TLC Continuing Education Calendar
January 17, 2025
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January 16, 2026
Cupping for LMTs with Natalie Meyersick
Cupping for LMTs is a 7-hour continuing education course designed for massage students and LMTs that are new to the practice of cupping therapy. It provides an introduction to the history, core concepts, contraindications, and indications, as well as tools and techniques underlying the application of modern cupping therapy with hands-on training in cupping techniques that can be effectively integrated into nearly any modality of bodywork. Hands-on techniques will be focused primarily on cupping for myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, sports recovery, and orthopedic applications with specific anatomical considerations for the upper and lower body in a variety of positions. The intention of the course is to provide students with a broad overview of cupping therapy with a variety of focused methods and techniques that can serve as a foundation for them to apply cupping therapy effectively and creatively in any massage setting to assist clients seeking relief from chronic pain, tension, injuries and with sports recovery.
For each section of the course, students will receive a technical demonstration of techniques designed to treat specific focus areas and concerns. Demonstrations will also include a review of pertinent anatomical reference points and special considerations. Students will then have the opportunity to conduct trades with their fellow classmates utilizing the provided cups to practice this work with guidance from the instructor. Students will be provided with 2 sets of silicone cups (8pc) and one set of Vacuum Cups (24pc) included in their tuition. This allows them to walk away from the class with not only a new skill set but also the physical tools to practice their new skills in their primary massage setting.
“I am passionate about and committed to lifelong learning which is one of the reasons I’m so excited to share this work with other therapists! The Intro to Cupping course is designed to provide LMTs with the tools and techniques to better serve their clients dealing with chronic pain or recovering from injuries through the safe and effective use of suction cups. This work provides even more tools for a therapist’s tool kit while sparing wear and tear on the hands. Students also have the benefit of receiving both silicone and vacuum-based massage cups so they can walk out of the course and begin to utilize their new skills with clients immediately. These skills can be effectively integrated into so many modalities of massage and bodywork and I can’t wait to explore this work with therapists of all experience levels in a safe and encouraging environment!” – Natalie Meyersick
Heel & Sole - Heal & Soul with David Lauterstein
There are four layers of muscles on the bottoms of our feet and two on the top. These, plus the extrinsic muscles coming from the lower leg, give us stability, balance, power, momentum, and spring in our steps. Once you know the anatomy of these muscles and their functions in our structure and our energy, your work with the feet will be transformed. The benefits for your clients will be off the charts and contribute greatly to their satisfaction and repeat business.
This class will be very user-friendly as an online workshop. You will palpate all this anatomy yourself, working on yourself or a friend or family member. Using your computer (or phone if necessary) you will work from home or in your office while being guided by the instructor.
Reflex Therapies with Edward Ulm
Understanding of Somatic Reflexes:
- Define and explain the concept of somatic reflexes.
- Identify and describe the major somatic reflexes, such as the stretch reflex and the withdrawal reflex.
Foundations of Predictive Coding/Processing:
- Understand the basic principles and concepts of predictive coding in the context of sensory perception and the nervous system.
Neurological Foundations of Somatic Reflexes:
- Explore the neural pathways and mechanisms underlying somatic reflexes.
- Examine how predictive coding principles can be applied to understand and modulate somatic reflexes.
Anatomy and Physiology Relevant to Somatic Reflexes:
- Understand the musculoskeletal and neurological components involved in somatic reflex arcs.
- Identify specific muscles, tendons, and neural pathways related to somatic reflexes.
Sensory Processing and Touch Perception:
- Explore how the nervous system processes sensory input, including touch.
- Discuss the role of predictive coding in shaping perceptions of touch and sensation.
Integration of Predictive Processing in Massage Practice:
- Learn how to apply predictive coding principles to enhance the effectiveness of massage therapy.
- Understand how sensory expectations and predictive coding may influence a client’s response to massage.
Hands-On Techniques:
- Develop proficiency in massage techniques that take advantage of the principles of predictive coding.
- Practice various massage strokes and pressure techniques that align with the principles of sensory prediction.
Client-Centered and Trauma-Informed Approach:
- Learn to adapt massage techniques to suit individual client needs and sensory expectations.
- Emphasize client comfort and consent throughout the massage session.
Case Studies and Practical Application:
- Analyze real-world scenarios and case studies to apply predictive coding principles in massage therapy.
- Develop critical thinking skills for customizing massage treatments based on predictive coding concepts.
Client Education and Communication:
- Effectively communicate with clients about the role of predictive coding in sensory perception and massage outcomes.
- Explain complex concepts in a clear and approachable manner.
Professional and Ethical Considerations:
- Understand the importance of ethical practices in massage therapy, particularly in relation to client well-being and sensory expectations.
- Maintain professionalism and boundaries when incorporating predictive coding into massage sessions.
Continued Learning and Professional Growth:
- Explore opportunities for further education and research in the areas of somatic reflexes and predictive coding.
- Stay updated on the latest developments in the field and their relevance to massage practice.
By the end of this 12-hour course, students should have a deep understanding of the interplay between somatic reflexes and predictive coding, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to offer highly tailored and effective massage therapy informed by the principles of sensory perception and neural expectation.
Massage for Runners with Marc Frazier
By developing a better understanding of–
- the stresses inherent with running
- the body’s abilities to adapt to those stresses
- the major mechanical (muscular and joint) relationships, most heavily impacted by running…
the student will then be able to confidently provide quality massage care, for their clients.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will understand why a bipedal gait limits the body’s ability to absorb shock–and, how our bodies have adapted to this particular form of locomotion
- Students will understand how the pelvis acts as a keystone, in transmitting force and stabilizing the entire body
- Students will begin to recognize how the fascial system allows our bodies to develop compensatory tensions–and, whether or not to address them
- Students will understand that massage, alone, cannot overcome overtraining–nor, poor running mechanics
- Students will learn the importance of two primary mechanical relationships (specifically, foot/ankle–hip/pelvis— and—hip/pelvis–vertebral column)–and, how managing them appropriately, can make all the difference in their client’s staying injury-free
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Certification with Nicola McGill
Instructor Nicola McGill establishes a supportive class environment in which you’ll learn the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and effective MLD sequences that can reduce swelling and other symptoms associated with: Post-surgical edema; soft-tissue injuries; rheumatoid arthritis; fibromyalgia; whiplash; migraine headaches; PTSD; anxiety disorders; mild, medically-uncomplicated lymphedema; and more!
The MLD Advantage Getting MLD-certified expands your skill set which will help you better serve your current clients. Some therapists find it beneficial to use MLD in every massage session in conjunction with other techniques. Becoming certified will also attract new clients to your practice who require this special form of massage. PTs and OTs often refer their patients with lymphedema to LMT-CLTs for maintenance therapy. MLD has many applications including:
- As an adjunct therapy for clients who have been injured
- For use with oncology patients who prefer a lighter massage
- For treating post-surgical patients with edema (swelling)
- To improve the QOL for hospice patients and those in palliative care
- As an additional option to Swedish or relaxation massage
- And more
Course objectives:
At the conclusion of the course, each participant will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the anatomy and the relevant scientific terminology related to the lymphatic system.
- Demonstrate understanding of the differentiation between the normal and diseased states of the lymphatic system (physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system).
- Demonstrate understanding of the indications and contraindications related to the use of MLD.
- Competently perform the techniques of MLD for all body areas. Develop appropriate treatment strategies for indications such as post-surgical and post-traumatic edema, fibromyalgia, general detoxification and other conditions.
- Competently perform MLD on clients after breast surgery for cancer (clients who are at risk to develop lymphedema) and on clients with mild, medically uncomplicated primary or secondary lymphedema.
Anatomy Trains in Structure and Function with Thadd Dudrey
Tuition $525.00 ($262.50 Deposit)
In this exciting course, you will learn about the myofascial tissue and its many roles in the body. You will begin to appreciate how the body incorporates the Anatomy Train Lines to create easy and graceful movement – provided they are in some form of balance and harmony; restriction or weakness in one section can have many compensatory effects elsewhere.
This workshop will show you how that happens, how to trace the lines of strain, and, most importantly, how you can develop strategies to deal with them.
Structural Thai Massage with Siobhan Womack
Introduction to CranioSacral Therapy with MeriJayd O'Connor
TMJ: A Practical Approach with Tammie Culley
Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy with Pamela Guldi
The Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy Workshop will empower massage therapists and other healthcare
providers to become competent, confident specialists in all stages of childbearing.
Successful graduates are prepared to meet the emotional, structural, and physiological challenges of pregnancy and
labor and into the long postpartum period. Instruction features 80+ advanced, specific techniques, pregnancy A&P,
safety guidelines, complications and high-risk pregnancies, integrative structural alignment for client and therapist, an abundance of relevant research, and proven promotional strategies. (The course is also approved by various agencies for continuing education credit.)
Authorized instructor Pam Guldi has more than 20 years specializing as a perinatal therapist, doula and childbirth
educator. In a 2019 workshop, students commented that Pam “was overflowing with juicy information and wisdom”; and that she “made me excited to practice perinatal massage and to empower women.”
Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy Technique Refinement with Pamela Guldi
A Cancer's Journey with Amy Scottino
PNMT for the Cervical Spine with James Ivaska
Tuition $445.00 ($222.50 deposit) *SAVE $40 BY REGISTERING BEFORE 7/23/25!**
Neck pain accounts for a large percentage of visits to massage therapy offices. PNMT will help you consider all the possible musculoskeletal explanations that would explain his/her discomfort. Great problem-solving skills and a deep knowledge of functional anatomy are the keys to success.Additionally, PNMT for the Cervical Spine places an emphasis on the relationship of the cervical spine and neural excitability. We think you will
During the PNMT for the Cervical Spine seminar, you will begin with a review of very quick but highly accurate assessment approaches to help you direct treatment. Included in that assessment are Range of Motion andexclusionary muscle testing. You will then learn which muscles to address for each range of motion limitation and spend ample time treating them on multiple people. The focus is on real-world applications- increasing functional capacity as well as lessening discomfort.
ZB: Freely Movable Joints with David Lauterstein
Tuition - $595.00 ($297.50 Deposit)
Freely Moveable Joints is an advanced level Zero Balancing course that expands the focus of Zero Balancing from the foundation and semi-foundation joints of the body to include the “freely moveable joints” of the body. Zero Balancing principles and techniques are taken beyond the Core Zero Balancing protocol into other arenas. The freely moveable joints present unique therapeutic challenges because of the variety of their anatomy and their great ranges of motion. By the end of the program you will have the skills to evaluate and balance freely moveable joints and the knowledge to devise your own fulcrums to meet the specific needs of a given situation.
In Freely Moveable Joints we will review basic ZB principles and highlight their application to a number of joints in light of their specific anatomy. The skills and education inherent in this course will broaden your Zero Balancing abilities and will improve your Zero Balancing sessions.
You Will Learn:
- Upper extremity: shoulder girdle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers
- Lower extremity: knee, ankle, metatarsals, toes
- Accessing the sacro-iliac joint via the hip
- Acetabular hip fulcrum
- Temporomandibular joint fulcrum
- Direct bone fulcrums and ‘bone bending’
- Teachings designed to deepen your basic ZB skills and protocol use
- By exchanging Zero Balancing sessions and seeing ZB demonstrations
Structural Assessment of Whiplash and Migraines with Tammie Culley
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students to a deeper level of understanding as it relates to Whiplash and Headaches. The student will learn how to assess the clients movements, which muscles or areas are causing pain and which muscles may need work in order to alleviate pain. Students will learn how to use testing to understand what may or may not be a problem and create a session plan that will address their assessment findings.
Introduction to Reflexology with Brenda Bianchi
Reflexology has many benefits. The primary benefits include deep relaxation, improved cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation, pain relief and an enhanced sense of well-being.
In this Introduction to Reflexology course participants will gain an overview of the ancient and modern history of this pressure point modality. We will explore various theories of reflexology and how it works. The anatomy of the foot, including the bones, boney landmarks and other important anatomical markers will be reviewed. Mapping the locations of specific reflex points and techniques for applying pressure to the points will be taught. Lastly, the participants will be guided through a protocol to address each of the reflexes in a systematic order.
