9/20/16

Deep Tissue Massage Class

I spent last Thursday through Saturday in Des Moines completing my continuing education requirements for relicensure. I attended a workshop in Deep Tissue Massage taught by Dr. James Mally, who’s been a leader in the massage therapy profession for over 40 years. Since I have been practicing deep tissue work, trigger point therapy and shiatsu for many years, my hope was that it would be a good refresher course, reinforce the work I do, and perhaps give me a couple techniques to add to my repertoire and increase my effectiveness.

Thankfully, that’s pretty much how things worked out. Dr. Mally is a fine instructor, paced the workshop well, provided comprehensive technique instruction regarding the entire body, and stayed on task throughout the three days. Additionally, he injected a good dose of humor into his presentation which made the class both informative and enjoyable. Fortunately, too, many of the students in the class were massage therapists with 15 years of experience and more. It’s nice to learn with others who are knowledgeable and practiced in their profession.

There were a few techniques presented that I’ve used sparingly over the years, but would like to incorporate more into my sessions: joint mobilization - the therapist isolates a joint, like the shoulder, and takes it through its full range of motion freeing up adhesions in the muscle and fascia; stretching, both passive and active, which can add to the effectiveness of the massage; and cupping, which is in the public consciousness now because of the recent summer Olympics and can be a great aid to improve the mobilization of fascia.

I also learned a new hiccup cure that I’m excited to try! Dr. Mally swore by its effectiveness!

So, I’m reenergized and rejuvenated with new knowledge, information and fine-tuned techniques!