Workshops
Complete Lymphedema Certification- Mesa May 2026
This 135-hour course certifies therapists in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which include Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression/Bandaging, Skin Care and Exercises. Participants first complete 45 hours of Home Study online, prior to attending the 90-hour live hands-on classroom time.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues and is a very common and serious condition worldwide. It has important pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if left untreated.
Secondary lymphedema is often caused by trauma to the lymphatic system, such as surgery, injury, scarring, infection and radiation therapy. Post-mastectomy lymphedema of the upper extremity caused by breast cancer treatment is very common in the United States.
Another cause for lymphedema is malformations of the lymphatic system (primary lymphedema). In such cases the swelling may appear after simple accidents such as sports injuries, which can suddenly overload the lymphatic system.
Course Objective
Each course participant will be trained in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and the management of lymphedema affecting a variety of peripheral body parts - upper and lower extremities, head and neck, exterior genitalia, truncal swelling, pediatric lymphedema, post-surgical and post-traumatic swelling, lymphedema caused by chronic venous insufficiencies and other pathologies, lipedema and more. Upon completion of this course participants will be able to differentiate between a variety of peripheral edemas and understand the medical indications and contraindications of CDT. Furthermore the therapist will be able to establish a treatment plan for individuals with chronic extremity lymphedema and other conditions and perform the treatment accordingly.
Class Topics
Also included:
- Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the lymphatic system
- Basic and advanced techniques of MLD and CDT
- Treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema as well as related conditions
- Introduction to the treatment of pediatric lymphedema, head/neck and genital lymphedema
- Lymphedema bandaging techniques for upper and lower extremities
- Decongestive exercises for lymphedema patients
- Measuring techniques for edema (volumetric and circumferential)
- Measuring techniques for compression garments (with certification) - JUZO, Solaris
- Home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema patients
- Hygienic skin and nail care for lymphedema
- Indications and contraindications for MLD and CDT
- Billing issues for lymphedema therapy
- ACOLS periodically offers advanced and review classes
Course Format
The Academy of Lymphatic Studies pioneered research-based lymphedema training in the United States in the early 90’s, using our traditional program that required students to spend two full weeks in off-site, classroom training. The Academy is now providing a more dynamic, accelerated course format which meticulously blends the optimal mix of online and classroom hours to provide our students with unparalleled quality of instruction.
The Complete Lymphedema Certification Course consists of 135 hours of intermediate-level education. Students will first complete a 45-hour Home Study Program, followed by the 90-hour class for their live lecture and hands-on instruction. The classroom time is taught over 9 consecutive days. It requires only 5 working days and 2 weekends to complete. Participants can also split the course, attending the first 5 days, then returning within 6 months to finish the last 4 days of the course.
Pre-requisites
To attend our Complete Lymphedema Certification Course, as per the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA®) requirements, participants must have the following:
- Current, unrestricted licensure as an RN, OT, COTA, PT, PTA, MD, DO, ATC, DC or Massage Therapists who have completed 500 massage school hours and/or National Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Certification.
Registration Process
- Select the course date and location of your choice from our Schedule of Courses and register. Students MUST register for the course at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the course to ensure adequate time to complete the Home Study Program prior to attending the 9-day live course.
- Students prepare for the theoretical portion of the program using our Home Study/Online Portal. Our online portal contains 7 learning modules with exams. Students study each module and complete the exam at the end of each module. Students must pass each exam with a grade of 90% or better to proceed to the next module and must have the entire home study completed no later than 2 days before the course begins.
- Additional exams are administered during the 9 days of classroom time. If the student successfully completes the 135 hours of study and passes all of the exams, the student will be a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT).
Date/Time: May 30th - June 7th 2026 , 8-7pm daily
Location: ASIS/ACOLS Learning Center, 259 W. 1st Avenue Mesa Az. 85210
Tuition: $3,350.00
Payment Info: NOTE: Call ACOLS for the course and alumni discounts BEFORE selecting PayPal (772) 589-3355 Discounts are: 10% for Alumni and anyone who has taken a previous ACOLS course
Prerequisite:
Registration Contact: https://www.acols.com/courses/detail.php?id=2245664000171907355
Continuing Education Credits: 135
To register for this workshop contact the email address listed in the description
Upcoming Workshops
2025:
November:
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Myofascial Restoration: Shoulder Girdle & Upper Extremity - Mesa
November 8th - November 10th 2025 , 10am-6pmThis class will take an in depth look at theories and practice of fascia and myofascial restoration.
CE Hours: 24 Cost: $575 , $475 (Early Bird through Nov 1st)
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Massage for Injury Rehab: Low Back Lower Cross Syndrome Mesa- November 2025 - Mesa
November 14th 2025, 9am-4pmThis class will take an in depth look at injuries and massage techniques to support recovery of the low back, low cross syndrome
CE Hours: 6 Cost$150
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Introduction to Essential Oils Mesa - November 2025 - Mesa
November 15th 2025, 10am-1pmThis class will give you an introduction to the incredible world of essential oils so that you can use them with confidence. Top 7 oils covered to get you started right away. Tuition includes handbook, "Introduction to Essential Oils."
CE Hours: 3 Cost $75
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Cupping with Care Mesa - November 2025 - Mesa
November 15th 2025, 2pm-6pmThis class gives you a solid introduction to cupping therapy as a soft tissue technique. You will get an overview of the methods and why they are used. Learn about the history, the cups themselves, the indications and contraindications, and how to use cupping on your clients. Cups are provided as part of your tuition.
CE Hours: 4 Cost $95
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Aromatherapy for Mental Health Mesa - November 2025 - Mesa
November 16th 2025, 10am-1pmTake an aromatic journey through the world of essential oils and discover which ones support excitatory neurotransmitters (like dopamine) and inhibitory neurotransmitters (like serotonin) naturally so that you can support your brain’s desire to maintain homeostasis. Learn how you can use essential oils to help decrease your client’s stress level during session—as well as your own.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $75
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Facial Beauty with Gua Sha Mesa - November 2025 - Mesa
November 16th 2025, 2pm-6pmStudents will learn the Traditional Chinese Medicine modality Gua Sha which is used to invoke circulatory movement of blood and Qi in the facial tissue. Indications and contraindications along with how to use a Gua Sha Tool will be demonstrated with plenty of time to practice in class. A jade Gua Sha tool set is included with tuition.
CE Hours: 4 Cost $95
December:
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Advanced MLD - Management of Post Plastic Surgery Procedures Mesa-December 2025 - Mesa
December 5th - December 7th 2025 , 8am - 5pmPresented by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies - This course will assist therapists in developing treatment sequences and protocols specific to post surgery of Liposuction, Breast Surgeries, Tummy Tucks, and Brazilian Butt Lifts. This will include and discuss the techniques, contraindications, risk factors, and protocols related to these surgeries.
CE Hours: 28 Cost $1,100
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Neck, Head and Face Mesa-December 2025 - Mesa
December 6th 2025, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
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Complete Lymphedema Certification- Mesa December 2025 - Mesa
December 6th - December 14th 2025 , 8-7pm dailyPresented by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies- This 135-hour course certifies therapists in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which include Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression/Bandaging, Skin Care and Exercises. Participants first complete 45 hours of Home Study online, prior to attending the 90-hour live hands-on classroom time.
CE Hours: 135 Hours
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Developmental Psychology and our Chakra System Mesa - December 2025 - Mesa
December 13th - December 14th 2025 , 9:30am-4:30pm, with a lunch break middayIn this transformational class, you will walk away with the understanding of how your Chakra System is
an energetic structure in which you can organize your life force.CE Hours: 13 Cost $270
2026:
January:
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Certification in Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) Mesa-January 2026 - Mesa
January 7th - January 11th 2026 , 8am - 5pmPresented by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies - This course will assist therapists in developing treatment sequences for the management of edema of various geneses including post-traumatic and post-surgical edema; as well as several pathologies such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, chronic pain reduction, and others.
CE Hours: 40 Cost $1,250
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Level 1: Thai Massage Essentials Mesa - January 2026 - Mesa
January 17th - January 18th 2026 , 10am-4:30pm, with a lunch break middayEntire class is presented and practiced on a Thai floor mat. A basic introduction to Thai Massage that is suitable for new students.
CE Hours: 12 Cost $360 **There is a service fee for all refunds
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Lower Leg Mesa- January 2026 - Mesa
January 17th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
February:
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Massage for Injury Rehab: Low Back Lower Cross Syndrome Mesa- February 2026 - Mesa
February 20th 2026, 9am-4pmThis class will take an in depth look at injuries and massage techniques to support recovery of the low back, low cross syndrome
CE Hours: 6 Cost$150
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Working with Eating Disorders as a Bodyworker Mesa - February 2026 - Mesa
February 21st 2026, 10am-2pmThis class will take a look at how eating disorders can affect the body and massage considerations to support clients.
CE Hours: 4 Cost $120 **There is a service fee for all refunds.
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Working with PTSD as a Bodyworker Mesa - February 2026 - Mesa
February 22nd 2026, 10am-2pmThis class will take a look at how stress affects the body and massage considerations to support clients.
CE Hours: 4 Cost $120 **There is a service fee for all refunds.
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Arm Mesa-February 2026 - Mesa
February 28th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
March:
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Advanced MLD - Management of Post Plastic Surgery Procedures Mesa-March 2026 - Mesa
March 20th - March 22nd 2026 , 8am - 5pmPresented by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies - This course will assist therapists in developing treatment sequences and protocols specific to post surgery of Liposuction, Breast Surgeries, Tummy Tucks, and Brazilian Butt Lifts. This will include and discuss the techniques, contraindications, risk factors, and protocols related to these surgeries.
CE Hours: 28 Cost $1,100
-
Massage for Injury Rehab: Low Back Lower Cross Syndrome Mesa- March 2026 - Mesa
March 20th 2026, 9am-4pmThis class will take an in depth look at injuries and massage techniques to support recovery of the low back, low cross syndrome
CE Hours: 6 Cost$150
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The Essentials of Massage and Pregnancy Mesa - March 2026 - Mesa
March 21st 2026, 10-4:30PMNot wanting to specialize, but open to the occasional pregnant client? This course provides information for healthy, low-risk clients seeking pregnancy discomfort reduction.
CE Hours: 6 Cost: $180 **There is a fee for all refunds.
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Reiki Level 1 Mesa - March 2026 - Mesa
March 22nd 2026, 10am-4:30pm, with a lunch break middayThis class provides a working knowledge and techniques for Reiki Level I therapy.
CE Hours: 6 Cost $180 **There is a service fee for all refunds.
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Trunk Mesa-March 2026 - Mesa
March 27th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
April:
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Massage for Injury Rehab: Low Back Lower Cross Syndrome Mesa- April 2026 - Mesa
April 17th 2026, 9am-4pmThis class will take an in depth look at injuries and massage techniques to support recovery of the low back, low cross syndrome
CE Hours: 6 Cost$150
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Essentials of Cranial-Sacral Mesa - April 2026 - Mesa
April 18th 2026, 10am-4:30pm, with a lunch break middayThis introductory class provides a working knowledge and techniques for Cranial-Sacral therpy.
CE Hours: 6 Cost $180 **There is a service fee for all refunds.
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Cranial-Sacral Part II Mesa- April 2026 - Mesa
April 19th 2026, 10am-4:30pm, with a lunch break middayA continuation of my Essentials of Cranial-Sacral class. A short review and then we will cover additional techniques that involve the following cranial and facial bones: ethmoid bone, zygoma, and the mandible. We will also be doing Cranial-Combos utilizing techniques from both trainings.
CE Hours: 6 Cost $180 *There is a service fee for all refunds.
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Shoulder Mesa- April 2026 - Mesa
April 25th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
May:
-
Certification in Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) Mesa-May 2026 - Mesa
May 2nd - May 6th 2026 , 8am - 5pmPresented by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies - This course will assist therapists in developing treatment sequences for the management of edema of various geneses including post-traumatic and post-surgical edema; as well as several pathologies such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, chronic pain reduction, and others.
CE Hours: 40 Cost $1,250
-
Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Neck, Head and Face Mesa-May 2026 - Mesa
May 15th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
-
Developmental Psychology and our Chakra System Mesa - May 2026 - Mesa
May 16th - May 17th 2026 , 9:30am-4:30pm, with a lunch break middayIn this transformational class, you will walk away with the understanding of how your Chakra System is an energetic structure in which you can organize your life force.
CE Hours: 13 Cost $390 *There is a service fee for all refunds.
-
Complete Lymphedema Certification- Mesa May 2026 - Mesa
May 30th - June 7th 2026 , 8-7pm dailyPresented by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies- This 135-hour course certifies therapists in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which include Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression/Bandaging, Skin Care and Exercises. Participants first complete 45 hours of Home Study online, prior to attending the 90-hour live hands-on classroom time.
CE Hours: 135 Hours
June:
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Hip Mesa- June 2026 - Mesa
June 26th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
July:
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Arm Mesa-July 2026 - Mesa
July 17th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
August:
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Trunk Mesa-August 2026 - Mesa
August 15th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
September:
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Massage for Injury Rehab: Low Back Lower Cross Syndrome Mesa- September 2026 - Mesa
September 11th 2026, 9am-4pmThis class will take an in depth look at injuries and massage techniques to support recovery of the low back, low cross syndrome
CE Hours: 6 Cost$150
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Shoulder Mesa- September 2026 - Mesa
September 18th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
October:
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Neck, Head and Face Mesa- October 2026 - Mesa
October 17th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
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Massage for Injury Rehab: Low Back Lower Cross Syndrome Mesa- October 2026 - Mesa
October 23rd 2026, 9am-4pmThis class will take an in depth look at injuries and massage techniques to support recovery of the low back, low cross syndrome
CE Hours: 6 Cost$150
November:
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Massage for Injury Rehab: Low Back Lower Cross Syndrome Mesa- November 2026 - Mesa
November 13th 2026, 9am-4pmThis class will take an in depth look at injuries and massage techniques to support recovery of the low back, low cross syndrome
CE Hours: 6 Cost$150
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Hip Mesa- November 2026 - Mesa
November 20th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60
December:
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Elevating assessment skills using kinesiology and palpation: Lower Leg Mesa- December 2026 - Mesa
December 12th 2026, 9am-12pmKinesiology is the study of the mechanics of movement. In this class, we will build on participants’ kinesiology knowledge to explore how understanding how our muscles move can enhance our treatment planning and massage sessions. We will review joint movements, muscle attachments, and movements and strategies to palpate these muscles efficiently. We will use these tools to explore how we can incorporate this knowledge into treatment planning, providing our clients an effective massage session. This course is a series of 6, 3-hour classes broken down into different regions of the body. Participants may choose any number of classes in the series to attend in any order.
CE Hours: 3 Cost $60