Massage Therapy Continuing Education Courses

July 2025

Cupping Basics for Massage Therapists (6 CE Hours)

Course Description:
Discover how to safely and effectively incorporate cupping therapy into your massage practice. This introductory workshop focuses on the fundamentals of cupping, including proper sanitation protocols, anatomical considerations, contraindications, and safe cup placement techniques. You’ll gain hands-on experience with both static and gliding cupping methods, while learning how to adapt these techniques to different client needs and treatment goals.

Whether you're new to cupping or seeking to refresh your skills, this course provides a practical, evidence-informed approach that empowers you to confidently integrate cupping into therapeutic massage sessions.

Key topics include:

• History and therapeutic benefits of cupping

• Safety, hygiene, and contraindications

• Choosing and maintaining cupping equipment

• Basic application techniques for soft tissue release

• Integrating cupping with massage for improved outcomes

Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program

* All supplies provided, except for linens and massage oil. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Body Mechanics for Injury Prevention (4 CE Hours)

Course Description:

Discover how to extend the life of your massage therapy career through effective and sustainable body mechanics. This continuing education course is designed to equip massage therapists with practical tools and techniques to minimize strain, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance performance in the treatment room.

Participants will explore the science of ergonomics and postural alignment, learn how to adapt techniques to different body types and table heights, and cultivate mindful movement habits that support long-term physical health. The course blends lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice to reinforce safe, effective work habits in real-world clinical settings.

Whether you're a new graduate or a seasoned practitioner, this class offers valuable insights to help protect your most important tool—your body—so you can continue doing what you love with strength, skill, and resilience.

Key topics include:

• Principles of ergonomics and injury prevention for massage therapists
• Postural assessment and alignment strategies
• Safe body mechanics for common massage techniques
• Movement efficiency and energy conservation
• Adapting your approach to client size, table height, and setting
• Stretching, self-care, and strengthening for therapist wellness
• Identifying and correcting harmful habits in the treatment room

Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program

* All supplies provided, except for linens and massage oil. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Body Mechanics Reboot (5 CE Hours)

Course Description:
Many of us find our adherence to excellent body mechanics slipping with the passage of time.  In this class, we’ll review principles of leverage, stance, and positioning.  We’ll also review areas of the body we as LMTs are prone to injury and ways to prevent injury here.  Last, each participant will have the opportunity to give (and receive) a massage during which body mechanics will be closely observed, critiqued, and corrected.

Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program

* Students will need to bring linens and a massage emollient. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

August 2025

Massage Therapist Self-Care & Burnout Prevention (4 CE Hours)

Course Description:

In a profession centered around healing others, it’s vital that massage therapists also prioritize their own well-being. This 4-hour continuing education course is designed to help massage therapists develop a sustainable, fulfilling career by focusing on personal self-care and burnout prevention.

Through an engaging mix of instruction and guided activities, participants will explore practical strategies for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether you’re a new therapist or a seasoned professional, this course offers valuable insights and tools to help you thrive in your practice—without sacrificing your own well-being.

Key topics include:

• Movement and Body Mechanics: Prevent injury and reduce fatigue through proper posture, stretching, and ergonomics tailored to massage work.

• Stress Reduction Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness, breathwork, and self-regulation tools into your daily routine.

• Time and Energy Management: Learn practical strategies for managing your schedule, setting boundaries, and preserving your energy throughout the workday.

• Burnout Awareness: Identify signs of burnout early and implement preventive techniques to support long-term career satisfaction.

• Holistic Self-Care Planning: Create a personalized self-care plan that aligns with your professional lifestyle and personal wellness needs.

Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program

* All supplies provided. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Ethics & Professional Boundaries (4 CE Hours)

Course Description:

Explore Real-World Ethics for Massage Professionals

This continuing education course provides an essential exploration of ethics and professional boundaries specifically tailored for massage therapy professionals. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions and analyze real-world scenarios to deepen their understanding of ethical decision-making in the therapeutic environment.

Through interactive exercises and group dialogue, this course emphasizes:

• Communication Skills: Learn effective techniques for managing client interactions, setting clear expectations, and addressing ethical dilemmas with confidence and clarity.

• Professionalism: Examine the standards of conduct that support integrity, trust, and client safety in professional practice.

• Boundary Setting: Develop practical tools for establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries to safeguard both the therapist and the client.

Key topics include:

• Real-world ethical dilemmas and case studies
• Recognizing and responding to boundary violations
• Dual relationships and conflicts of interest
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices
• Confidentiality and informed consent
• Professional conduct and self-awareness
• Effective communication strategies for challenging situations

Whether you're renewing your license or seeking to elevate your practice, this course equips you with actionable strategies to navigate the complex ethical landscape of bodywork with professionalism and care.

Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program

* All supplies provided. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Stretching Techniques for Massage Therapists (4 CE Hours)

Course Description:

Enhance your therapeutic effectiveness with targeted passive and assisted stretching techniques.

This hands-on continuing education course is designed specifically for licensed massage therapists looking to expand their skillset and provide greater value to their clients. Through in-depth instruction and guided practice, participants will learn how to integrate passive and assisted stretching into their sessions to address a wide range of common client issues.

Whether you work with athletes, desk-bound professionals, or individuals recovering from injury, this course will give you practical tools to support your clients' mobility and wellness goals.

Key topics include:

• Principles of passive and assisted stretching

• Stretching sequences for the neck, shoulders, hips, and lower back

• Addressing common client complaints such as:

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Postural imbalances

  • Muscular tightness and joint stiffness

• Client communication and consent during assisted techniques

• Proper body mechanics for therapist safety and effectiveness

• Integrating stretching into massage therapy sessions seamlessly

Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program

* Students will need to bring linens and a massage emollient. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

September 2025

Intraoral Massage Foundations (16 CE Hours)

Course Description:
You’ve been asking for it – this class will teach the basics of intraoral massage and will meet the criteria required for the Washington intraoral endorsement application.  Participants will learn the anatomy and musculature of the face and jaw, the hygiene and ethical considerations of intraoral massage, and techniques for treating the jaw and TMJ both internally and externally.  The weekend will conclude with an opportunity to conduct a full treatment on a client.

Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program

* Students will need to bring linens and a massage emollient. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Cadaver Anatomy of the Upper Extremity (4-Hour Dissection Lab)

Course Description:
This focused 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers an in-depth exploration of the upper extremity, providing massage therapists, movement professionals, bodyworkers, and healthcare students with a unique opportunity to study the intricate anatomy of the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.

Under the guidance of an experienced anatomist, participants will be encouraged to actively engage in the dissection process, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper three-dimensional understanding of the musculoskeletal and neurovascular systems. For those who prefer not to dissect, observation-only participation is welcomed and supported, making the lab inclusive for all learning preferences.

Key areas of focus include:

• Muscles of the shoulder girdle, upper arm, forearm, and hand, including the rotator cuff, biceps, triceps, flexors, and extensors.

• Bony structures and landmarks, such as the clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, and carpal bones.

• Major nerve pathways, including the brachial plexus and its branches—radial, ulnar, and median nerves—with insights into conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome and carpal tunnel.

• Joint mechanics of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, highlighting functional movement and common dysfunctions.

Dissection is performed on non-treated cadaver specimens, which are preserved without the use of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. This results in more natural color, texture, and movement, allowing participants to better appreciate the living qualities of human tissue and develop a refined understanding of anatomical relationships.

Set in a respectful and professional learning environment, this lab fosters critical thinking, somatic awareness, and clinical relevance. Whether you are refining your palpation skills or advancing your anatomical knowledge, this lab provides a transformative educational experience.

Prerequisites: A foundational understanding of human anatomy is recommended.
Note: All participants must comply with safety protocols and uphold the highest standards of respect for the anatomical donors.

November 2025

MVA Treatment from Start to Finish (8 CE Hours)

Course Description:

Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program

* Students will need to bring linens and a massage emollient. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Cadaver Anatomy of the Lower Extremity (4-Hour Dissection Lab)

Course Description:
This 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers a powerful, hands-on opportunity to examine the complex and functional anatomy of the lower extremity. Tailored for massage therapists, movement professionals, manual therapists, and health science students, this lab focuses on the pelvis, hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot—critical regions for mobility, stability, and structural integration.

Participants are encouraged to actively participate in the dissection process, allowing for direct engagement with the tissues and structures of the lower body. Those who prefer a non-dissecting role are welcomed to observe, ensuring that all learners benefit from the experience regardless of comfort level with dissection.

Guided by an expert anatomist, participants will explore:

• Muscles of the lower extremity, including the gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors, and calf complex.

• Fascial and connective tissue relationships, including the iliotibial band, plantar fascia, and intermuscular septa.

• Skeletal anatomy of the pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, patella, and foot bones.

• Neural and vascular pathways, including the sciatic nerve, femoral artery, and tibial nerve.

• Functional connections between structure and common clinical conditions such as sciatica, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, and knee instability.

The use of non-treated cadaver specimens—free from formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals—offers a uniquely realistic experience. Natural coloration, texture, and movement of tissues are preserved, providing an unparalleled level of anatomical clarity and insight into living-body dynamics.

This lab emphasizes professionalism, anatomical respect, and inquiry-based learning. By the end of the session, participants will have gained a richer understanding of the lower body’s interrelated systems and how they inform assessment, treatment, and movement strategies in real-world practice.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of anatomy is recommended.
Note: All participants must follow safety guidelines and treat anatomical donors with the utmost respect.

January 2026

Cadaver Anatomy of the Torso & Trunk (4-Hour Dissection Lab)

Course Description:
This dynamic 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers a rare and in-depth exploration of the human torso—encompassing the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic regions. Designed for massage therapists, bodyworkers, movement specialists, and healthcare students, this lab empowers participants to study the core structures that are fundamental to posture, breath, movement, and internal organ function.

Participants are encouraged to take an active role in the dissection process, gaining tactile, three-dimensional insight into the layered anatomy of the trunk. For those who prefer not to dissect, observation-only participation is also fully supported, ensuring a valuable experience for all comfort levels.

This hands-on session includes guided exploration of:

• Musculoskeletal anatomy, including the diaphragm, intercostals, rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, and deep spinal stabilizers.

• Bony landmarks of the rib cage, vertebral column, pelvis, and sternum.

• Neural pathways, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and autonomic structures.

• Visceral anatomy, featuring the lungs, heart, digestive organs, kidneys, and reproductive structures, with attention to spatial relationships and clinical relevance.

All dissection is performed on non-treated cadaver specimens, meaning they are free from harsh preservatives such as formaldehyde. This allows for a more lifelike educational experience with natural color, texture, and tissue movement, offering a deeper appreciation for the living body’s anatomy.

Led by an experienced anatomist or clinical educator, the lab is conducted in a respectful, professional, and inquiry-driven environment, supporting enhanced anatomical literacy and practical application for therapeutic and clinical work.

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of human anatomy is recommended.
Note: All participants must adhere to lab safety protocols and demonstrate respectful conduct toward the human donors.

February 2026

Cadaver Anatomy of the Head and Neck (4-Hour Dissection Lab)

Course Description:
This immersive 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers an exceptional hands-on opportunity to explore the intricate anatomy of the head and neck. Ideal for massage therapists, manual therapy practitioners, bodyworkers, movement professionals, and students in the health sciences, this session provides both an educational and profoundly respectful experience with human anatomical donors.

Participants will actively engage in the dissection process, guided by a skilled anatomist or clinical instructor. This direct interaction allows for a deeper and more tactile understanding of the region’s complex anatomical structures. For those who prefer a more observational role, observation-only participation is also fully welcomed and supported.

Areas of exploration include:

• The layered musculature of the face, jaw, and neck—such as the muscles of facial expression, mastication, and cervical stabilization (e.g., SCM, scalenes, suboccipitals).

• Bony landmarks of the skull and cervical spine, including cranial sutures and vertebral anatomy.

• Key neural pathways, including major cranial nerves and branches of the cervical plexus.

• Vascular structures, lymphatics, and soft tissue relationships related to common clinical issues such as TMJ dysfunction, migraines, and whiplash.

Our specimens are non-treated, meaning they are not preserved with harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde. This provides an unparalleled learning experience, as the tissues retain more natural color, texture, and movement, closely resembling living anatomy. This allows participants to more accurately visualize and understand the real-life characteristics of muscles, fascia, and organs.

This lab fosters an atmosphere of professionalism, respect, and curiosity, and is designed to expand your anatomical understanding, improve palpation accuracy, and inform more effective clinical and therapeutic practices.

Prerequisites: A foundational knowledge of human anatomy is recommended.
Note: Participants must follow all lab safety protocols and demonstrate respect for the human donors throughout the session.