Structural Integration and Wellness

I am very glad I opted for this course... it is what I am already trying to do instinctively so it gives me much more solid ground as well as making me want to learn more directly.

Donna S, NCTMB, Las Vegas, NV

This course is one of the best I've taken so far. Clear and easy to understand. Practical. The manual is so well written that I will use it on a daily basis in my clinical practice. It will serve as my constant reference tool.

Karen Moller, LMT, NCTMB

This course is definitely advanced but it was extremely helpful in explaining various approaches. The pictures were very helpful and clear, as well. This is one reference book I am very happy to have available for my use. Thanks!

Lauretta Olivi, LMT

This course has given me a more in depth knowledge of what I had already learned in massage therapy school.

Liz Senkbeil Sheboygan, Wis

The course was informative and the layout was easy to understand.

Michael Smith, LMT

I loved this course, a lot of information to take in. It kept me very interested and I'm going to read the book again. Thank you.

Debra Price, LMT, NCTMB

This course was the most thorough continuing education course I've taken. The text book was very thorough and had a plethora of helpful diagrams, charts and photos to more completely explain the material. The course was more than I hoped it would be and I will immediately incorporate what I learned into my practice.

Gretta Shepherd, LMT, BCTMB

Even though I had never heard of this particular practioner/ teacher, he often referred to those with which I had personally studied. The material was a fairly clear, understandable & comprehensive overview kind of like catching up with an old friend. This is the second CEU course I've taken with your online institute in this format, and find it surprisingly engaging as well as informative.

RUssell Lome

This the THE course for any manual/structural massage therapist. There is so much very important information regarding issues with the body. I certainly recommend this course wholeheartedly to any therapist who likes to help clients with stress/pain issues.

Rosline Loutsios, RMT

Outstanding reference for the future! The text challenged my knowledge and I recalled learning much of the information and treatment techniques during massage school, 20+ years ago. Thank you for an excellent course!

B. Kristine DeFant, LMT, BCTMB

The book was/is excellent! Loved the section showing all the techniques for specific muscular issues. Will now be a pertinent reference material in my library of resourceful books to use in my practice! Thank you!

Diana Freed, LMT, BCTMB

excellent course!

Francisco Torres IV, LMT

1. List at least two visible and two hidden signs of structural dysfunction.
2. Identify the key principles in Hellerwork, Postural Integration and Zen Bodywork.
3. Recognize Maitland's three paradigms of practice and list the main characteristics of structural bodywork.
4. Describe the somatic perspective of complementary therapy and compare therapy techniques and practice levels within the somatic discipline.
5. List at least three elements of the embryogenetic systems that relate to structural bodywork and recognize at least three models for understanding human structure.
6. Correctly identify each of the following:
• The tissue layers of the body and the roles of each
• The three main levels of muscle organization
• At least two potential spaces in the body
• The types and functions of connective tissue
• The main types of cells found within connective tissue
• The mechanical characteristics of fascia
7. Compare and contrast tonic and phasic muscles.
8. Identify reasons for musculature injuries or disorders that may lead to structural adaptation and/or structural dysfunction.
9. Recognize at least three postural-structural dysfunctions that are related specifically to the organization of the axial skeleton; define “inspiration fix” and “expiration fix,” and list the consequences of leg length discrepancy.
10. Recognize the key elements of at least five of the following models:
• Internal-external model
• Janda's approach
• Feldenkrais
• Hanna's extension of Feldenkrais
• Schleip's extension of Hanna's ideas
• Myer's Anatomy Train concept
11. Compare the key elements of each of the following: standing, palpatory, and gait assessment and identify the rules for strategizing structural bodywork sessions.
12. Identify general protocols for addressing imbalances in at least four areas of the sagittal plane.
13. List the areas of the lateral line and the medial leg line of the frontal plane and identify the general protocols for addressing asymmetries in the frontal and traverse planes.

"As the muscles of inspiration release, the elastic recoil of the fascia can then be recycled, restoring the thorax to its resting state, and in the process inducing the expiration of air. This is an example of how the body can intelligently harness this stored elastic energy of the connective tissues. The same principle can be seen in the design of fusiform muscles themselves. The collagen fibers in the epimysium of muscles tend to encircle the muscle belly, running perpendicular to the long axis of the muscle. Again, a muscle actively contracts and shortens, it swells in the middle, against the elastic resistance of these fibers, which on relaxation will squeeze the muscle belly back in and assist the muscle in returning to its resting length." ( Structural Bodywork by John Smith, 2005, p. 81)

Which of the following structures have similar oscillatory properties as those of a human body?

1. A pendulum and a spring in tension
2. A jackhammer and jack-in-the-box
3. Guitar strings and bridges
4. Skyscrapers and trees