Saturday: Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Legs and Hips
The legs are often treated by bodyworkers for the least amount of time in a session. Yet they support the upper body and are under tremendous compressive force, whether moving or stationary. When the structures of the feet and legs are functioning properly, they are one of the fundamental anchors of our stability and support. When they’re not, they are a major contributor to foot, knee, hip, and low back issues.
In this class, you will learn specific, potent, and effective Deep Tissue techniques to release the muscles and fascia of the hips, legs, and feet. Some of the specific muscle groups you will work with include the deep calf flexors (tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis, flexor digitorum), the anterior compartment (tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum), the quadriceps group, the tensor fascia latae and IT tract, the gluteals, the deep lateral rotators, hamstrings, and adductors. These are simple, straightforward, muscle-specific techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. Body mechanics will also be a focus of the class, as well as proper use of hands, elbows, and forearms to save wear and tear on joints.
“So many new, practical techniques to try! All really great stuff.” -Chrisann Rauschenbach
“This was the best adductor work I’ve ever had.” -Crystal Johnson
“This was exactly what I was hoping for – super great, specific work.” -Leah Grossman
“This class had a lot of content, but it was an amazing class, and it was wonderful to receive this work”. Kirsten Overdijk
Sunday: 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
Brian Utting founded the Brian Utting School of Massage (BUSM) in Seattle, WA in 1982 and was BUSM’s Director, Director of Education, and a lead instructor there for 26 years. Brian developed and refined the curriculum at BUSM and taught many subjects, including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, contraindications, business skills, communication skills, hydrotherapy, and a variety of massage techniques. His 1000-hour COMTA-accredited school was considered one of the best massage schools in the country.