American Massage Therapy Association^®

AMTA National Convention - Education

Education

Pre-Convention Workshop
Tuesday, September 25, 8:00am-5:30pm
Wednesday, September 26, 8:00am-5:30pm
CORE Institute's Sports & Performance Bodywork: A Four System Approach
This seminar will examine the four basic styles of performance inherent in all athletic disciplines. Utilizing myofascial therapy techniques that are appropriate for each style of performance, participants will focus on developing training and event protocols for endurance, sprint, power, and multi-skilled athletes. Presentations on performance mechanics, somatotypes, and fascial anatomy will highlight a comprehensive study of advanced therapies for the athletic performer.

George P. Kousaleos, LMT, is the founder of the CORE Institute and has been working with elite performers and athletes since 1979. He has been a practitioner and teacher of myofascial therapy and structural integration and served as the Co-Director of the 2004 Athens Health Services Sports Massage Team at the Athens Olympics.

Keynote Address

Thursday, September 27, 10:00am-11:00am

Joan Borysenko has been described as "a rare jewel: respected scientist, gifted therapist and unabashed mystic." Dr. Borysenko completed both her doctoral and post-doctoral work at the Harvard Medical School in cancer cell biology and behavioral medicine, returning later in her career as an Instructor in Medicine. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder and former director of the mind-body clinical programs at the Beth Israel/New England Deaconess Medical Center on which her breakthrough New York Times best-seller, Minding the Body, Mending the Mind was based. Author of eleven books on integrative medicine, psychology, spirituality and women's studies, her latest book is Inner Peace for Busy People.

Early Ed’itions

Thursday, September 27, 1:30pm-4:30pm

The Making of a Spa Professional: Career Coaching from the Experts

Hear what the experts have to say about advancing your career as a spa professional. By understanding the skills, aptitudes, talents and behaviors that are important in becoming a spa leader, these experts will help you develop a framework for analyzing career options and making excellent career decisions for a long-term successful career path.
3 Contact Hours

Lori Hutchinson started her career in hospitality human resources at the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco. In 1993, she founded Hutchinson Consulting, which provides hotels, resorts and spas with management recruiting and training services.

Jenean LaRoche is the spa director for Nob Hill Spa at the Huntington Hotel in San Francisco. Having served eight years as a spa director, LaRoche is frequently quoted in leading media outlets through her role with Nob Hill Spa.

Randy Schreck is the General Manager of SenSpa in San Francisco. His yearning for a change of pace from corporate life led him to shift gears in 2002 and redirect his career to reflect his personal passions for beauty and spas.

Diane Trieste joined the Cortiva team to enhance the business relationships between employers and Cortiva Institute graduates across the US. Ms. Trieste has created a national placement team to facilitate regional job fairs and recruiting opportunities for employers.

Assessment of Common Benign & Malignant Skin Lesions & Cutaneous Infections

The massage therapist has a unique opportunity to observe and palpate a number of benign and malignant skin lesions as well as infectious conditions. You will identify these entities so that appropriate referrals can be made to dermatologists for suspected skin cancers, problematic benign skin lesions or infections.
3 Contact Hours

Allison T. Vidimos received her B.S. in Pharmacy from Purdue University and her M.D. degree from Indiana University. She completed her dermatology residency and Mohs surgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where she joined the staff in 1991. She was program director for the dermatology residency from 2001-2006. She was appointed Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic in March 2005.

Compassionate Presence

Healing presence - tending to a living being with compassionate intention-is powerful medicine. Compassionate caring alleviates suffering, reducing stress and elevates mood. From the role of oxytocin in women's response to stress, to the relationship of empathy and connectedness to health and longevity, the healing effects of loving-kindness are well documented. The therapist's commitment to self-care and ability to stay centered create an authentic presence that overflows, rather than a condition that is stressful and draining. In this presentation we'll move from the molecular to the practical, including two powerful meditation skills that develop and maintain loving presence.
3 Contact Hours

Joan Borysenko has been described as "a rare jewel: respected scientist, gifted therapist and unabashed mystic." Dr. Borysenko completed both her doctoral and post-doctoral work at the Harvard Medical School in cancer cell biology and behavioral medicine, returning later in her career as an Instructor in Medicine. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder and former director of the mind-body clinical programs at the Beth Israel/New England Deaconess Medical Center on which her breakthrough New York Times best-seller, Minding the Body, Mending the Mind was based. Author of eleven books on integrative medicine, psychology, spirituality and women's studies, her latest book is Inner Peace for Busy People.

Coordination Pattern Training: Release, Repattern, Renew

Learn to use the four inherent coordination patterns to improve body mechanics. Additionally, participants will learn to release tonic muscles through simple easy exercises, and enhance mind-body awareness. Understand how to change mis-used coordination patterns which cause injury and mis-alignment into patterns which support a healthy mind-body system.
3 Contact Hours

Elizabeth Wetzig is a movement researcher, dancer and writer at Green Pond Integrated Health Center in Breinigsville, PA, and originated Coordination Pattern Training and Full Potential Learning based on neuromuscular research.

The Mystery of Pain

While every massage therapist deals with people in pain, few understand the complex mechanisms behind the anatomy of pain. In this seminar, you will explore the complexities of pain mechanisms and the application of new research to clinical practice. You will also explore the clinical applications through case studies and hands-on technique.
3 Contact Hours

Doug Nelson has been practicing massage therapy since 1977. He has an extensive clinical practice, teaches Precision Neuromuscular Therapy and conducts numerous clinical research studies.

Pharmaceuticals & Massage: Confidence with Today's Aging Clients

Dr. Bryan Born will turn anxiety into confidence when dealing with your aging client's medications. The most critical massage precautions and contraindications will be covered for today's top prescription drugs. Put his easy-to-grasp methods to use immediately with your current clients, no matter how complex their conditions are.
3 Contact Hours

Bryan Born is a chiropractic physician and massage educator with more than a dozen years experience teaching massage precautions. He is the author of the landmark reference guide, The Essential Massage Companion. He was well received at this years' AMTA COS Leadership Conference, and his down-to-earth style and wealth of experience make his presentations both engaging and practical.

Best Practices for the Massage & Bodywork Profession

This course teaches participants how to read scientific research articles on massage, and then apply them in clinical practice. Participants will learn how to find the important and most relevant information in an article. The many hands-on exercises make the material accessible to visual learners as well as to verbal learners.
3 Contact Hours

Ravensara Travillian, Ph.D., LMP, has practiced massage since 1992. The primary author of Massage Journal Club: Your User-Friendly Guide to the Medical Research on Massage, she has taught classes at the Cortiva Institute Brian Utting School of Massage since 1996.

Continuing Education

Friday, September 28, 8:00am-5:30pm

Spinal Reflex Analysis, Level One

This session will include a review of bony anatomy and muscles per Spinal Reflex Analysis (SRA) protocols, physiology and soft tissue reactions of the spinal reflex, functional leg length evaluation, and indicator point assessment. Additionally, using SRA soft tissue charts and evaluation you will learn hands-on assessment and SRA APT treatment procedures, documentation and appropriate case management. This session will conclude on Saturday, September 29, 8:00am-5:30pm.
16 Contact Hours

Frank Jarrell, working with MT's for over 17 years, developed Spinal Reflex Analysis to improve evaluation, therapeutic and inter-professional skills to enhance the standard of care in massage.

Mastectomy Massage

Breast cancer and its surgeries leave a devastating impact physically, emotionally and psychologically. By understanding the key points to various reconstruction procedures, specific hands-on techniques, positioning, draping, lymphedema, indications and contraindications the new or seasoned therapist will feel confident and prove effective in working with mastectomy clients.
8 Contact Hours

Cheryl Chapman is a pioneer in cancer and mastectomy massage and teaching this since 1994. Cheryl has been an RN since 1965, a massage therapist since 1988 and a certified Holistic Nurse since 2000. Her background in Oncology, hospice and massage brings a vast amount of knowledge to this arena.

Addressing the Needs of an Aging Population

Learn how to effectively address the needs of aging clients. With increased longevity, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, hip and joint replacements, stroke and circulatory problems, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are common. Meir will teach effective massage and movement techniques to improve circulation, reduce stress and anxiety, rejuvenate the brain, develop kinesthetic awareness, reduce pain, increase range of motion, flexibility, and strength and isolate muscle groups.
8 Contact Hours

Meir Schneider is an author, educator and pioneer therapist who overcame congenital blindness. His holistic healthcare system, rehabilitative and preventative, is profoundly effective with physical and visual disorders.

Continuing Education

Friday, September 28, 8:00am-12:00pm

Neuromuscular Evaluation & Treatment Plans

Dramatically increase your NMT effectiveness. Practice evaluation skills including posture, range of motion tests, movement pattern analysis, simple orthopedic tests, using trigger point and dermatone charts. Use each of these to develop a therapy plan for specific muscles including movement re-education and what to massage, stretch, or strengthen.
4 Contact Hours

Dennis Price started NMT in 1984 and has extensively studied corrective exercise. He has taught various Sports Medicine events in 5 countries.

The Mystery of Pain (repeat)

See description above
4 Contact Hours

Massage Therapy & Pathology: Psychiatric Disorders

This class will address some of the most common mental health issues in our culture today. Depression, post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, anorexia, bulimia and other conditions will be discussed in the context of how bodywork and massage can have the most positive impact. Current information on how these conditions develop, how they are commonly treated, and how the experiences of touch seems to influence them will be shared during this lively interactive lecture.
4 Contact Hours

Ruth Werner is a massage therapist and educator with a passionate interest in the role of bodywork for people who struggle with health. Her book, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, is in its 3rd edition, and is used in massage schools all over the world. Currently based in Utah, Ruth was extremely honored to be selected for the AMTA Council of Schools Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Award for 2005.

Case Reports in Massage: Why They're Important and How to Submit Your Own

Case reports are at once the simplest and the most sorely needed contributions to the massage research world. Many skilled therapists already possess the interests, training and clientele to submit quality case reports. This session will address the remaining obstacles and set motivated participants on the path to submission.
4 Contact Hours

Michael Hamm is an instructor at Cortiva's Brian Utting School in Seattle. A winner of the Massage Therapy Foundation's 2005 Student Case Report Contest, Michael now strives to demystify research in massage therapy.

Designing Significant Learning Connections for All

Participants will be presented with current learning theory and practice in Adult and Higher Education and encouraged to identify their own learning preferences. They will connect with other teachers/learners to round out their planning and teaching styles, aiming to design and facilitate more significant, wholistic learning for massage therapy students.
4 Contact Hours

Pamela Joyce Rose is the Education Director and Instructor of Communications & Ethics at Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in British Columbia. Pamela has a M.Ed. in Adult, Community and Higher Education.

Continuing Education

Friday, September 28, 1:30pm-5:30pm

Manual & Therapeutic Management of Dysfunctional Breathing

This course will explain the presentation and symptoms of, as well as validated rehabilitation strategies for, the widespread habit (mainly affecting females) of unbalanced respiration (breathing pattern disorder/BPD). New evidence will be offered linking BPD with disturbed autonomic balance, musculoskeletal and circulatory function, affecting pain thresholds, motor control, core stability and balance, as well as emotional ability. Evidence will also be offered on the link with chronic pelvic pain and associated symptoms. Safe rehabilitation methods will be discussed.
3 Contact Hours

Leon Chaitow, D.O., N.D. is a State Registered osteopath in the United Kingdom, who has also completed postgraduate work in acupuncture, cranial osteopathy and clinical nutrition. Dr. Chaitow was a senior lecturer at The School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster, London from 1992 until 2004, when he was awarded a Fellowship by the University for "services to osteopathy and complementary medicine". He is the author of over 70 books on healthcare and is the editor of The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.

Mouth Marketing: How to Promote Yourself Verbally

Most massage therapists are not comfortable speaking about what they do for a profession. Yet becoming visual, meeting and talking to people and networking are among the best marketing tools in this profession. This course is designed to get therapists more comfortable using talk for marketing. Therapists will leave with dialogues to introduce themselves to a stranger and someone they know, talk to a small group, a professional organization or a larger audience.
4 Contact Hours

Jenn Sommermann is current owner of Massage By Land & Sea, both business teacher and chair at Swedish Institute in Manhattan, and former owner of a successful wellness clinic in Boston. Jenn has successfully coached hundreds of massage therapists and allied healthcare providers in all aspects of their business.

Massage Therapy & Pathology: Psychiatric Disorders (repeat)

See description above
4 Contact Hours

Understanding the Research Process & Research Reports: Knowing What to Look for - and Why!

This session will provide an overview of both the research process that strives to advance the scientific basis for any discipline/profession and research reports that serve to communicate that which our research efforts have revealed. In both cases, it is important to know what to look for and why researchers do what they do. This session speaks to these what and why aspects of research not only with the investigator in mind, but also with an emphasis on the implications for massage therapy educators and practitioners alike.
4 Contact Hours

Glenn M. Hymel, Ed.D., LMT, is a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Psychology at Loyola University New Orleans. Dr. Hymel is a graduate of the Blue Cliff School of Therapeutic Massage in Metairie, LA, maintains a practice in the Greater New Orleans area, and is the author of the textbook, Research Methods for Massage & Holistic Therapies (Elsevier, 2006).
4 Contact Hours

Evaluating Student Performance - Are They Getting It?

Evaluating student learning can be a challenging task. This course will help you to understand and select evaluation methods that will tell you whether or not each student has met the course learning objectives, while staying true to the principles of adult learning theory.
4 Contact Hours

Nancy Toner Weinberger has been a professional educator and a body worker for over 30 years. Among other courses, Nancy teaches "Teacher Training Intensive," a three-day class designed to provide massage school teachers with basic teaching skills.

Continuing Education
Saturday, September 29, 8:00am-5:30pm

Spinal Reflex Analysis, Level One (continued from Friday)

See description above
16 Contact Hours

Massage Precautions for the Newest Conditions and Medications Facing our Aging Population

This eight-hour workshop will be a practical application towards therapist confidence when working with today's most complex massage clients. Participants will learn contraindications and precautions, broken down into easily manageable chunks. Areas of endangerment will be discussed and related to common medications and conditions seen by our aging population.
8 Contact Hours

Bryan Born is a chiropractic physician and massage educator with more than a dozen years experience teaching massage precautions. He is the author of the landmark reference guide, The Essential Massage Companion. He was well received at this years' AMTA COS Leadership Conference, and his down-to-earth style and wealth of experience make his presentations both engaging and practical.

Continuing Education

Saturday, September 29, 8:00am-12:00pm

Know Thyself

This uniquely designed ethics training allows you to explore your personal preferences, professional skills and focus on creating a successful practice that embodies your inner wisdom. Participants will be guided through group exercise, interactive processing and a reflective look on how honorable bodywork can be achieved and accelerated. You will receive a workbook, NCBTMB Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics in support of this profound and interactive training.
4 Contact Hours

Robert K. King has authored manuals, books, videos, curricula and dozens of clinical articles in a massage therapy career spanning more than three decades. He is the founder and past president of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy where he is a senior faculty member and maintains a clinical practice. Bob is a national education consultant for Cortiva Education and conducts advanced myofascial trainings throughout the country. He is on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies and in 2004 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Massage Therapy Foundation for visionary leadership.

An Integrative Approach to the Wrist and Hand

This course is designed to give the participant an excellent understanding of the biomechanics, common conditions, assessment and treatment techniques for the wrist and hand. Learn to palpate the individual carpal bones, mobilize the transverse carpal ligament/flexor rectinaculum, and treat the associated wrist hand muscles. Common conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries and sprains.
4 Contact Hours

Mike Dixon is a Canadian and a twenty-year veteran of massage therapy. He is an educator, a published author, and an international presenter in massage therapy continuing education. Mike is the senior practical advisor for the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, and an instructor at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.

Identify & Prevent Injuries Before They Occur

Boundaries are often thought of as limits established between therapists and clients that reflect ethical and professional behaviors. However, another boundary is the pain boundary: therapists working in ways that cause self-injury, or learning to work through symptoms of existing injuries to their detriment as future massage therapists. This session combines hands-on concepts such as postural assessment, muscle length and joint stability testing with record-keeping and self-care in a practical, useful way. Create your own baseline self-assessment and self-care plan to keep you in practice for longer.
4 Contact Hours

Fiona Rattray, a massage therapist with an active practice since 1983, is co-author of "Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing and Treating Over 70 Conditions". She has 11 years experience teaching the treatment of injuries and postural dysfucnction.

Business Skills: Creating Success (Intermediate Level)

This class is specifically designed for the newer and developing massage therapist. You will explore marketing for success, bookkeeping, tax/legal issues, and employment versus independent contractor status. This presentation is designed to help you solidify your foundation by enhancing your knowledge, organizational skills, attitude and confidence.
4 Contact Hours

Pete Whitridge has taught business building classes for 17 years. He loves to jump start your dreams.

Protocol Development and Research Measurements

This course is designed to identify some useful strategies and establish a solid rationale for the development of treatment protocols that can be used in clinical practice and in scientific research. You will also cover the utilization of basic measurements that monitor client progress and treatment effectiveness.
4 Contact Hours

Clint Chandler, LMT, has developed and implemented protocols for three distinct research studies which investigated the effects of therapeutic massage on chronic tension headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Ethics for Educators

Bodyworkers are special people! Join Dianne and your colleagues for an ethics-in-the-round format. The following topics are among those presented for reflection and discussion: defining ourselves; the adult learner and learning styles; boundaries; transference and counter transference; classroom ethics; and role modeling.
4 Contact Hours

Dianne Polseno, a nurse and licensed massage therapist, has been an educator in the field of massage therapy since 1990. She is currently the Director of Education at Cortiva Institute-Muscular Therapy Institute in Watertown, MA. Dianne received the Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Awards for 2006 and has a sincere interest in sharing her knowledge and experience.

Continuing Education

Saturday, September 29, 1:30pm-5:30pm

Everyday Ethics

Desxualizing the massage experience, while still urgently important, does not seem to be the primary focus of most ethical discussions among professional massage therapists these days. Instead, our most challenging ethical issues are found in everyday practice - in our  encounters with clients, employers, colleagues and other medical professionals. Join Dianne Polseno and your colleagues for a session of interesting information and discussion on ethical topics that you want and need to know about. Bring your questions, ethical concerns, and enthusiasm to this collaborative ethical learning event.
4 Contact Hours

Dianne Polseno, a nurse and licensed massage therapist, has been an educator in the field of massage therapy since 1990. She is currently the Director of Education at Cortiva Institute-Muscular Therapy Institute in Watertown, MA. Dianne received the Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Awards for 2006 and has a sincere interest in sharing her knowledge and experience.

Highlights of Thai Massage

View a demonstration of Thai Massage, an ancient tradition incorporating compressions, stretches and point work. Done on the floor with the recipient clothed, Thai massage restores range of motion and brings vital energy to the body. Learn a simple but thorough routine adapted for the client on the table.
4 Contact Hours

Kay Rynerson is an LMP since 1988 and earned a teaching certificate in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 1997. Kay teaches and maintains a private practice in Seattle, WA.

Neuromuscular Evaluation & Treatment Plans (repeat)

See description above
4 Contact Hours

Business Skills: Vision for Your Future (Advanced Level)

This class is designed for the advanced therapist who is ready for the next step. You will explore models for success, long range planning, and commercial property ownership. You will also explore vital tax and retirement issues, practice management and selling your practice. This class will give you the inspiration and support to achieve your dreams.
4 Contact Hours

Pete Whitridge has taught business building classes for 17 years. He loves to jump start your dreams.

Research and the Profession

This session will be moderated by Massage Therapy Foundation President Diana L. Thompson. It will address the current state of massage therapy research. Scheduled speakers include:
Jane Buckle, Ph.D., "Effects of Massage on Brain Function using SPECT Imaging"
Janet Kahn, Ph.D., Massage Therapy Research Consortium, "Effects Clients Notice from Massage: Updated Results from a Study in Nine Student Clinics"
Leslie Korn, Ph.D., M.P.H., "Polarity Therapy for Dementia Caregivers"
David Steinhorn, M.D., "Effects of Five Minute Foot Massages on Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Patients"
Patricia A. Sharpe, Ph.D., "Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Weight Control in the United States"
2007 Student Case Report Contest Winner, TBD
4 Contact Hours

Teaching Pathology from the Heart

Science teachers in massage schools face some unique challenges. Their material is essential for the education of skilled bodyworkers, but many students feel intimidated or disconnected from learning that is more head-based than hand-based. This class is designed for massage educators who want ideas and support to build science curriculum that is relevant, exciting and accessible to their students.
4 Contact Hours

Ruth Werner is a massage therapist and educator with a passionate interest in the role of bodywork for people who struggle with health. Her book, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, is in its 3rd edition, and is used in massage schools all over the world. Currently based in Utah, Ruth was extremely honored to be selected for the AMTA Council of Schools Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Award for 2005.

Massage Therapy Foundation Post-Convention Workshop

Sunday, September 30, 12:30pm-5:30pm
Monday, October 1, 8:30am-4:30pm

Advanced Muscle Energy Techniques for Massage Therapists

Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) involves the use of mild isometric or isotonic contractions to facilitate subsequent mobilizations or stretching procedures. These methods are ideal for use in conjunction with massage and other soft tissue manipulation procedures. This workshop will focus on practical clinical applications backed by research.
12 Contact Hours

Leon ChaitowD.O., N.D. is a State Registered osteopath in the United Kingdom, who has also completed postgraduate work in acupuncture, cranial osteopathy and clinical nutrition. Dr. Chaitow was a senior lecturer at The School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster, London from 1992 until 2004, when he was awarded a Fellowship by the University for "services to osteopathy and complementary medicine". He is the author of over 70 books on healthcare and is the editor of The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.

EDUCATION AT A GLANCE

Tuesday, September 25 and Wednesday, September 26

Thursday, September 27

Friday, September 28

Saturday, September 29

Sunday, September 30 and Monday, October 1

Return to main 2007 Convention page