Description
Course Description:
This is a hands-on class in the application of advanced ergonomic and movement efficiency principles to massage therapy work. The class begins with a thorough kinesiological analysis of the neutral, protective positions for the spine, pelvis, and all the joints of the upper extremity. Students will learn to use safe body mechanics and energy-saving techniques to effortlessly facilitate force transmission while targeting specific body areas and tissues. They will practice these principles while working with a variety of client positions, using props and the client’s body weight for force transmission, using a variety of postures and anchor points around the table for stabilization and good mechanics, and applying techniques that prevent overuse of thumbs, fingers, wrists, and arms. They will work with a partner and receive personal supervision and feedback throughout the class. This workshop teaches students to work smarter, not harder, for a long, satisfying career.
Learning Objectives
By the completion of the workshop, students will be able to:
· Become proficient in the use of myofascial and deep tissue techniques that provide extra safety and protection to thumbs, fingers, and wrists.
· Work from efficient positions that maintain a neutral spine to protect their back, neck, and shoulders in the application of any hands-on technique.
· Adapt their own positioning, weight, and body angle, for effective force transmission in deep tissue work or when working with clients whose size or muscular development poses a challenge.
· Adjust a session by using props or changing client position for improved effectiveness and safety.
· Use anchor points around the table for mechanical advantage in force transmission and self-protection.
· Use the client’s body weight to generate depth of contact.
· Use the floor and legs to transfer power to your torso, arms, and hands and onto your client’s body
· Determine when it is safer and more effective to use techniques that employ a pushing action, and when it is best to use a technique that employs a pulling action.
· Use your own breathing to energize your treatment.
· Meet the challenges of working with special needs clients.
Participants are asked to bring: Sheets, Pen/pencil and Notebook.
Date: Sunday October 11th, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
CE Hours : 8
Location: Cortiva Institute – King of Prussia
211 South Gulph Road, Suite 100
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: 484-690-1400
About the Instructor:
Ana Varona, MA, LMT, ART, CKTI
Ana Varona is a graduate of the Swedish Institute (1988) and holds a BS in human movement studies from the CUNY Baccalaureate Program and an interdisciplinary MA in wellness and health promotion from CA State University. In addition to her bodywork career, she has been a personal trainer, a dance and movement educator, and a worksite wellness program manager.
Ana is a certified Active Release Techniques (ART®) Provider and a certified Kinesio® Taping Instructor. She earned the Clinical Rehabilitative Massage Specialty certificate from the NCBTMB and the Academy of Clinical Massage. She is a certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (Back School of Atlanta). Ana teaches clinical massage and Kinesio Taping courses on the East Coast and Puerto Rico. She is the owner of Calma Therapy in the Princeton, NJ area.
