Friday, August 28

The New Science of Trigger Point Release (Hands-on with table)

Unresolved myofascial trigger points are a common contributor to persistent pain patterns frequently seen in conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, and Chronic Pain Syndrome. This course, entitled ‘The New Science of Trigger Point Release’ bridges the gap between modern myofascial research and the way trigger point therapy is commonly practiced today. While our understanding of trigger points, referred pain, and myofascial dysfunction has advanced significantly, many clinical approaches have not kept pace with the science. In this course, you will learn a contemporary, evidence-informed approach to palpating, assessing, and releasing trigger points for the effective relief of myofascial pain. Emphasis is placed on precise tissue assessment, including how to differentiate trigger points from adhesions and other myofascial restrictions. You will learn how to apply the appropriate technique dose and intensity, how to confirm that a trigger point has been released, and how to optimize results before and after work is done to support lasting clinical change.

Materials Required: Please plan to bring or share a massage table if you select this class. Table storage will be provided.

View Jared Cooper's Bio

Customized Clinical Care for Musculoskeletal Conditions and Pain (Hands-on with table)

Unlock powerful clinical results with one of the profession's premier educators. In this dynamic, hands-on course, attendees will dive into the science, assessment, and interventions for musculoskeletal conditions and pain. This engaging course will introduce you to Whitney Lowe's innovative "Ladder of Engagement" system, where you'll learn to transform advanced clinical techniques into hundreds of precision-based technique variations. Discover how to move from passive to active strategies, customize sessions for every client, and dramatically expand your therapeutic impact. Quit guessing - learn to be an intentional, thinking practitioner. Real skills. Real results. Real change—for you and your clients.

Materials Required: Please plan to bring or share a massage table if you select this class. Table storage will be provided.

View Whitney Lowe's Bio

Exploring the Fundamentals of Fascial Therapy (Hands-on with table)

In this dynamic session, attendees will learn the fundamentals of fascial therapy with an inside look at the practical applications of this massage practice. Explore various styles, techniques and philosophies of fascial therapy and the physiological responses of both fascia and the rest of the body. Through this session, therapists can learn meaningful ways to expand their massage practice and better serve the diverse needs of their clients.

Materials Required: Please plan to bring or share a massage table if you select this class. Table storage will be provided.

View Ann Teachworth's Bio

View Lynn Teachworth's Bio

Hospital-Based Massage Therapy: Understanding the Who, Why, and How

Hospital-based massage therapy is an expanding field that integrates massage into health care settings to support patients, enhance recovery, and improve overall well-being. This session provides an in-depth look at who can work in hospital settings, why hospitals are incorporating massage therapy, and what it takes to succeed in this specialized environment. Attendees will learn essential skills, training requirements, and career pathways for massage therapists interested in working in medical settings.

View Tina Allen's Bio 

Building a Thriving Massage Practice with Smart Pricing, Marketing, and Client Retention

This session will equip massage therapists with actionable strategies to overcome common business challenges, including pricing their services effectively, attracting ideal clients, and fostering long-term loyalty. Attendees will learn how to create sustainable success without burnout, even in saturated markets or while transitioning to a new business model. Julie’s strategies will encourage attendees to create practices built for longevity and impact, allowing them to take care of their future and their clients.

View Julie Campbell's Bio 

Progressive Stretching and Movement Therapy: Stretching Techniques for Your Clients’ Well-Being (Hands-on without table)

This interactive session integrates advanced neurological principles with evidence-based stretching and mobility practices to optimize range of motion, muscular function, and skeletal alignment. Using insights from meta-analyses and systematic reviews, we will examine how neurology influences flexibility and movement patterns and will apply this knowledge to guide goal-setting and movement direction for clients. This class is ideal for massage therapists and fitness enthusiasts who want a structured, research-informed approach to enhancing mobility, preventing injury, and improving overall movement efficiency.

Materials Required: This class does not require a table but a towel or yoga mat is required for floor work.

View Dustin Donahue's Bio

Pre- and Perinatal Massage Strokes for the Mama Folks

Working with pregnant people or those who already have babies is an immense honor, even if it is not your specialty. Mamas want safe, effective pre- and perinatal massage therapy, so it is important to adapt your skills to meet their needs with confidence. This fun-filled session offers attendees evidence-based knowledge and techniques to meet life’s most common miracle with greater skill, confidence, and massage therapy expertise.

View Michele Holland's Bio

Building the Path Forward for Therapeutic and Clinical Massage Therapy: Policy, Education, Research, and Advocacy

This session explores how policy, education, research, and advocacy are advancing the integration of massage therapy into the U.S. health care system, highlighting massage as an evidence-informed, nonpharmacological approach to patient-centered care. Participants will gain an understanding of how health policy shapes scope of practice, access to massage, and professional recognition, and how growing research evidence informs policy decisions, reimbursement, and interdisciplinary care models. This course will also provide an overview of advocacy, emphasizing the role massage therapists can play in shaping state and federal policy through grassroots engagement and coordinated efforts led by AMTA. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to act as informed advocates, helping to strengthen the profession and improve patient care nationwide.

View Christine Hoober's Bio

View Deborah Outlaw's Bio

View Martha Rinker's Bio

View James Specker's Bio

4 Keys to a Long and Successful Teaching Career

The life of a massage therapy educator can be challenging and sometimes even feel lonely. Left to our own devices, it’s easy to question ourselves, our teaching styles, and whether we are meeting students’ needs. In this session, we will explore four common areas that can contribute to frustration, dissatisfaction, and even burn out. Attendees will learn how to recognize these challenges and discover simple strategies to get back on track, refreshed, renewed, and well on their way back to a long and successful career.

View Paula Jilanis's Bio 

View Demara Stamler's Bio 

Reflexology: Techniques, Framework, and Research (Hands-on without table)

Reflexology is a valuable adjunctive technique that enhances therapeutic massage and supports whole-body wellness. In this session, attendees will learn an easy-to-understand framework for identifying and working with reflex points on the feet as part of massage sessions. The course includes a review of major body systems and how they correspond to reflex zones, allowing therapists to design thoughtful and effective reflexology sequences. Current research on the effectiveness of reflexology as a complementary therapy for common conditions will also be discussed, helping massage therapists integrate evidence-informed approaches into their massage therapy sessions. By the end of the session, therapists will gain practical skills, clearer anatomical insight, and confidence in applying reflexology techniques safely and effectively as part of their massage therapy practice.

Materials Required: This class does not require a table but a towel or yoga mat is required for floor work.

View Jeffrey Montoya's Bio

The Neurophysiology of Touch and Movement for Massage Therapists (Hands-on without table)

This evidence-informed presentation will offer massage therapists an overview of the human nervous system, with a focus on its role in movement and the development, maintenance, and resolution of muscle tension. Through slides and experiential exercises, participants will visualize how nerves and muscles interact and will gain insight into the function of their own nervous systems. By understanding touch and movement at this level, therapists can guide clients to actively engage in their sessions, enhancing the effectiveness of massage and promoting deeper, more lasting healing.

Materials Required: This class does not require a table but a towel or yoga mat is required for floor work.

View Gabriel Posner's Bio

Relieving Anxiety Through Massage Therapy

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but chronic anxiety can disrupt an individual's quality of life. Anxiety triggers the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can adversely impact physical health over time. Massage therapy has the potential to reduce stress levels and alleviate feelings of anxiety. In this session, we will examine the types and causes of anxiety and the physical toll these can have on a person and their quality of life. We will consider and explore the value of massage therapy as a physical intervention to help reduce symptoms and the impact of anxiety. Therapists will gain tools to better serve their clients with anxiety using a science-based and informed approach, within scope of practice.

View William Dickinson's Bio

Ethics: A Focused Look on Professionalism in Massage Therapy

Through this session, attendees will gain an in-depth, look into the world of professionalism and how it relates to the massage therapy and the advancement of your practice. Going beyond general ethics, attendees will look at situational aspects that impact professional choices as well as ideals of how professionalism can enhance your business. Discover how to take your practice to the next level with specific strategies that will help you incorporate professionalism into your massage therapy career.

View Jarrod Fritz's Bio

Introduction to Oncology Massage: Dispelling Myths and Preparing Practitioners

Massage has been proven to be an effective complementary therapeutic approach for people with a history of cancer. Whether they’re in treatment or remission, touch therapy provides numerous benefits to individuals dealing with a challenging chronic disease. This 4-hour class will introduce therapists to basic knowledge of oncology massage, the benefits of touch therapy for cancer patients and dispel the myths regarding massage therapy and cancer. This session will also cover the education and training recommended for therapists seeking to specialize in oncology massage.

View Ericka Clinton's Bio

Introduction to Myofascial Release for Pain and Injury (Hands-on without table)

This course will provide massage therapists with a foundational understanding of the fascial system and its role in addressing long-term injuries and pain dysfunctions. Attendees will expand their skillset to better meet a range of client concerns. This session offers an introduction to myofascial release and guidance on integrating these techniques into massage therapy practice, including self-care practices to share with their clients for greater healing.

Materials Required: This class does not require a table but a towel or yoga mat is required for floor work.

View Frances Nicolais' Bio

Stronger Hands, Stronger You: Breaking the Overuse Myth for Massage Therapists (Hands-on without table)

Massage therapists often hear the myth that excessive thumb use leads to injury and career burnout. The truth? It’s not overuse—it’s the lack of proper care and conditioning. This session is designed to debunk the myths surrounding thumb and finger overuse while providing practical tools to strengthen, protect, and sustain the hands, wrists, and joints. Through guided exercises, anatomical insights, and self-care techniques, participants will learn how to build resilience in their hands, develop greater endurance in their practice, and integrate longevity-focused habits into their daily routines. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out, this course will give you the foundation to work smarter, stronger, and pain-free for years to come.

Materials Required: This class does not require a table but a towel or yoga mat is required for floor work.

View Josue Enriquez Lopez's Bio

Introduction to Lymphatic Drainage (Hands-on without table)

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a highly sought-after massage therapy approach. This course covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, as well as common indications and contraindications massage therapists should be aware of. MLD can help promote lymph flow throughout the body, reduce swelling, and encourage the relaxation response through gentle rhythmic techniques. In this session, attendees will learn how the lymphatic system works and how this technique can elevate their massage practice.

Materials Required: This class does not require a table but a towel or yoga mat is required for floor work.

View Rob Kelly's Bio 

The PNMT Palpation Games (Hands-on without table)

Excellence in any endeavor requires skill development. A foundational skill in massage therapy is palpation, requiring expert and sensitive touch. In this session, participants will fine-tune, develop, and explore the specific palpation skills needed to develop mastery in massage therapy. Therapists will be challenged to explore multiple facets of palpation skills in a fun, game-like setting, using creative approaches that will provide attendees with clear feedback to improve accuracy. Participants can use that feedback to sharpen their palpation skills and apply them to their massage practice. Let the palpation games begin!

Materials Required: This class does not require a table but a towel or yoga mat is required for floor work.

View James Ivaska's Bio

View Doug Nelson's Bio

Pathology in Practice: 10 Conditions To Know

Expand your expertise and confidence in working with clients with chronic health conditions. This comprehensive course, led by massage expert Susan Salvo, equips therapists with essential knowledge and best practices for modifying sessions to ensure client safety and comfort. We will focus specifically on the top ten conditions therapists encounter most frequently on their tables, including diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and others. Attendees will learn how to address key considerations, such as the impact of medications, complications like neuropathy, and how to formulate client-centered, condition-appropriate care plans.

View Susan Salvo's Bio

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