Explorations in Movement Based Bodywork: Understanding Core Strength

Core strengthening has become popular in sports and physical therapy, and many people blame all low back pain on lack of core strength. And indeed, many people with low back pain improve when the core is strengthened.

But does it work? Yes, except when it doesn’t And when it does work, perhaps it doesn’t always work for the reasons you think. And when it doesn’t work, sometimes problems arise from hypertonicity in the psoas, co-contraction of the flexors and extensors, and pelvic floor issues.

This knowledge is important for the massage therapist, both for knowledge of treating injuries, and for client education for clients who have been misinformed or are confused. 

Goals for this class include:

• Examining the evidence for core strengthening; Does it really work?
• Learning alternate reasons why it may work.
• Understanding the problems that may arise when this approach is used poorly or inappropriately.
• Learning painless hands-on treatment for psoas issues and co-contraction.
• Practicing alternative methods of core strengthening, based on the Feldenkrais Method of Movement Education©, and Continuum of Emilie Conrad. These methods provide a multidirectional and more holistic approach to strengthening, and hands-on bodywork methods can be based on these strategies.

This class will be experiential, and will include floor exercise, lecture, discussion, and hands-on practice. This qualifies for 6 hands-on CE units NCBTMB. There is no prerequisite.

Exercises will be done on a carpeted floor; students may wish to bring a mat or towel, and wear comfortable clothes for movement. Students should be able to lie on the floor and come to standing with little or no assistance. Bring sheets; no lotion is required.

Class starts at 10 AM and ends at 5 PM. There will be an hour for lunch, starting at approximately 12:30.

For more information, you may contact Ann Harman at annharman0112358@gmail.com or 352-466-4940.

Instructor: Ann Harman, D.O., LMT

Time: 10 AM-5 PM
Workshop Regular Price: $90
Early Registration Price and Deadline: $80 with 30-day advance registration
Location: Florida School of Massage
CEU Hours: 6 CE, NCBTMB