The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage

In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience. As one psychotherapist said, “Good therapy is 80% who you are and 20% what you do”.

Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.

In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it? 

In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.  

Please note that this is a live, interactive lecture class, and does not satisfy Washington’s requirement for 8 hours of live, hands-on CE training.

"One of the best non-technique classes I've attended in years. I would recommend it to any therapist looking for information related to our field." - BJ Erkan

"The subject and the way the material was explained was challenging but not overwhelming. Bottom line, a sweet spot class." -Barbara Falorni

“Brian tells stories that are funny, engaging, moving, and illuminating. They gave depth and meaning to everything he taught us today.” -Connie Lunan

“Delightfully simplified, robust, informative, and satisfying!” - William John Poll

Instructor: Brian Utting

CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

Please note that this is an interactive A&P lecture class, and does not apply towards WA’s 8 hour hands-on manual therapy CE requirement.

Date and Time: Saturday, April 5th, 10am-7pm

Location: Seattle, WA 98103

Tuition: $160. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. 

Click here to register for Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class only, or to register for both days.

Reviewers may take this class at a 25% discount, or $120. You will need to contact Robbin at TTCI to arrange this, since it’s not a website registration option.

Understanding Pain and How to Work with It: STrategies FOR LMTs

Pain is generally recognized to be the main reason people seek medical care. Finding non-pharmacological, and particularly non-opioid interventions, is one of the great challenges for our current medical system. As massage therapists we often attract and treat clients who are in pain, and they want our help to alleviate it. We have seen how powerful a tool massage can be for people who are suffering, and we have the intuitive sense that massage is good for pain relief. But why?

What is the nature of this thing called pain? What is it, how does it work, and can we be more skillful dealing with it? How can we help our clients get relief from pain, and possibly assist them in changing their relationship with pain? In this course, we are going to review the relevant neurology and dive into what modern pain science and research tell us about the nature of pain. We will take a bench-to-bedside approach to translate the research into practical ways to inform your work and help improve client outcomes. 

The class will include:

• A survey of different types of nociceptors (pain receptors)

• How other sensory receptors can become pain receptors if overloaded 

• Sources of pain-causing stimulation, such as excessive dilation, muscle spasms, and ischemia

• A review of the inflammatory cascade, and some of the pain-causing chemicals and compounds

• Neural gating and updated research

• Pain modulators, such as endorphins, enkephalins, cannabinoids, and substance P

• Projection and referred pain

• Our current understanding of trigger points

• Ways we can assist our clients with pain relief 

The research studying the effects of massage on pain relief is so powerful and convincing that it is beginning to ripple into mainstream medicine, such as the current program providing therapeutic massage at the VA hospitals in Seattle and Tacoma. Considering the current opioid crisis, this shift couldn’t come at a better time. 

Being well-versed in basic pain science will help inform your treatment plans and make you a more effective practitioner, and help your clients better understand what’s happening within their own bodies. With down-to-earth, practice-related examples and plenty of time for questions, this course is designed to be engaging, accessible, and applicable. 

Instructor: Matthew Sorlie
CE hours: 7 CE hours (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Tuition: $140

Matthew Sorlie was an instructor at the Brian Utting School of Massage for 10 years, and was the Director of Education at Cortiva-Seattle for several years. He is currently enrolled in the Physical Therapy (DPT) program at University of Washington.

The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage

In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience. As one psychotherapist said, “Good therapy is 80% who you are and 20% what you do”.

Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.

In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it? 

In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.  

"One of the best non-technique classes I've attended in years. I would recommend it to any therapist looking for information related to our field." - BJ Erkan

"The subject and the way the material was explained was challenging but not overwhelming. Bottom line, a sweet spot class." -Barbara Falorni

“Brian tells stories that are funny, engaging, moving, and illuminating. They gave depth and meaning to everything he taught us today.” -Connie Lunan

“Delightfully simplified, robust, informative, and satisfying!” - William John Poll

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, October 12th, 10am-7pm
Location: Seattle, WA

Tuition: $160. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. 

Click here to register for Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class only.

To register for both Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class, and Sunday’s Visceral class, click here.

Masking: Masking is recommended but optional in this class—each person can choose to wear a mask or not.

Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has stunning views, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, and a unique culture that is both traditional and modern. Iceland has over 120 geothermal hydrotherapy facilities spread across a diverse and beautiful landscape.

INTRODUCTION TO VISCERAL AND ABDOMINAL MASSAGE

The viscera are at the very core of our body, and are, along with our nervous system, a primary source of life. They are at the center of our structure, our emotions, our biochemistry, and our life energy. There are over 500 million neurons in the belly (almost 5 times more than in the spinal cord), and our enteric nervous system is a primary source of our intuition and "gut" feelings.

When we are anxious or distressed, our natural instinct is to protect our soft underbelly and "stuff" emotions there, causing multilayered problems throughout the body. The smooth muscles of the gut contract, pulling on the surrounding mesentery and fascia, causing not only gut pain, but back pain. In addition, surgery can create adhesions and multi-directional disruptions in the abdominal fascia and musculature. It is ironic that this vital healing area is often overlooked in massage.

The sensitivity and vulnerability of the belly is precisely why it is so receptive to safe, calming, and nourishing touch. We can soothe the enteric nervous system and the soft underbelly, sending waves of deep relaxation throughout the entire body. We can relax the smooth muscles of the intestines, which reduces pain, improves digestive function, and eases the fascial pull in the back and other areas of the body. We can sometimes separate post-surgical adhesions, creating balance and increased ease of movement at the very core of the body.

In this class you will learn simple and effective abdominal massage techniques that are easy to integrate into your massage practice. You will learn the basic layout of some of the area's major anatomical structures and how to identify, palpate, and treat them. This class will make your abdominal work more comforting, intelligent, and effective. You will be able to help your clients achieve deeper states of relaxation, relieve pain, improve digestive function, and help free up deep structural imbalances.

"I was expecting a belly massage class and walked away with a deep understanding of the abdomen. This class was incredible." - KC Johnston, LMP and Doula

 “It was profound to receive these techniques and feel their power”. - Elias Darling

“I’ve been massaging forever, and I feel like I’ve learned so much today that I will definitely use in my practice. Honestly, I will feel like I’m cheating my clients if I leave it out!” -Fryth Rasar

"I felt comfortable and happy. It was fun!” -Laura Muir

"Upon walking around after class I noticed I could stand up taller and straighter, which has been a constant challenge for me to maintain good posture. I also noticed I could take much fuller and deeper breaths after class, which has also been a challenge for me. The class was truly wonderful. I benefited from it, and I know many of my clients will as well as I start to incorporate it into my practice.” -Lindsey Held

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, May 11, 9:00am-6:00pm. The class will be held at Nuddskoli, which is about 4 blocks from Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s best municipal geothermal pool complex.

Tuition & Registration: 25.000ISK (~$180USD), with a $100USD (~$14.000ISK) non-refundable deposit.

Take both the Saturday Visceral class, and the Sunday Lumbosacral Ligament class for the discounted rate of 43.000ISK/$310USD if you are registered with a $200USD (~28.000ISK) non-refundable deposit by April 30th, 2024.

Current Nuddskoli students also receive a tuition discount; contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik for details.

Questions: If you have questions, you can contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik at nudd@nuddskoli.is, or contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.

Please note that you are responsible for your own travel and lodging arrangements for your stay in Reykjavik.

The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage

In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience. As one psychotherapist said, “Good therapy is 80% who you are and 20% what you do”.

Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.

In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it? 

In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.  

"One of the best non-technique classes I've attended in years. I would recommend it to any therapist looking for information related to our field." - BJ Erkan

"The subject and the way the material was explained was challenging but not overwhelming. Bottom line, a sweet spot class." -Barbara Falorni

“Brian tells stories that are funny, engaging, moving, and illuminating. They gave depth and meaning to everything he taught us today.” -Connie Lunan

“Delightfully simplified, robust, informative, and satisfying!” - William John Poll

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, April 6th, 10am-7pm
Location: Seattle, WA

Tuition: $160. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. 

Click here to register for Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class only.

To register for both Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class, and Sunday’s Visceral class, click here.

Masking: Masking is recommended but optional in this class—each person can choose to wear a mask or not.

Understanding Pain and How to Work with It: STrategies FOR LMTs

Pain is generally recognized to be the main reason people seek medical care. Finding non-pharmacological, and particularly non-opioid interventions, is one of the great challenges for our current medical system. As massage therapists we often attract and treat clients who are in pain, and they want our help to alleviate it. We have seen how powerful a tool massage can be for people who are suffering, and we have the intuitive sense that massage is good for pain relief. But why?

What is the nature of this thing called pain? What is it, how does it work, and can we be more skillful dealing with it? How can we help our clients get relief from pain, and possibly assist them in changing their relationship with pain? In this course, we are going to review the relevant neurology and dive into what modern pain science and research tell us about the nature of pain. We will take a bench-to-bedside approach to translate the research into practical ways to inform your work and help improve client outcomes. 

The class will include:

• A survey of different types of nociceptors (pain receptors)

• How other sensory receptors can become pain receptors if overloaded 

• Sources of pain-causing stimulation, such as excessive dilation, muscle spasms, and ischemia

• A review of the inflammatory cascade, and some of the pain-causing chemicals and compounds

• Neural gating and updated research

• Pain modulators, such as endorphins, enkephalins, cannabinoids, and substance P

• Projection and referred pain

• Our current understanding of trigger points

• Ways we can assist our clients with pain relief 

The research studying the effects of massage on pain relief is so powerful and convincing that it is beginning to ripple into mainstream medicine, such as the current program providing therapeutic massage at the VA hospitals in Seattle and Tacoma. Considering the current opioid crisis, this shift couldn’t come at a better time. 

Being well-versed in basic pain science will help inform your treatment plans and make you a more effective practitioner, and help your clients better understand what’s happening within their own bodies. With down-to-earth, practice-related examples and plenty of time for questions, this course is designed to be engaging, accessible, and applicable. 

Instructor: Matthew Sorlie
CE hours: 7 CE hours (currently not NCBTMB-approved)
Tuition: $100

Matthew Sorlie was an instructor at the Brian Utting School of Massage for 10 years, and was the Director of Education at Cortiva-Seattle for several years. This class is still in development, and the tuition is deliberately low in exchange for your impressions and detailed verbal feedback at the end of class.

The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage

In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience. As one psychotherapist said, “Good therapy is 80% who you are and 20% what you do”.

Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.

In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it? 

In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.  

"One of the best non-technique classes I've attended in years. I would recommend it to any therapist looking for information related to our field." - BJ Erkan

"The subject and the way the material was explained was challenging but not overwhelming. Bottom line, a sweet spot class." -Barbara Falorni

“Brian tells stories that are funny, engaging, moving, and illuminating. They gave depth and meaning to everything he taught us today.” -Connie Lunan

“Delightfully simplified, robust, informative, and satisfying!” - William John Poll

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, September 23rd, 10am-7pm
Location: Seattle, WA

Tuition: $160. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. 

Click here to register for Saturday only.

To register for both Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th, click here.

Please note that it is the policy of the Therapeutic Training Center, Inc. to have all class participants wear facemasks (surgical masks, KN95 or N95) while in the classroom. 

Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has stunning views, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, and a unique culture that is both traditional and modern. Iceland has over 120 geothermal hydrotherapy facilities spread across a diverse and beautiful landscape.

Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue techniques for the Chest and Anterior Shoulder Girdle

The chest and diaphragm are often overlooked as primary contributors to back and shoulder issues. They are the source of our breath and our taking in of life. These core muscles are often tight, constricting breathing, energy flow, and movement. You will learn simple but powerful methods to release the diaphragm, sternum, and ribcage. These techniques are liberating and create a noticeable opening right away, helping your clients to breathe twice as deeply with half the effort. They also create a foundation for a more balanced shoulder girdle. The shoulders, in turn, are meant to float freely on the ribcage, but they are often restricted, stuck down, and in pain. You will learn to effectively liberate anterior scapular muscles such as the pectoralis minor and the subscapularis, and help to give your clients a feeling of ease and freedom in their shoulders that reaches all the way around to their back. Come prepared to go a little deeper in this class, and to push and explore your edges a bit. 

"This course lifts massage therapy to a higher level. The chest work was amazing--my range of breathing went waaaay up." -Lise Orye

Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue techniques for the Arms and Hands

Our arms and hands are tough, dexterous, and exquisitely sensitive. As massage therapists, they are perhaps our primary vehicle for sensation and communication, and we use them (and sometimes overuse them) intensively. Our clients' hands and arms often take a beating as well, especially with so much computer use in the workplace and at home. For all the work that they do, our hands and forearms seldom get the time or skilled attention that they deserve.

In this class we will focus on specific techniques for releasing the muscles and fascia of the hands, thumbs and forearms; increasing mobility in the corresponding joints; and 'deconstructing' forearm muscles that have become glued together. You will learn some simple but effective ways to make your arm massages more specific, potent, and satisfying--and receive some good (and much-needed) work yourself.  

"All my little finger joints feel so free, and like they are lined with satin." - Melissa D'Haene

"Great class! The techniques that were given were all useful and specific to healthy hands, wrists, and forearms. I would repeat this one." -Nan Hardt

"This class has not only improved the work I offer my clients, but given me better hand mechanics and bodywork techniques to use on my own hands and forearms, relieving pain and prolonging my career." -Rebecca Albert

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, April 29, 9:00am-6:00pm and Sunday, April 30, 9:30am-6:00pm. The class will be held at Nuddskoli, which is about 4 blocks from Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s best geothermal pool complex.

Tuition & Registration: 25.000ISK ($175USD), with a $100USD ($15.000ISK) non-refundable deposit.

Take both MSDT Techniques for Chest, Anterior Shoulder Girdle, Arms and Hands on Saturday, April 29th and CTM/Bindegewebsmassage on Sunday, April 30th for the discounted rate of 43.000ISK/$300USD if you are registered with a $100USD non-refundable deposit by 10 April, 2023.

Current Nuddskoli students also receive a tuition discount; contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik for details.

Questions: If you have questions, you can contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik at nudd@nuddskoli.is, or contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.

Please note that you are responsible for your own travel and lodging arrangements for your stay in Reykjavik.

Online Registration Closed ~ Spaces Still Available: To register please contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik at nudd@nuddskoli.is

The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage

In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience. As one psychotherapist said, “Good therapy is 80% who you are and 20% what you do”.

Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.

In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it? 

In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.  

"One of the best non-technique classes I've attended in years. I would recommend it to any therapist looking for information related to our field." - BJ Erkan

"The subject and the way the material was explained was challenging but not overwhelming. Bottom line, a sweet spot class." -Barbara Falorni

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Friday, March 31st, 10am-7pm
Location: Seattle, WA

Tuition: $150. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $295.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. Click here to register. To register for both Friday, March 31st and Saturday, April 1st, click here.

Please note that due TTC infection control protocols, students will be required to submit proof of vaccination or a negative PCR Covid test. Students will be required to wear masks during class; either a surgical mask or one of the 94’s or 95’s.

The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage

In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience. As one psychotherapist said, “Good therapy is 80% who you are and 20% what you do”.

Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.

In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it? 

In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.  

"One of the best non-technique classes I've attended in years. I would recommend it to any therapist looking for information related to our field." - BJ Erkan

"The subject and the way the material was explained was challenging but not overwhelming. Bottom line, a sweet spot class." -Barbara Falorni

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, Sept 17th, 10am-7pm
Location: Seattle, WA

Tuition: $140. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $270.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. Click here to register. To register for both Saturday, Sept 17th and Sunday, Sept 18th, click here.

Please note that due to WA State law and TTC infection control protocols, students will be required to submit proof of vaccination or a negative PCR Covid test. Students will be required to wear masks during class; either a surgical mask or one of the 94’s or 95’s.

In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience. As one psychotherapist said, “Good therapy is 80% who you are and 20% what you do”.

Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.

In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it? 

In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.  

"One of the best non-technique classes I've attended in years. I would recommend it to any therapist looking for information related to our field." - BJ Erkan

"The subject and the way the material was explained was challenging but not overwhelming. Bottom line, a sweet spot class." -Barbara Falorni

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved)
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb 5th, 10am-7pm
Location: Seattle, WA

Tuition: $140. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $270.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. Click here to register. To register for both Saturday, Feb 5 and Sunday, Feb 6, click here.

MUSCLE-SPECIFIC DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUES FOR THE CHEST AND SIDE-LYING SHOULDERS

The chest is often overlooked as a primary contributor to back and shoulder issues. It is the source of our breath and our taking in of life, as well as the foundation for some of our most powerful arm and shoulder flexors. These core muscles are often tight, constricting breathing, energy flow, and movement.

The shoulders, in turn, are meant to float freely on the ribcage, held in elegant suspension by 16 muscles, but very often they are restricted, stuck down, and in pain. In the morning, you will learn to effectively liberate some of the major structures of the chest and anterior shoulder girdle (such as the pectoralis major and minor, subclavius, transversus thoracis and subscapularis), to give your clients a feeling of ease and freedom in their chest and shoulders that reaches all the way around to their back. These techniques are liberating and create a noticeable opening right away, helping your clients to breathe more deeply with less effort, as well as contributing to overall balance in the shoulder girdle.

In the afternoon, we will work with the shoulder girdle from the side-lying position. Besides being deeply comforting and relaxing, skilled side-lying work gives you excellent access to the structures of the shoulder. You will learn specific, effective, and potent techniques for releasing the muscles of the shoulder girdle, including the trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, levator scapula, subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, pectoralis minor, and the surrounding fascia. The side-lying position also gives you excellent access to some of the smaller muscles of the back, such as the transversospinalis--muscles that are fundamentally important to our posture, movement, and well-being, but that are often completely missed in a standard massage.

We sometimes think of side-lying work as primarily for pregnant women, but almost all of your clients can benefit from skilled side-lying work in this area, and it feels wonderful. The class will focus on straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. Body mechanics will also be a focus of this class, as well as proper use of fingers and elbows to save wear and tear on joints.

"This course lifts massage therapy to a higher level. The chest work was amazing--my range of breathing went waaaay up." -Lise Orye

"I haven't felt this kind of freedom in my shoulders since before massage school! I have definitely been enjoying my wings." -Amy Ross

"This was the best CE class I've ever taken." -Tyler Rapke

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved)

Tuition: $170. Reviewers are eligible for a reduced price. Register for both Saturday and Sunday for only $295.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. To register, click here. To register for both Saturday and Sunday, click here.

MUSCLE-SPECIFIC DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUES FOR THE SHOULDER GIRDLE

The shoulders are meant to float freely on the ribcage, held in elegant suspension by 16 muscles, but very often they are restricted, stuck down, and in pain. In the morning, you will learn to effectively liberate some of the major anterior structures of the shoulder girdle (such as the pectoralis minor, subclavius, and subscapularis), and help to give your clients a feeling of ease and freedom in their shoulders that reaches all the way around to their back. We’ll finish the morning with a simple but powerful seated shoulder protocol for the trapezius, rhomboids and levator scapula.

In the afternoon, we will work with the shoulder girdle from the side-lying position. Besides being deeply comforting and relaxing, skilled side-lying work gives you excellent access to the structures of the shoulder. You will learn specific, effective, and potent techniques for releasing the muscles of the shoulder girdle, including the trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, levator scapula, subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, pectoralis minor, and the surrounding fascia. We sometimes think of side-lying work as primarily for pregnant women, but almost all of your clients can benefit from skilled side-lying work in this area, and it feels wonderful.

The day will focus on straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. Body mechanics will also be a focus of this class, as well as proper use of fingers and elbows to save wear and tear on joints.

"This was the best CE class I've ever taken." -Tyler Rapke

"I haven't felt this kind of freedom in my shoulders since before massage school! I have definitely been enjoying my wings." -Amy Ross

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 7 (NCBTMB-approved)

Tuition: $150.

Questions: If you have questions, you can contact Dedee in Chelan at haugedm@yahoo.com, or contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.