Thai Massage for Those with Special Medical Conditions/Physical Limitations
6 CEUs for massage therapists and chiropractors – approved through NCBTMB (for all states but NY), NJ Board of Chiropractic Examiners and PACE.
Also consider: Thai Massage: Theory and Practice. Click here for more info: https://www.iceclasses.com/product/thai-massage-theory-and-hand-on-practice/.
This is a live in-person class.
Many clients cannot easily receive massage treatments on a table due to physical limitations. Thai massage offers a very practical treatment alternative. Do not refuse clients with limiting medical conditions; instead, learn how to perform Thai massage (on the floor) to help those clients. Learn how to properly adapt traditional Thai massage techniques and how to position yourself and the client for optimal results. Thai massage techniques can be used as a preventative treatment to “unlock” muscles and tendons that tighten and contract when someone is confined to a wheelchair or has little mobility. This class will focus on the following types of physically limiting conditions: spasticity, scoliosis and other posture problems, arthritis and cerebral palsy. In addition, you will see how well this modality can work for older patients who present with muscle weaknesses and other limitations. This course will also show participants how to perform Thai Massage on a table as opposed to the floor when needed because of the client’s condition.
Thai massage is an ancient, time-tested, energy-based form of bodywork that has existed for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated from Thai Buddhist monks who were physicians prior to ordination. Thai massage combines elements of yoga, shiatsu and acupressure, working with the energy pathways and therapy points of the body. It is different from other types of massage therapy in that is performed on a large floor mat, not a massage table, and the recipient remains fully clothed. Practitioners use their hands, feet and knees to facilitate an optimal release of stress and tension also designed to balance and realign the body over time.
Course will cover:
- Brief Review of Thai Massage Components, Benefits and Contraindications
- Benefits of Thai Massage for People with Physical Limitations/Disabilities
- Adaptations that May Be Needed for:
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- Spasticity
- Scoliosis (other chronic posture problems)
- Arthritis
- Cerebral Palsy
- Wheelchair-Bound or Limited Mobility (To “Unlock” Muscles and Tendons that Tighten and Contract)
Hands-On Practice for Treating Above-Listed Limitations:
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- Sitting and Hand Positions
- Head Massage
- Neck Massage
- Shoulder Massage
- Facial Massage
- Back Massage
- Arm Massage
- Abdominal Massage
- Leg Massage
- Stretching Positions
- Closing Massage
Students should wear comfortable clothing and bring a floor/yoga mat or thick towel and 2 firm pillows or bolsters.
Instructor: Benjamin Zargarian, PT, LMT
Benjamin Zargarian of Thai Wellness Center in Fair Lawn, NJ, is both a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer who has practiced and taught thai yoga massage for many years, both in the US and Thailand. In addition to Thai Massage experience, he also has an extensive international physical therapy background and licensure and has worked and studied in Thailand, Germany and Armenia as well as the US.
