use, we can guarantee that your clients feel that you are enough. Let your further education be led by your curiosity, your clients’ needs and your desire to deepen your knowledge.

We passionately believe that we should NEVER lose touch with our basic training, the art of holistic massage with its techniques and benefits that have been proven to help people time and time again. Massage doesn’t have to be complicated! It’s been around for thousands of years, travelling from the far East to Western civilisation, each culture bringing its unique approach, but fundamentally the underlying factor is to support people to feel better both mentally and physically, to have better mobility, and to be as free from pain as possible, through the application of simple, proven techniques.

So, we say, if you are feeling like you are not good enough with the skills you have, keep things simple by deepening your existing knowledge. Enhance what you already know, take that knowledge to a level of deeper understanding, and use your confidence of touch (which is an incredibly special talent) to help your clients experience pain relief. We believe

therapists should have a foundation of practical skills to work confidently with an extensive range of clients and conditions.

Listen; observe; and hold a caring space for your clients; therapeutic techniques with a gentle touch and healing intention. Ask questions, glean information, build a holistic picture of your client both physically and emotionally, and then piece it all together in a beautifully safe space with a bespoke treatment. We encourage you to create an empathetic connection with your client so that they feel heard and understood, and a massage treatment which addresses the areas of tension and pain through caring and listening-focused techniques to target the root cause of their symptoms. Trust in your instincts and be guided by the feedback from your client’s muscles.

Remember...you know more than you think, keep it simple, and enhance your skills through uncomplicated, jargon-free learning. Go back to your roots, because what you know already is so immensely powerful and healing for your clients.

So, who are we? What do we know? Why should you be interested in anything we say!? We, Sarah and Julie, trained over a two-year period with the Oxford School of Massage (OSM), which was established over 40 years ago by its founder Judith Earnshaw, qualifying in 2008 and 2006 respectively (ironically just missing meeting each other by 1 year!). After they graduated, Sarah went on to teach at OSM and then take over the school at the end of 2018 as Principal, as well as running her own practice with a focus on stress management and how massage can support mental health. Sarah has enhanced her skills and qualifications over the years in both areas and has been privileged to utilise her knowledge within the corporate sector and the NHS. She was also interviewed on BBC Radio Oxford during the Covid Pandemic on the importance of touch for health and wellbeing.

Julie went on to attend a variety of courses at different schools, very much led by the needs of her clients, which expanded

sportsmassage

MASSAGE

her knowledge and deepened her understanding of the root cause of pain. She wrote her dissertation on the benefits of specific massage techniques for fibrosis in patients who had undergone surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer. This made her realise just how powerful simple therapeutic touch can be for people with emotional and physical trauma. She has run a busy clinic for 18 years treating clients with a diversity of conditions who were aged from 6 to 92. Over this time, she has pooled together all she has learned to create her own style of massage to get her clients out of pain.

In 2022 they met up and realised a shared vision of how OSM holistic massage training should evolve: how holistic massage therapists develop in the next stage of their training without losing their signature expertise. So there and then they united in their vision to create a unique offering to the holistic massage sector, for those who wish to develop an integrated approach that may be lacking in their existing practice, and they have not looked back since!

Both Sarah and Julie are proud to hold qualifications as Certified Teachers within the Adult Learning Sector and over the years have continued their own learning journeys not only in massage but in other areas like education, mental health wellbeing, sport welfare, and HR. These life skills help to enhance the learning experience for all the students attending their foundation course or CPD courses by sharing a vast pool of knowledge with their learning community. They are both enthusiastic about the quality of holistic massage

being enhanced by therapeutic, clinical skills.

They believe in a style of teaching and a learning environment where each individual learner feels understood and heard so that they can learn in their preferred way and at their own pace; that courses should not be rushed by being fast-tracked or squeezed into a few hands-on days. Students deserve and should receive the focus, attention, and quality of teaching they deserve, within small cohorts that nurture and grow them into accomplished massage therapists with ongoing support from the OSM learning community. Equally, qualified therapists looking to build on their skills through CPD courses should be offered the same considerations - they should be supported in their existing skills and how to enhance them. Continued support is so important to keep them informed about the latest developments in the world of massage without getting hung up on them; and how they can apply and

implement them in their own practice without feeling as if they must forget everything they already know.

So, next time you are looking at new techniques and courses, and questions cross your mind about which way to turn - should you change focus, do you need that new “buzz” for your practice? - just remember to pause…Enhance the wonderful skills you have already, hold onto those strong foundations and let them continue to support you. Don’t doubt that you are a wonderful holistic therapist, simply deepen your existing knowledge, and don’t reinvent it.

Sarah and Julie ask you to stand up with them, loud and proud, flying the flag for all holistic massage therapists to own their skills, value their abilities, know their worth and advocate “I am enough.” Go back to your roots, grounded in your strength of skills and knowledge, and remember: Massage doesn’t need to be complicated!

If you would like to learn more about our Foundation in Holistic Therapeutic Massage Course or our CPD courses in Holistic Therapeutic and Clinical Massage, please contact us at: enquiries@oxfordschoolofmassage.com

SARAH TOPLIS

Sarah Toplis is the Principal at the Oxford School of Massage.

JULIE BARNARD

Julie has studied a variety of courses in holistic massage, advanced massage, manipulative therapy, Scar Work, Reiki and spent 3 years obtaining a distinction in a degree level qualification in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage Therapy. She now works at the Oxford School of Massage designing and delivering advanced CPD courses.

Harmony Hands

The official guide to the World Championships in Massage, Copenhagen, Denmark

Produced by:

The program

Friday 28 June:

10.00 Walk/sightseeing in Copenhagen at 10am – 2pm for participants and other guests (voluntary).

Meeting at Copenhagen City hall

Contact person Danny Jensen. Whatsapp/Phone + 45 20960859

13.00 Preliminary online rounds. (Example from last year)

15.00 IM A Educational Conference

15.00 The Massage Educational level in USA vs the World by Nathan Nordstrom

16.00 The Massage Therapist of tomorrow by IM A Founder Jeppe Tengbjerg

17.00 Massage Robots in the future by Liane Dufresne & Julian Jorgensen

The International Massage Association aim to develop and promote the various massage techniques which are practiced by experienced Massage Therapists worldwide.

The World Championship in Massage is primarily a competition, but at the same time an opportunity for Massage Therapists to find professional inspiration and networking.

Saturday 29 June:

(Address: Sigurdsgade 26, DK 2200 Copenhagen N) (Example of Program Day 1) (Rooms)

08.30 Check-in (First round participants prepare their massage table / mattress / chair)

09.00 Welcome, group photo and presentation. Preparation for the 1st preliminary round

10.00 1st preliminary round (participants have to bring their own sheets and towels)

11.05 Pause/Preparation for the 2nd preliminary round

11.15 2nd preliminary round (participants have to bring their own sheets and towels)

12.20 Pause/Preparation for the 3rd preliminary round

12.35 3rd preliminary round (participants have to bring their own sheets and towels)

13.40 Lunch (included for participants and judges)

15.00 Massage demonstration from former winners and IMA Teachers Jidapha Wilkinson, Luisa Vargas, Rita Murauskiene, Ivan Mitrovic

16.00 Free Massage workshops with the above mention teachers.

18.00 Rounding of the day

19.45 Judge dinner (only for judges).

Sunday 30 June:

(Example of Program Day 2) (Rooms)

08.30 Check-in (4th round participants prepare their massage table/mattress/chair).

09.00 Welcome/last preparation for the 4th preliminary round (Speech Bojan Miric)

09.30 4th preliminary round (participants have to bring their own sheets and towels)

10.35 Pause/Preparation for the 5th preliminary round

10.50 5th preliminary round (participants have to bring their own sheets and towels)

11.55 Pause/Preparation for the 6th preliminary round

12.10 6th preliminary round (participants have to bring their own sheets and towels)

13.15 Judges evaluation/Cleaning of premises together

13.30 Lunch (included for participants and judges)

15.00 Massage demonstration from former winners and IMA Teachers.

15.30 Awards ceremony part 1 (Nation ranking, Hall of Fame, Videos)

16.00 Preparation for the individual final – Soft drinks / Lemonade and cake

17.00 The Grand Finale on Main Stage

18.00 Judges evaluation and awards ceremony part 2

21.00 Party on your own expenses at Proud Mary Pub Copenhagen

NOTE! Lectures, the preliminary rounds and the final, as well as prize giving will be recorded on TV.

By participating in the World Championship, the Massage Therapists will get the opportunity to strengthen and improve their skills. A Diploma will be issued for each participant, enabling the Massage Therapists to brand their business in a new way. Scan

Naestved, Denmark

Participation fee: € 240,-

+

Note: Fee non-refundable.

New Judges for Copenhagen 2024

The IMA has selected a handful of new Judges for the 7th World Championship.

Isabelle Trombert from France

She is Spa & Wellness Expert – MASSAGE DESIGNER – Consultant – Quality Auditor – YouTube Creator – Author – Journalist. She has twice judged the New MA’s European Massage Championship in France and in Romania. She will be one of the new judges of the new category at the World Championship in Denmark: Body Shape Massage. www.facebook.com/lespritaspa

Liane Dufresne from Canada

Liane Dufresne has been a Certified and Registered Massage Therapist for more than 35 years and is the head of a multidisciplinary clinic bearing her name in Montreal, Quebec, Canada for the past 25 years. in 2024 she will be one of the Judges at the International Massage Association 7th World Championship in Massage.

She comes from a family of strong men and women, she has won the World Arm Wrestling Champion title 11 times from 1985 until her retirement from competition in 1998. In her massage practice, Liane is a firm believer that the key to success in this discipline is not to only rely on strength, but to rely as much on technique and training.

Through her journey as an athlete, she has been able to personally discover and experiment all the benefits massage therapy can bring to the body both in sports performance and in everyday life. The human body and its reactions fascinate her and allow her to excel in her profession and, above all, to carefully balance her interventions.

In 2022, she organized and served as a judge in the first edition of the LNE SPA CANADA Canadian Massage Championship. The first edition achieved an unexpected success which served as a springboard, and she repeated the experience and ensured the full organization of the 2023 event. The 2023 edition also achieved unprecedented success. In 2024, Liane will lead the Canadian and International Massage therapy Championship and Summit.

A teacher, lifelong student, and speaker, she does not hesitate to share her knowledge. She travels the continents to meet international players and pillars of the field to find the inspiration necessary to perfect her art and actively participate in the advancement of massage therapy.

Her wish: to serve as an inspiration to all those who want to embark on what she considers to be the most beautiful profession in the world, a profession of generosity, kindness, compassion and integrity. Here Liane is with IMA Founder at the Canadian Massage Championship in Montreal 2023.

Vanessa Passarella from United Kingdom

Vanessa is a very experienced Massage Therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the health and wellness and fitness industry. Skilled in Multilingual, Pregnancy Massage, Chair Massage, Aromatherapy, and Reflexology, Hot stone massage, Hot bamboo massage, Thai level1, Seiki shiatsu, and a healthcare services professional graduate from the London School of Complementary Health .

Vanessa has over 10 years’ experience working in the very demanding corporate chair massage industry in the City of London, she also competed in the Chair massage category of the National Massage Championships in London 2018 and won a very deserved 2nd place.

Vanessa says:

I’m a licensed massage therapist deeply passionate about the art of touch since my early years, I loved massage every since I have my first memories. My journey is marked by a commitment to continuous learning and a belief in the transformative power of massage. Here’s a concise breakdown of my certifications and achievements.

www.facebook.com/vanessa. passarella.5

Winner profiles

Anna Tsankova

How did you arrive in the massage and bodywork industry?

I had to change my career and decided to move to London to study and pursue my hobby of wellness, skincare and make up.

Where did you first train in massage therapy?

The college was called London Esthetique, now it’s the London college of beauty and make up. It gave me a great foundation which I continued to build on.

Who was your first and favourite massage tutor?

After college I continued to develop my skills mainly through self-research and later I attended numerous trainings CPD workshops rather than having one teacher.

Where are your massage clinics/clients based?

I have my practice in Harrods Village, Barnes, in the London Borough of Richmond and I also travel internationally to teach and see clients.

What specialist area of massage and bodywork do you prefer to work with?

I specialise in advanced facial massage for a personalised face lift and sculpting incorporating work on all layers of the face by manipulating skin, muscles, fascia and lymphatic drainage. I have incorporated my CPD training and created my own techniques and methods.

Are you trained in the Western medical system or the Eastern Medical system or both?

I extensively research both and incorporate the wisdom and traditions of western and eastern methods.

Which person or training organisation inspires you in massage and bodywork?

My husband Slav Marinov.

What is your favourite way to market your practise and yourself?

The best way has aways been worth of mouth. That’s how I managed to build a loyal clientele. I have clients who have been following me for over 20 years.

In recent years the role of social media as a marketing tool has become increasingly important. Therefore, I work on my Instagram and LinkedIn accounts and soon I will be launching TikTok.

What technology is your preferred choice for marketing?

My preferred choice for marketing involves a mix of social media, email marketing, trade events and keynote speaker opportunities as well as SEO strategies, complemented by analytics tools to track and optimise the performance.

Have you written any articles or books? If so which and when?

I contribute to professional magazines and I’m planning to publish a book in future.

What motivates you to compete in massage competitions?

There are many benefits to participating in massage competitions. A desire to showcase expertise and the unique techniques I have mastered, to measure your skills against those of your peers, and to learn from the experiences and methods of other professionals in the field.

Massage competitions get you out of your comfort zone and also, serve as a platform for personal and professional growth and the research during the preparation process contributes to your skills development.

The achievements gain you worldwide recognition and could advance your career.

Additionally, such competitions are a great networking opportunity and can be a way to connect with a community of like-minded individuals, fostering new relationships and friendships around the globe.

What can you see in your future in the massage industry?

We can see a positive and transformative growth in the wellness and SPA industries post Covid.

With clients and experts focusing on holistic health and well-being the trend for incorporating wellness in many aspects of life is steadily growing. I have a 360’ approach to ageing well and incorporate a truly holistic philosophy when I design facial protocols.

In addition, we might see an increased integration of technology, such as virtual reality for relaxation and advanced massage tables, alongside a broader acceptance of massage therapy such as aromatherapy, myofascial release, and reflexology within healthcare settings, cancer patients management and mental health.

Another focus in our industry is sustainability and ethical practices, reflecting a shift towards a more conscious SPA business operation. Finally, the rise of digital platforms providing meditation, EFT, yoga and fitness classes may extend wellness services beyond traditional settings, catering to a growing demand for remote wellness solutions in our everyday lives.

What advice would you give to a newly qualified massage therapist or to someone thinking of studying massage therapy? For someone newly qualified or considering studying cosmetology or massage therapy I can advise the following:

1. Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to practice as much as possible. Offer massages to friends, family, or through volunteer work to refine your skills and build confidence.

2. Continue Learning: my motto is never stop learning! Our industry is always evolving and there is so much we can learn from new and old traditions and methods. Pursue continuing education courses, workshops, and certifications in specialised areas to enhance your skill set and stay current with industry trends.

3. Build a Network: Connect with suppliers and other cosmetologists or massage therapists and wellness communities

At tend work events and trade shows. Networking can lead to referrals, collaborative opportunities, and valuable mentorships.

4. Be Professional: develop excellent customer care and ensure your business practices reflect professionalism and ethical standards.

5. Invest in Self-care: Massage therapy can be physically demanding. Regularly practice self-care to prevent burnout.

Anna Tsankova is an internationally renowned Aesthetic Skin Expert with extensive knowledge in cosmeceutical science and skin health treatments who believes in the 360’ approach to aging well philosophy.

Anna’s work has been recognised by many industry awards and has been featured in esteemed publications such as Vogue, Tatler, Harpers Bazaar, and Professional Beauty Magazines.

Her most recent achievement includes being titled World Champion of Face Massage at the World Massage Championship in Copenhagen 2023.

Anna is a keynote speaker at international beauty and aesthetic conferences such as Professional Beauty London and Cosmoprof Bologna and has lectured beauty and aesthetic practitioners on the latest concepts and methods in cosmetic science. Anna is collaborating with and contributing to industry-leading skincare and cosmeceutical companies such as L’Oreal Group, Chanel, Guerlain, LVMH, Aqua Di Parma, John Lewis and SwissLine which have further solidified her standing in the field.

Follow Anna at: WWW. ANNA.LONDON

www.linkedin.com/in/annatsankova-5036b5170/

Jacques H Poullard

Embracing Growth: My Journey in Competitive Massage Therapy

Participating in competitive massage therapy has been a remarkable journey, brimming with creativity, excitement, and profound personal and professional development. It’s an expedition that has not only pushed me beyond my comfort zone but has also shaped me into the therapist I am today, blending Eastern and Western techniques seamlessly.

In the tranquil confines of our treatment room, our sole focus is on our clients, creating a serene ambiance where they can fully immerse themselves in the therapeutic experience with eyes closed. However, stepping into the competitive arena introduces an entirely new dynamic. Suddenly, the spotlight is on, with judges, fellow competitors, and colleagues scrutinising every move. Initially daunting, this newfound attention presents a unique opportunity for growth, fostering skill exhibition, knowledge exchange, and invaluable learning from industry peers.

My journey in competitive massage therapy commenced in January 2019 when I stumbled upon a post on LinkedIn about the World Massage Championship in Copenhagen. Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity and registered, embarking on a path that surpassed my wildest expectations.

The championship in Copenhagen was an eye-opening experience, culminating in the attainment of the gold medal in the Eastern category. Inspired by this initial win and learning, I clinching Gold/First place in the Eastern category at the UK National Massage Championship later that same year.

Building upon these achievements, I was bestowed with the honour of judging and teaching at The European Massage Championship, an experience that broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for the craft.

In 2022, fuelled by the knowledge gained from my experiences, I returned to the UK National Massage Championship with renewed determination. The hard work paid off, as I clinched another gold medal, this time in the Freestyle category.

However, not every endeavour culminated in victory. In 2023, despite falling short of a medal at the World Massage Championship,

the setback proved to be a catalyst for innovation. Inspired to document my journey on social media during the UK National Massage Championship, the gamble paid dividends, resulting in a gold medal in Freestyle.

Reflecting on the past five years, graced with five championships and four gold medals, I am profoundly grateful for the journey. Despite the doubts and challenges encountered along the way, the experience has been invaluable, refining me into the therapist I am today.

Looking ahead, I am brimming with anticipation for further growth and evolution in my practice. While competitions have constituted a significant facet of my journey, I am eager to explore fresh avenues for learning and development.

As the journey continues, I am indebted for the opportunity to impart my passion and

knowledge, contributing to the flourishing of this vibrant community.

My background includes qualifications from the London School of Sports Massage, Advanced Thai Yoga Massage from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Sports Science & Nutrition from the UEL.

Reflecting on my journey in the world of massage competition from both a competitor and judge’s viewpoint, I believe that success in a championship experience hinges on meticulous preparation, understanding of judging criteria, rules, and the demonstrative aspect of competition. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone, maintaining creativity, and ensuring effectiveness are paramount, not merely for medal aspirations but for continuous growth as a therapist.

Instagram: @humpichpoullard

Winner profiles

Slav Marinov

How did you arrive in the massage and bodywork industry?

My journey in the field of massage began during my studies at the National Sports Academy in Sofia, where massage was an integral part of the curriculum. Following my graduation, I spent a decade working as a Personal Trainer and offering massages for my clients. In 2003, I embarked on a new chapter by relocating to London to further my education in massage and body manipulation. This transition was not without its challenges, as my diplomas from Bulgaria were not initially recognized in the UK. Undeterred, I embraced the opportunity to start afresh, immersing myself once again in the study of anatomy and physiology. It was a transformative period that laid the groundwork for the expertise I bring to my practice today.

Where did you first train in massage therapy?

Sofia, Bulgaria, National Sports Academy.

What inspired you to get into the massage industry?

I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and how it works. Initially, massage was primarily about assisting my clients in their recovery from training or injuries. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that massage therapy encompassed far more profound aspects. Through my practice, I discovered the transformative power of massage in improving not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional health. Witnessing the positive impact, it had on my clients’ lives sparked a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose within me. It was then that I fully embraced the holistic nature of massage therapy and committed myself to helping others achieve holistic wellness.

Who was your first and favourite massage tutor?

I consider myself primarily self-taught. My most respected and admired teachers are Practice and Experience. Their teaching methods are uniquely rigorous; they give you the test first and the lesson afterwards. Such lessons leave an enduring mark on one’s memory. A remarkable teacher not only imparts knowledge but also ignites inspiration within. Even if he provides technical instructions, true mastery requires

dedicated practice. Without consistent practice, the retention of knowledge diminishes rapidly.

Are you trained in the Western medical system or the Eastern Medical system or both?

I’ve long been captivated by the diverse approaches various cultures employ in both the art and science of massage. Each culture offers a distinctive perspective and interpretation of the human body’s intricacies. Rather than favouring any modality or technique, I’ve looked deeper into the underlying philosophies behind them. This comprehensive understanding has empowered me to adeptly blend various methods and modalities, leveraging their unique strengths to deliver effective and tailored treatments.

What motivates you to compete in massage competitions?

Massage competitions are more than just contests of winning or losing. They represent a journey of personal growth and self-improvement. Every participant strives to perform at their best, putting in dedicated effort in preparation. It’s this process of preparation that pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, regardless of the outcome. Whether you achieve victory or not, you emerge from the experience as a better version of yourself. Competitions also offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, witnessing their techniques, gaining inspiration, and possibly inspiring others in return. In this shared journey, participants not only compete but also collaborate, enriching the massage therapy community as a whole.

What can you see in your future in the massage industry?

At this point in my career, I extend my knowledge and expertise to colleagues by holding workshops, participating in international conferences and seminars, collaborating with renowned brands within the wellness and spa industry. By continuing to follow my passion, embrace new opportunities, and stay committed to excellence I hope to enhance standards in the massage community and contribute to the global advancement of massage therapy on a larger platform.

What advice would you give to a newly qualified massage therapist or to someone thinking of studying massage therapy?

On your journey as a massage therapist stay true to the fundamental pillars of massage therapy: empathy, compassion, and respect. Never stop learning and continue to grow and explore. Nurture your skills with dedication, and passion. In the pursuit of excellence, find not only success but also fulfilment in making a positive

difference in the lives of others.

Slav Marinov is award winning therapist with over 20 years’ experience in massage and body manipulation.

Highly regarded as one of the top massage therapists not only in London but internationally, he looks after the wellbeing of elite athletes and celebrities from fashion, film and music industries as well as royalties and high-profile business clients.

Over the years Slav studied and adopted many different advanced massage techniques to develop his very own unique style of massage and body adjustment that incorporates a harmonious blend of appropriate pressure, Triger Point NeuroMuscular Therapy, Active Stretching Release and Joint Mobilisation among others.

Slav’s work has been recognised internationally and notably, he holds an unparalleled array of titles in the global massage community including UK National Champion, European Champion, USA Champion, and World Champion.

The National Massage Championship UK 2021 – London

• Gold Medal in Freestyle Massage

• Overall winner of the “Judges Excellence Award”

European Massage Championship 2022

– Nice

• Gold Medal in Sports Massage

• Gold Medal in Western Freestyle Massage

• Absolute Champion of Europe and winner of the “Best Massage in Europe” Award

Intercontinental Massage Championship 2022 – Athens

• Gold Medal and Intercontinental Champion in Sports Massage

World Massage Championship 2022 –Copenhagen

• Gold Medal and World Champion in Sports Massage

American Massage Championship 2023

– Cherokee

• Gold Medal and Champion of the USA in Sports Massage

• Gold Medal and Champion of the USA in Freestyle Western Massage

Follow Slav at:

www.slavma.com

www.linkedin.com/in/slav-marinov

President profile

Jeppe started his journey into the world of massage competitions by creating the first Danish Open Massage competition in 2016 and then went on to organise the first world massage competition in Copenhagen. He is widely recognised as the Godfather of this emerging competition culture.

Where did you study?

The A.M Massage Academy in Denmark, which was a very inspiring place to study, there motto was “Learn to understand the language of the body and get an education for life”

When did you qualify as a therapist?

All the way back in 1998, a great year.

What are you qualified in? Swedish Massage, Chair Massage, Sports massage, Thai massage which as you can see I’m trained in both Eastern and Western medical systems.

What did you do before massage therapy?

I was a Danish football manager and former professional football player. I played for a number of Danish clubs, as well as Dutch clubs SC Cambuur and Excelsior Rotterdam. It was a great Life and a passion for me.

Why did you change career path?

Professional football was always my chosen path, however, I had to stop with both being a player and a coach due to age and lack of time.

How did you get into massage therapy?

My grandmother was a massage/ Reflexology therapist, and she taught me from I was 12 years old.

What are three words you would use to describe massage? Wellness, flexibility, relief of tension

How has massage changed your life?

I made a living out of my interests; first as a footballer and later as a therapist and teacher and now the World championships.

What are you doing now that you are qualified?

Now I teach all over the world and host massage championships. I have also had my own massage school since 2001 where I educate many massage teachers along with partners.

What do you love about practising?

I like that we can help people right away, so they get back to living a healthful and fulfilling life.

worldchampionship-massage.com

Jeppe Tengbjerg CEO, The International Massage Association

NETWORK AND CONNECT

NATIONAL COMPETITION

GAIN INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

ELEVATE YOUR SKILLS

Fitness, Yoga and Meditation Classes

Self Development Talks and Workshops

Health, Nutrition & Spiritual Wellbeing Talks

Wellness Market

Traditional and Alternative Therapies

Mediums, Clairvoyants and Readers

Holistic Day Spa

Food and Chillout areas

Entry to all classes, talks and workshops included in the ticket price

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June 2024

The Kent Event Centre - Detling ShowgroundMaidstone ME14 3JE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM £20

www.thekentwellnessfestival.com

kentwellnessfestival

www.functionalanatomy.com

£1850

1-5 July, 2024

Katowice, Poland

Exploring fascia, muscle, viscera, nerves and much more.

CranioSacral Therapy Training

www.accreditedmassagecourses.co.uk info@accreditedmassagecourses.co.uk

Tel: 020 8340 7041

You’re a hands-on therapist.

1 day CPD courses:

And you’re good.

We run a selection of 1-day CPD courses throughout the year, aimed at qualified therapists wanting to extend their range of therapies.

And you want to keep getting better...

Do more for your clients.

Myofascial Release

Deep Tissue Massage

Trigger Point Massage

Like get to the root of what’s causing their body to be in pain, help them release & recover from trauma, feel more vibrant...

Sports Massage Techniques

Pregnancy Massage

Cupping Massage

CranioSacral Therapy can help you go deeper... and help clients heal quicker. Even with long held issues.

FREE Brochure + Colour Swatch set to help with their decision. Futon Pacifika have increased their Standard Range and can now offer Extra Long Futons (@ 240cm the increase in Platform length enables work on Head / Feet while on the Futon with the Client - replacing the need for an extension)... Futons can also now be manufactured using fully Vegan materials.

ITEC courses in Spring 2017: We run our ITEC courses twice a year. The next intake is in March/April 2017

Discover the magic of this modality so your hands become more potent conduits for transformation.

Try our free online intro to see if this is your next step:

Mon 27 March ITEC Massage Level 3 (Fast-track, exam in Jul 2017)

Sat 8 April ITEC Sports Massage Level4 (Run over a series of weekends. Exam in December 2017)

upledger.co.uk/free-online-intro

Courses will start again in September 2017.

Kew Nutrition & Wellness Fair

Saturday 8 June 2024 (10am - 6pm)

Live music, talks, food, wellness product stands, classes and treatments.

Health, nutrition & wellness stands with ethically sourced products including tea, pure kombucha, cacao, honey, herbs, bioavailable supplements, skincare, candles, salt lamps, crystals, jewellery & more.

Talks by leading experts on nutrition and wellness.

Zen Zone with therapist stands including massage, reflexology, facials, kinesiology and more.

Classes including yoga, pilates, breathwork, sound baths, qi gong and cacao.

KEW COMMUNITY CENTRE, ST LUKE’S IN THE AVENUE, KEW TW9 2AJ (A SHORT WALK FROM KEW STATION)

TICKETS £11 (SINGLE) | £40 (GROUP X4)

GOODIE BAG INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE (EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW)

BOOK:WWW.AATMAHOLISTIC.COM

WWW.AATMAHOLISTIC.COM

WWW.TRUEHEALTHTALKS.CO.UK

Use light pressure to dramatically reduce body restriction, tension & pain

The EMMETT Technique is a non-invasive & simple to apply hands-on body therapy. It acts like ‘first aid’ to release muscle related issues. Through the light touch application on specific points around the body we can help to relieve discomfort, create postural changes, and improve movement, flexibility and overall well-being.

This internationally recognised technique is now taught and practiced in over 40 countries and is equally effective on both people and animals.

The EMMETT Technique is easy to learn and blends beautifully with other modalities but best of all its easy on your hands and back!

Curious? Why not scan the QR code to hear more about the technique and try 2 releases for yourself.

Courses held all over UK & Ireland.

For enrolment details, and further information about the EMMETT Technique and training: emmett-uk.co.uk

Qualification in Manipulative Therapy Manchester 2024

24th June - 29th June

The Qualification in Manipulative Therapy is designed to support and add to your existing manual therapy skills, broadening the scope of your work and treatment skills. This Qualification addresses the principles and concepts in the field of Manual Medicine. You will learn the safe application of specific technique procedures for the musculoskeletal system using high velocity low amplitude thrust (HVLA), articulation and soft tissue technique. This Qualification will provide learners with the principles and manual skill necessary to assess, develop a treatment program and rehabilitate their patients.

Find out more here:

Assessment Led Bowen www.ALBT.co.uk

Are you looking for the next step in your career? Do yo want to take your body work to the next level? Get amazing results? See more clients? Have shorter treatment times? Be kinder on your body?

If you answer yes to any of these please check out our website to read about the details.

Precise Assessment; Targeted Intervention; Outstanding results.

Check website for dates.

Email: phil@handsonclinic.co.uk

Tel: 01271812998 / 07788502023

Be More Jedi...

If you work with your hands and treat people with ‘the force’ you are already Jedi right?

So adding an additional set of powerful skills will simply up the ante.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a Jedi power.

(Not a Star Wars fan? Sorry! Anyway, what I’m getting to is...)

Most of us want to keep becoming the best therapist we can be.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) will evolve your skills and help you go deeper, more quickly, with those clients that are ready.

You will love every session, because every session is different and you never know what is going to happen. (Why? Because every client is different and each time they come is a different time!)

The results your clients will get will show you more magic than you may have thought possible.

Your hands will transform. So will your clients. Curious? Find out if it is for you.

www.upledger.co.uk/free-online-intro to see if this feels like a good next step for you.

www.upledger.co.uk | 0800 690 6966 mail@upledger.co.uk

School of Bodywork

The School of Bodywork offers fully accredited unique training from Beginner to Advanced in Massage and Myofascial Release. We encourage students to develop their own personal style with emphasis on body mechanics and practitioner longevity in all our training. All our tutors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience in an accessible way, both in class and online.

Join us for the following courses:

◆ Level 3 Diploma in Therapeutic Massage

◆ Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology

◆ Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Remedial Massage

◆ Diploma in Fascia Informed Bodywork

◆ Adva nced Techniques

◆ Pregnancy Massage

◆ Indian Head Massage

◆ Rejuvenating Facelift Massage

◆ Sk ills Sharing Days

◆ Working with TMJ/The Jaw Disorders / TMJ Therapy Techniques

◆ Working with the Cranium / Cranial Therapy Techniques

◆ Working with the Abdomen / Abdominal Therapy Techniques

◆ On line Modules on Pain, Fascia, Business, The Vagus Nerve, Trauma and more

For more info and to book:

www.schoolofbodywork.com

Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork

Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork offers Diplomas in Holistic Massage (Level 4), Remedial and Sports Massage (Level 5) and Indian Head Massage (Level 3 Certificate) in Bristol and Worcester. Set in our spacious, cool premises in the heart of Bristol and The Fold, Bransford, we also provide an extensive CPD programme for qualified therapists taught by national and international tutors including:

◆ Ma ssage for Womens' Health

◆ Ma ssage and Pregnancy

◆ Vi sceral Massage

◆ Acupressure for Facial Release

◆ Cupping Therapy

◆ Cha ir Massage

◆ Oncology Massage with Susan Findlay

◆ Myofascial Release with Ruth Duncan

◆ Al leviating Headaches

◆ Deep Tissue Massage

◆ He at as Medicine

◆ Ba linese Massage

◆ Hot Stones

◆ Advanced Hands Free Massage

◆ Ea stern Foot Massage

◆ Intro to Remedial and Sports Massage

For more info and to book: www.bristolmassage.co.uk

Acupuncture and dry needling foundation course

Looking for another tool to your toolbox, or another string to your bow?

Your clients are looking for acupuncture and dry needling, and we can train you to become safe, confident and effective in needling skills.

Breeze Academy are the UK’s leading Needling education provider.

Our courses are triple-locked quality assured, and consistently rated 5-star – a unique blend of online and faceto-face teaching, meaning less time away from home and work, and less cost!

The face-to-face workshops are fun, practical and engaging, meaning that you’ll be able to apply your learning into practice immediately.

E: breeze.academy/locations/acupuncturecourse-locations

W: enquiries@breeze.academy

Sports Massage

Take your Sports Massage skills to the next level, and gain your level 4 qualification in Sports Massage Therapy. Offer way more to your clients, through detailed assessment skills, advanced massage techniques, which you can apply to common musculoskeletal injuries.

Our courses are fun, interactive, and delivered by experienced tutors who have your learning experience at the heart of every course.

Not only is the Sports Therapy industry moving towards Level 4 as the standard qualification, a Breeze Academy level 4 Sports Massage course provides eligibility to our acupuncture and dry needling courses.

E: breeze.academy/locations/sportsmassage-course-locations

T: enquiries@breeze.academy

Milne Institute for Visionary Craniosacral Work®

What: Cranial 1 The Foundational Cranial class

◆ Th is four-day class, held at a residential setting, is designed to introduce analytical and intuitive visionary understanding of craniosacral work, perhaps more appropriately described as Sacred Cranial, since it approaches the head with such reverence.

◆ The class emphasizes perceptual clarity, inner calm and right action, which form the context for our study of cranial anatomy and technique.

◆ Each half-day of the class is devoted to the study of a specific cranial bone, using natural disarticulated specimens, slides and hands-on work with a partner to deepen understanding

◆ Al l practical work is under the constant supervision of the teacher and his or her assistants. The techniques presented for each bone are brought together in a basic technique protocol that health care practitioners may use as a basis with which to introduce cranial work to their own practices.

How: 4-Day residential setting

Where: Slí na Bandé, Eco retreat centre, County, Wicklow, Ireland

When: July 11-14th 2024

Accreditation: A recognised school of the Irish association of craniosacral therapist (IACST), Cranio Suisse,(Swiss Soicety of Craniosacral Therapy), Deutsche Craniosacral Verband (German Craniosacral Association), Rolf Institute, The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

E: Davidpmccauley@gmail.com

W: www.saoirsesproject.com/craniosacral-classes

T: +1 250 5108312

RockBlades Education Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM)

Add the RockBlades (IASTM) method to your skillset to enhance your treatments and reduce hand fatigue. The ergonomically designed smooth edged RockBlade and Mohawk tools combine with cutting edge education to produce this internationally acclaimed course run throughout the UK.

We also have a popular triple evening live stream course with a unique assessment and certification process.

Dates: Courses available throughout the UK and via Live Stream Visit: www.RockTape.co.uk

London | Bristol | Birmingham | Nottingham | Brighton | Liverpool

RockPods Cupping EducationMyofascial Dry Cupping

The RockPods cupping course was our most popular course of 2020 and 2021. Join us to find out why this modern and unique approach to cupping is proving so popular. Through a combination of soft tissue mobilisation and movement you will discover new possibilities for cupping in modern manual therapy.

RockTape Kinesiology Taping Education

The worlds leading Kinesiology Taping Education from RockTape UK will teach you everything you need to know to get the best results from this fantastic treatment and rehabilitation tool. Join us for one or two days for an evidence informed highly practical and fun course. We also have a popular evening live stream course with a unique assessment and certification process.

E: Daniel@RockTape.co.uk

T: 01206 615464