Upcoming CE Workshops at TLC Massage School

Presented in-person in two consecutive weekends, Friday, October 30th through Sunday, November 1st, and Friday, November 6th through Sunday, November 8th, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm the first five days and 8:00 am to 2:00 pm the final day for 45 CE hours.

**This course is designed for actively Licensed/Registered Massage Therapists who have 500 hours of massage education or are certified through the NCBTMB. PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, ATCs, and RNs may also take this course, but should first contact [email protected] to ensure it is appropriate for their needs. NOTE: It is the responsibility of all health professionals to ensure that they work within the limits of their license.**

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a very effective yet gentle manual technique that is easy on the therapist’s body and well tolerated by even highly-sensitive clients. MLD reduces swelling and detoxifies the skin and superficial fascia by promoting drainage within the superficial and deep systems of the lymph vascular network.

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.

Presented in-person on Friday, November 20th through Sunday, November 22nd from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm each day for 24 CE hours.

Multiple studies now link gentle non-invasive massage for people affected by cancer with significant reductions in pain, fatigue, nausea, depression, and anxiety.1 If that statement excites you please come join this series of courses on Oncology Massage. We will navigate through the framework of an oncology massage such as pressure adjustments, site considerations on the body, and position adjustments for our clients. On our last day we will discuss and problem solve ways we can help assist our clients after they are “finished” with their active cancer treatments. This class will enhance any massage therapist practice!

Presented in-person on Friday, December 4th, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for 6 CE hours.

This 6-hour continuing education course provides a focused, clinically relevant approach to understanding and treating Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction. Participants will explore the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the lumbopelvic-hip complex, with special emphasis on the role of the piriformis muscle in sciatic nerve irritation and movement compensation patterns. The course clarifies common misconceptions, improves assessment accuracy, and helps therapists differentiate between true piriformis syndrome, lumbar radiculopathy, and SI joint instability or fixation. Through clear, practical frameworks, therapists will gain confidence in identifying the root causes of pain and dysfunction rather than simply treating symptoms.
The second half of the course emphasizes hands-on application, featuring targeted assessment strategies and effective treatment techniques designed specifically for massage therapists. Participants will learn palpation skills, positional assessments, and corrective approaches that address both muscular and joint contributors to dysfunction. Techniques

may include neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, stretching protocols, and client education strategies to support long-term outcomes. By the end of the course, therapists will be equipped with practical tools they can immediately integrate into their sessions, improving client results for those presenting with hip pain, low back discomfort, and sciatic-like symptoms.

Presented in-person on Monday, January 11th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for 4 CE hours.

This course challenges the "fragility" narrative prevalent in manual therapy by bridging traditional
martial arts conditioning (Iron Palm, Taiji) with modern sports science. Participants will learn to
transition from a "wear and tear" mindset to a "functional adaptation" model. The curriculum covers
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dietary impacts on joint health, the neurology of muscle rest
(Sherrington’s Law), and a 6-protocol system for career longevity.

Presented in-person Friday, February 26th through Sunday, February 28th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm each day for 25CE hours.

The basic trilogy of Zero Balancing is Core ZB, Alchemy of Touch, and Geometry of Healing. In the Core program we teach the underpinnings of ZB, including the use of energy as a working tool. In Alchemy of Touch we teach how to amplify vibration in the body and how to work in high-energy fields.

The focus of the Alchemy of Touch workshop is learning how to create and navigate higher energy fields and then put them to healing advantage for the client. One metaphor regarding Alchemy of Touch is that of cooking. When we turn up the heat in cooking, change begins to happen; when we put a lid on the pot, change becomes faster; when we lock down the lid and create a pressure cooker, things happen even faster. So it is in the body when, through touch, we create these different levels of energy, change not only happens faster in the body but also old resistant imprints may lessen and deep healings occur.

Similarly in Alchemy we look at the whole session as a peak experience. In this sense it is similar to a ritual which invites extra-ordinarily positive experiences of structural change and energetic flow.

This program is apropos for any person who has completed Core ZB. In the course of empowering known fulcrums and presenting new ones, there is a deepening level of skill and sensitivity. Everybody wins – your core ZB’s will improve as you sharpen your skills, and new possibilities will open as you learn how to create and navigate amplified fields of energy. The hidden gems you will discover and the transformation of your work will surprise even those of you who already do Alchemy of Touch.

We will specifically work with:

• Amplifying energy field
• Containing higher energy fields
• Exiting Alchemical Fields
• Creating Alchemical Sessions
• Working with Expanded States
• Alchemical fulcrums –
• Amplified Half Moon Vectors

Alchemical Fulcrums for:

• the pelvis
• the hip
• the outside of the leg
• the Foot
• the Ribcage
• Shoulder Girdle Arms
• Exiting and Integrating Alchemical Sessions

Exiting and Integrating Alchemical Sessions

Presented in-person on Friday, March 5th, and Saturday, March 6th, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, both days for 12 CE hours.

Course Format:
This in-person, immersive Reiki I and II course combines lecture, demonstration, and extensive therapeutic hands-on practice. Students will not only learn the foundational principles of Reiki but also directly experience and develop their own intuitive approach to channeling “universal life energy.” This course emphasizes experiential learning—students will actively engage in giving and receiving Reiki in a supportive, guided environment.
In Reiki I, students are introduced to the history, philosophy, and ethics of Reiki, as well as the foundational hand positions and techniques for self-healing and working with others. Attunements (initiations) will open energetic channels, aligning each participant with the Reiki frequency and enhancing their ability to facilitate energetic balance. Through guided practice, students will begin to sense energy fields, interpret intuitive impressions, and cultivate mindfulness in their healing work.

Reiki II deepens this connection, introducing the sacred Reiki symbols for power, mental-emotional healing, and distance work. Students will explore how to integrate these symbols into their hands-on massage sessions for enhanced focus, grounding, and energetic flow. A significant focus is placed on the professional therapeutic application of Reiki in professional settings, including integration with massage therapy and complementary healing modalities.

Throughout the course, students will experience various catalysts designed to help unlock and refine their unique algorithm for channeling universal energy to further enhance their hands-on massage therapy sessions.