Instructor: Frank Merillat
Dates:
Neck – August 15, 2026
Shoulder – August 16, 2026
Time: 9AM-6PM
Workshop Price: The cost for one day is $150 with the early registration discount. It is $175 if received after July 22nd. The cost for attending both days is $300. (Remember early bird must received by July 22nd)
Location: Florida School of Massage
CE Hours: 9 Florida CEs for one day, or 18 Florida CEs if taking both days. These are Florida approved, live and in person and relevant to massage CEs.
To register or for more information contact: Frank Merillat at (352) 371-0743, 352 213-4603 (cell or text), or by e-mail at fmerillat@mac.com
Saturday will focus on the neck, Sunday will focus on shoulder. Participants can do either a single day or both days.

Course Description

These courses are designed to be taken together or as individual classes. Either way works well.

The ability to offer good specific treatment to areas of the body can distinguish a therapist. When a client has the need to have a condition addressed, a thorough knowledge of the anatomical structure and contractile tissue associated can be instrumental in helping that person. How much do you remember from massage school or from classes you have taken since? If one is not reviewing on a regular basis what we once knew can slowly or even quickly fade away.

Getting Specific is a series of one- or two-day workshop experiences that focus on specific areas of the body. Anatomical structures, synergistic muscle groups, and effective techniques associated with each specific area of the body will be covered. Use of audio-visual aids, lecture and hands-on palpation will help the participant get clearer on what they are touching. Demonstrations will address techniques that are useful for the area presented. Lots of hands-on time will be available with the opportunity to interact with the instructor will be offered. This will be a great way to review and build your skills.

The Saturday class will be focused on the head and neck. The anatomy will cover the occiput, cervical processes, jaw and scapula attachments, as well as understanding the working movements of the vertebrae and joint structures. You will learn specific treatment techniques for the scalenes, prevertebrals, suboccipitals, paraspinals, as well as the trapezius and levator scapula. We will play with ways to support the head and neck as well as adding movement to your treatment techniques and enjoy becoming more confident and comfortable working with the head and neck.

The Sunday class will focus on the shoulder. The shoulder functionally begins superiorly at the occiput and mastoid process of the skull and inferiorly at the ilium and sacrum. It is anchored in the axial skeleton including vertebrae, ribs and sternum and ends in the radius and ulna. In this workshop, we will explore the major components of this wonderfully moveable part of the body. Specific focus on the shoulder girdle, rotator cuff, and scapula attachments and musculature including techniques to treat these areas will be shared. We will do sideline work as well as prone and supine. The use of movement will be explored to enhance the effectiveness of this work. Come join and play with this important region of the body.

You are invited to participate either one or both days. There is an early registration discount for either class if you register three weeks in advance. I encourage you to take advantage of the early registration discounts.

You will need to bring sheets, lube, 2-4 pillows for sideline work for the shoulder class and your curiosity and a participatory interest. There will be massage tables available on site.

Again to register for these courses or to get more information please contact Frank Merillat via email at fmerillat@mac.com or call (352) 371-0743 or 352 213-4603 (cell or text).

About the instructor:

Frank has been studying massage and the movement body since 1993, he is a certified Trager Practitioner, certified in sports massage and has taught at the Florida School of Massage since 1995. He taught Kinesiology (the movement body) from 1995 through 2019, Neuromuscular Therapy starting in 2000 and numerous other classes at the school. He combines his work based on his study in the field to include myofascial approach, neuromuscular therapy, movement awareness, cranial work combined with compassion for his clients and understanding of the movement body and the use of client communication and interaction. He has worked in a medical practice, with the University of Florida women gymnasts and has managed his own clinic while maintaining his ongoing private practice. He has been offering Florida approved workshops since 2010. He loves the outdoors, fishing, playing with his dogs, traveling and interaction with fellow humans.