Course Information
The Manupractic Institute offers professional training in Structural Integration. This therapy focuses on corrective balancing of the body through physical manipulation of the myofascial soft tissues. We also offer courses in Neuromuscular Therapy, Manupractic massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage and traditional Thai massage.
The Manupractic Institute is offering certification in Neuromuscular Therapy. Upon completion of each of the 8 modules, the student will received a certification certificate in that particular treatment area, example cervical protocol. Upon completion of all 8 modules, the student will receive a final certificate entitling them to use the title Certified Neuromuscular Therapist, endorsed through the Manupractic Institute. The Neuromuscular Therapy certification program is only open to Massage Therapists, due to the anatomy and therapeutic massage pre-requisites required beforehand by the student.
Structural Integration - 10 Session Series
Each of the 10 Sessions focuses on a specific aspect or region of the myofascial system. The treatment plan from Session 1 to Session 10 is progressive in approach, with the first three sessions functioning as general overall myofascial remodelling, the middle four sessions focusing on the deeper layers, and the last three sessions working on reintegrating the different aspects together, first as lower half, then upper half and finally as a whole body.
Session 1
The torso and hips are mainly worked on in this session to free major restrictions. Benefits include greater mobility in the pelvis and expansion in the rib cage for deeper breathing. This increases overall vital capacity and prepares the body for subsequent work.
Session 2
This session focuses on the legs and feet as well as the back to create a more stable base of support. Here, the function of the arch is enhanced and the spine begins to decompress.
Session 3
The sides of the body as well as the arms are addressed in this session to encourage symmetry and depth along the lateral line, and to provide length between the pelvis and the rib cage.
Session 4
The purpose of this session is to establish more internal support by organizing the inner legs between the ankle and the pelvic floor. This work further improves posture whether standing or sitting, as it begins to address the deeper restrictions around the spine.
Session 5
Core balance is a goal of this session as the abdomen and deep hip flexors are worked to offer more length along the front of the vertebral column. A balanced connection between the legs, pelvis and torso will contribute to a more fluid gait.
Session 6
In this session, although the entire back of the body is treated from head to toe, the sacrum is the focal point. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing this bone from its pelvic restrictions, allowing it to become a more functional part of the spine.
Session 7
The core work is completed in this session with attention to the cranium. Here, the muscles of the neck and shoulders are balanced to relate the head and neck to the rest of the spine. Specific consideration is given to the facial structures and the cranial fascia.
Session 8
Lower body integration is the intention of this session. The goal is to more broadly address the structural and functional relationships between the feet, legs and pelvis as a whole. Consideration is given to how the lower girdle relates with the upper girdle.
Session 9
The focus of this session is upper body integration. As a whole, the shoulder girdle and limbs are organized for upper body support. Attention is placed to how the upper girdle relates to the lower one.
Session 10
The theme of this session is closure. The central aim is to bring the client to the most comfortable place in their body, given the changes that they have experienced thus far. Usually, this amounts to some fine tuning around the outermost layers - with emphasis placed on horizontalizing the joints, relating the major weight-bearing segments, finding dynamic stability, and bringing "the line" into action.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
NMT is a specialized form of deep tissue manipulation in which digital pressure and friction are used to release areas of strain in the muscle. These areas
of strain are called trigger points and are the cause of muscular pain symptoms. NMT is used to treat many different soft tissue problems. The following list
is a small example of issues that may be helped by NMT: lower back pain, upper back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, sciatica like symptoms, hip pain,
headaches, plantar fasciitis, calf cramps, tendonitis, knee pain, iliotibial band friction syndrome, jaw pain and temporomandibular joint pain (tmj disorders)
NMT Module 1: Pelvic Protocol - Resetting the Pelvis, Sacro-iliac Joints and Pubic Symphysis
NMT Module 2: Cervical Protocol - Treating neck pain, spasm and muscle tension
NMT Module 3: Treating the back, lower back and gluteals
NMT Module 4: Work on the abdominals and front of pelvis
NMT Module 5: Work on the upper back, shoulder girdle, upper arm and chest
NMT Module 6: Work on the leg and thigh
NMT Module 7: Cranial work, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) work, clavicle and ribcage work
NMT Module 8: Lower arm and hand work, foot work
Manupractic Massage
Manupractic massage is a gentle, soothing massage capable of inducing deep relaxation in the recipient. Using long, graceful strokes to heighten the client’s awareness of bodily experiences, the practitioner gives attention to the entire body in this approach.
Manupractic massage can be used as an effective replacement to Swedish massage in relaxation, stress management and spa treatments. These tools can also be integrated into the therapist’s approach to medical and remedial massage.
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage
The Manupractic Institute teaches Temple Style Lomi Lomi massage also known as Lomi Lomi Nui. Temple Style Lomi Lomi is from Kahuna Abraham Kawai’i from the island of Kauai. Temple Style Lomi Lomi incorporates smooth, broad strokes of the forearms, providing long, continuous, soothing and flowing strokes from head to toe, from the left side of the body to the right side like waves washing over you. Unique to Temple Style Lomi Lomi massage is its under body and full body strokes. Temple Style Lomi Lomi massage also includes energy work called Kahi Loa and a system of full body stretches called Deep Joint Rotations.
The Manupractic Institute also teaches 2 other forms of lomi lomi massage: Heartworks lomi lomi of Hawaiian Elder Sherman Dudoit and the lomilomi style of Hawaiian Elder Aunty Margaret Machado.
Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage has a vast array of techniques including gentle muscle stretching similar to applied yoga, which is energizing, and thumbing techniques similar to acupressure, which are stimulating. Soothing massage techniques are also incorporated. Patterns of gentle rocking and rhythmic palm pressure ease the body into a deeply relaxed state. Pressing various points along the sen lines stimulates and restores the free flow of energy around the body, creating harmony between body, mind and spirit. This free flow of energy is known as Chi in China and Prana in India. When there is stagnation or imbalance of this energy flow, illness may arise. Palm pressure is followed by deep, slow moving thumb pressure along specific lines and points.
Traditional Thai Massage has numerous slow stretching movements and practitioners use their hands, thumbs, fingers, feet, legs, knees and elbows to free the tension held within the body. The client is placed into various postures similar to Yoga asanas to increase flexibility, relax tense muscles, mobilize and open joints thus energizing the whole body. The pressure and stretching is measured and matched to the client's physical ability and needs. It is a continuous flow of techniques carried out in a slow rhythmic pace. The stretching movements affect the entire body by releasing both deep and superficial tension, re-educating the client into a new and improved posture. The result is an opening of the body, which leaves the recipient feeling both relaxed and energized at the same time.
Thai Massage is also used for regular health maintenance. The unique, dynamic flowing sequence of the stretches untie the physical and emotional knots inflicted by a modern busy lifestyle, benefiting the mind, body and spirit.
Comments from Participants of Previous Classes
- Lincoln's ability to instruct was exceptional. I'm too relaxed to think too deeply.
J.M. Massage Therapist
- Exceptional knowledge and an excellent teacher. Wonderful experience.
W.M. Physiotherapist
- The advance techniques of deep tissue work was great. You're very open minded and like to share your knowledge. Keep doing this. You have great potential. Very good job.
B.K. Massage Therapist
- Lincoln, you have outdone yourself. Level 1 was exceptional and Level 2 surpassed that. The time flew by and the instruction was great. I take away with me more than just new techniques. Well, now what is it you want to hear? In a word "Brilliant". I can't wait for the next time we get together.
J.M. Massage Therapist
- The variety of techniques and the different styles that one can incorporate were exceptional. Very knowledgeable and ties different theories into other massage techniques, which makes it seem like there is one continuous thread of massage theories and techniques. Must call me for further courses.
K.B. Massage Therapist
- Some of the movements, example butterfly, just exceptionally good. Wonderful for the therapist and the client. Very useful course and very enjoyable. Very kind and patient instructor. Also I found helped students thru all steps. Wonderful.
J. K. Massage Therapist