Please note that most of our courses require that you are a licensed health
care provider. If you have questions about your eligibility to attend
a massage therapy course, please contact the school at (610) 666-9060
or email ce.pa@cortiva.com 
.
Specialty Training Courses
Professional Development Series
SPECIALTY TRAINING COURSES
Primordial Sound Meditation
Register Now
February 20 & 21, 2010 / 1:00pm
- 5:00pm / No CE hours / $395 / There is a $100 discount for Cortiva alumni that
register before 02/01/2010
Primordial Sound Meditation is a meditation technique originating in the ancient
wisdom of India. Primordial sounds - the basic, most essential sounds of nature,
are used to disconnect us from the activity of life. These individually selected
sounds, known as mantras, are based on the vibration the universe was making at
the moment of your birth.
You will be taught how to use your mantra on a daily basis to reawaken balance,
tranquility, and compassion within.
Practicing Primordial Sound Meditation on a daily basis can help you to:
- Manage stress
- Reduce anxiety
- Create inner peace
- Awaken your intuition
- Connect to spirit
Primordial Sound Meditation is recommended for anyone who wishes to enjoy deeper
peace, greater freedom, and mastery of life.
Instructors: Alan Hark - As an accountant Alan has
been providing financial services to individuals and businesses for over 25 years.
During the past several years, Alan became interested in health and well-being and
became certified in Reiki – Level Two. Through the inspirational teachings of Dr.
Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon, Alan developed a strong meditation practice.
The benefits achieved through this practice inspired Alan to continue the study
of meditation and become a Chopra Center Certified Instructor. Meditation has provided
him a pathway from the material to the spiritual aspects of life.
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Personal Fitness Training Program
Register Now April 11 - May 30, 2009
/ 12:00pm - 5:00pm for eight consecutive Saturdays / 40 CE hours / $1175
Learn how to build a rewarding personal training business as a certified fitness
professional. Our certification is formatted in conjunction with the National Academy
of Sports Medicine (NASM). Instructed by Jim Smith of Human Performance Coaching
and Cortiva Institute, students will receive the official NASM course materials
including book, study guide and set of interactive CDs. Students will also be taken
through practical applications of scientific program training in both traditional
classroom and fitness center environments. This key element of the course will assist
in transitioning to working with clients in the fitness environment and job placement.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate of
completion and be eligible to take the NASM certified personal trainer national
certification exam.
Required Materials: NASM course materials including
book, study guide and set of interactive CDs (included in price of course).
Instructor: Jim Smith - Having more then 13 years
experience in the fitness industry his client base includes professional athletes,
senior citizens and post-rehab patients. His approach is a unique blend of lifestyle
coaching with functional and movement training for optimal health. With the combination
of body alignment, strength and flexibility, clients will achieve an overall increase
in vitality, energy and power. Jim encompasses these principles and works with clients
toward an improved quality of life while achieving their goals. One mind. One Body.
And only you can make a difference. Jim's personal background in strength training
and running has added valuable experience to his certifications in personal training,
nutrition and stretch coaching.
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Traditional Thai Massage - Basic, Level I - Front Position
Register Now February 27 - 28 & March 6
- 7, 2010 (must attend both weekends) / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 35 CE hours / NCBTMB &
THAI Approved / $500 before 01/29/10, $550
thereafter
Receive an additional $50 off if you completed the Introduction
to Thai Massage class at PSMT in March 2009
Thai Massage is an ancient technique based in yoga, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine,
and Buddhism. It is traditionally performed on a floor mat with the client dressed
in loose comfortable clothing. Thai massage uses yoga-like stretches combined with
compression and acupressure to relax tense muscles, increase flexibility, soften
fascia, stimulate internal organs, and calm the nervous system. The therapist applies
palms, thumbs, feet and elbows with gentle pressure and compression while assisting
the client into a wide-variety of passive stretches. Deep results are achieved with
ease by using weight, leverage, balance, and gravity with minimal effort or muscular
force. Clients, as well as therapists, love the way it feels. The benefits of thai
massage are not just for the athletic, although they benefit tremendously. The techniques
can be adapted and applied to any age or physical ability.
Basic, Level I-Front Positionis the foundational first step of a comprehensive thai
massage. You will learn a 90-minute northern-style session primarily supine. Over
50 movements are taught in a progressive rhythmic sequence addressing most major
muscle groups and joints, including the feet, legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest,
shoulders, arms, neck, and face. We will discuss the history, philosophy, cautions,
benefits, techniques and modern applications, with class time focused on hands-on
practice. Proper body mechanics and self-care are emphasized. The textbook is included.
The teaching is based on the complete program at ITM (the Institute of Thai Massage)
in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as taught by its master, Chongkol Setthakorn. Class begins
with the traditional Om Namo chant, ringing of the bells, and warm-up stretches.
Classes are devoted to clear, thorough demonstrations of the techniques, with students
led step-by-step through each series of movements.
Please bring: a futon-like mat or thick blankets
to work on, sheet, pillow, pillowcase. Wear loose comfortable clothing that allows
freedom of movement.
Instructor: Rose J. Griscom, RTT, director and lead
instructor of ITM-USA, based in southern New Jersey. She is a knowledgeable and
compassionate teacher who creates a supportive environment for students of all different
skills and learning styles to get the most from class time. Her teaching is well-organized,
efficient, and fun. She has been teaching thai massage since 1994, and is one of
the most experienced instructors in the country. Rose completed an intensive study
program at ITM in Chiang Mai, as well as with Arthur Lambert in the USA. She is
a Registered Thai Therapist (RTT) with the Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI),
and ITM-USA is an approved Institution with THAI, as well as with the NCBTMB. Rose
presents workshops at local, state, and national massage conventions, travels around
the country to train therapists at top spas, and maintains an active private practice.
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Scar Tissue Release
Register Now
March 27 & 28, 2010 / 9:00am - 4:30pm / 12 hours / $395
This workshop centers on physiological and anatomical principles of fascial restrictions,
lengthening of the superficial to deep fascia, breaking down of adhesions and the
increase of lymphatic and venous circulation to the tissue. The lecture will cover
indications and contraindications related to diseases, injuries, joint replacements,
and aging factors. The long and short term effects of scar tissue from the physiological
to the psychological, neuropathy, and various sports medicine considerations will
also be discussed during the seminar. After the lecture, a detailed, seven step
approach to manually releasing scarring and adhesions from the fascia and Active
Isolated Stretching will be presented.
Required Material(s): Bring sheets and a towel
Instructor: Majorie Brook - In addition to being
an Advanced AIS Practitioner who has trained and taught with Aaron Mattes (pioneer
of AIS) across the United States & Canada, Ms. Brook is a Certified Personal
Trainer and has been a Nationally Certified, NYS Licensed Massage Therapist since
1997. Brook Seminars are attended by a multitude of health and fitness professionals
(and their clients) including: massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors,
personal trainers, athletes and everyday people. Brook Seminars is approved by the
Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC), an approved provider for the
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and also
meets current standards for continuing education for the American Massage Therapy
Association (AMTA) and Florida Board of Massage Therapy. To learn more visit www.brookseminars.com 
or call (516) 409-1240.
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Traditional Thai Massage - Intermediate, Level II - Side,
Back, Sitting Positions
Register Now May 1 - 2 & May 15 - 16, 2010
(must attend both weekends) / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 35 CE hours / NCBTMB & THAI
Approved / $500 before 04/01/10, $550 thereafter
Receive an additional $50 off if you completed the Basic,
Level I-Front Position thai massage class at PSMT in 2009 or 2010
Thai Massage is an ancient technique based in yoga, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine,
and Buddhism. It is traditionally performed on a floor mat with the client dressed
in loose comfortable clothing. Thai massage uses yoga-like stretches combined with
compression and acupressure to relax tense muscles, increase flexibility, soften
fascia, stimulate internal organs, and calm the nervous system. The therapist applies
palms, thumbs, feet and elbows with gentle pressure and compression while assisting
the client into a wide-variety of passive stretches. Deep results are achieved with
ease by using weight, leverage, balance, and gravity with minimal effort or muscular
force. Clients, as well as therapists, love the way it feels. The benefits of thai
massage are not just for the athletic, although they benefit tremendously. The techniques
can be adapted and applied to any age or physical ability's.
Intermediate, Level II-Side, Back, Sitting Positionsis a comprehensive class to
complete the fundamentals of a traditional routine learned in Level I. Class includes
a brief review of Level I-Front Position, then continues with an additional 60 movements
with the client side-lying, prone, and seated for a one-to-two hour session covering
the whole body. Includes many of the big stretches thai massage is known for, including
more movements for the legs, hips, back, shoulders, and neck. Receive certification
from ITM-USA in basic Thai Massage.
The teaching is based on the complete program at ITM (the Institute of Thai Massage)
in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as taught by its master, Chongkol Setthakorn. Class begins
with the traditional Om Namo chant, ringing of the bells, and warm-up stretches.
Classes are devoted to clear, thorough demonstrations of the techniques, with students
led step-by-step through each series of movements.
Prerequisites: Completion of Level I-Front Position
with ITM or similar. Contact the instructor if questions.
Please bring: a futon-like mat or thick blankets
to work on, sheet, pillow, pillowcase. Wear loose comfortable clothing that allows
freedom of movement.
Instructor: Rose J. Griscom, RTT, director and lead
instructor of ITM-USA, based in southern New Jersey. She is a knowledgeable and
compassionate teacher who creates a supportive environment for students of all different
skills and learning styles to get the most from class time. Her teaching is well-organized,
efficient, and fun. She has been teaching thai massage since 1994, and is one of
the most experienced instructors in the country. Rose completed an intensive study
program at ITM in Chiang Mai, as well as with Arthur Lambert in the USA. She is
a Registered Thai Therapist (RTT) with the Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI),
and ITM-USA is an approved Institution with THAI, as well as with the NCBTMB. Rose
presents workshops at local, state, and national massage conventions, travels around
the country to train therapists at top spas, and maintains an active private practice.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SERIES
A series of one-day workshops designed to meet the continuing education requirements
and the scheduling demands of professional massage therapists.
New topics and alternate scheduling options will be explored regularly.
Deep Tissue Refresher
Register Now February 7, 2010
/ 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE hours / $150
This ‘practitioner friendly’ bodywork course focuses on the skillful application
of soft tissue techniques that allow deeper access to the fascia and muscular layers
of the body. This approach creates a greater sense of relief from chronic muscular
tension, which if untreated, can reduce blood flow and restrict the removal of metabolic
wastes, resulting in pain and loss of function. Since the typical superficial and
passive massage techniques often do not provide the desired relief, frustrated clients
can experience greater reflexive muscular tension. Course participants will learn
direct, purposeful, and easy to apply treatment strategies intended to break these
muscular holding patterns. Course participants will learn how to utilize cross-fiber
friction, passive movement, neurological inhibition, breath and positioning to enhance
the overall treatment effectiveness for the client.
Please Bring: Set of twin sheets, a hand towel &
face cradle cover, standard pillow with case, unscented lotion/gel/cream
Instructors: Theresa Tobin Macy, CPDMT - Theresa
is a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva Institute.
Upon graduating, Theresa complemented her 20 years of experience in dental health
care practice management with a clinical certification in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy.
She continues her education studying Myofascial Release, Brain Therapy for Children
and Adults, Lymphatic Facilitation and Cranio-Fascial Techniques. Theresa studies
and is influenced by the work of Dr. James Cyriax and Therese C Pfrimmer. She has
a private practice in Morrisville Pennsylvania and specializes in corrective therapy.
She is an instructor at Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania teaching Massage Therapy
and Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Kinesiology, Business and Ethics courses.
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Red Cross CPR and Rescue Breathing
Register Now
February 23, 2010 / 6:00pm - 10:00pm / $70
Using a video and personal instruction, students will learn and be certified
in Red Cross CPR and Rescue Breathing.
Instructor: Elizabeth Minker, PDMT, NCTMB - Beth is
a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva Institute
and a Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapist. Prior to coming to Cortiva, Beth
received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Exercise Science
from Bloomsburg University. She presently teaches musculoskeletal anatomy,
kinesiology, clinic courses and CPR. Beth also manages a successful massage
therapy practice.
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Introduction to Reflexology
Register Now
March 7, 2010 / 1:00pm - 5:00pm / 4 hours / $120, $99 for AMTA members
Reflexology is an art and science that is based upon the premise that
there is a mini-map of the body on the hands ears and feet and when those
points are reflexed using thumb, finger and hand techniques a relaxation
response occurs in the corresponding oragans and glands, facilitating
healing. This four hour course is designed to introduce the art and science
of foot reflexology.
Instructor: Alex Mykietiuch, NCBTMB - Alex has
been a teacher and massage therapist in the Philadelphia area since 1980.
In 1982, he earned a degree in biology, magna cum laude, from Temple University.
While specializing in human anatomy and physiology, he has taught classes
in "Nicholaus Technique" of exercise, massage, and music. He has taught
at Harcum College and is presently Director of Education at Cortiva Institute
- Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. Alex also teaches Anatomy/Physiology
& Pathology and Massage Therapy classes.
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Corrective Muscle Therapy
Register Now April 9 - 11 & 16 - 18, 2010
/ 9:00am - 5:00pm / 42 CE hours / $750
10% off for Cortiva Graduates & Students!
This "Hands On" course is designed for massage therapists working in both private
and medical practices as well as spa settings. A cross fiber friction massage facilitates
the bodies healing processes allowing the body to repair soft tissue damage, release
adhesions, lessen acute or chronic pain and reduce the recurrence of chronic pain
syndromes. Utilizing Cross Fiber Friction Principles and Advanced Corrective Therapies,
participants will learn to therapeutically assist their clients to reduce pain,
increase range of motion and maintain an efficiently functioning musculoskeletal
system.
Weekend One: XFF - Cross Fiber Friction
In this course the emphasis is on mastering skills to administer a comprehensive,
specific, focused and efficiently executed cross fiber friction massage. Participants
will exchange bodywork throughout the entire weekend with a focus on the fiber directions
of the back, neck and appendicular regions of the body. Using the body mechanics
and techniques learned during this course, participants will perform a 90-minute
Cross Fiber Friction protocol.
Weekend Two: ACT - Advanced Corrective Therapies
Kinesiology animation presentations will expand the therapist's knowledge of muscle
fiber direction and agonist/antagonist relationships as they pertain to specific
actions. These visual aids are used to assist in hands on isolation techniques for
superficial and deep muscles. Once isolated, our focus shifts to layering corrective
techniques. These techniques include site-specific deep transverse friction, displacement,
stripping and compression. This course is design to create an insatiable quest for
results as therapists navigate through isolated tissue on a journey to release adherent
muscle fibers, reduce pain and increase range of motion by reducing restriction.
You will be amazed how refined your palpation skills will become when you change
direction.
Prerequisites: 600 Hours of Massage Therapy Training.
Please Bring: 1set of sheets, 1 face cradle, &
massage lubricant. Recommended Text: Trail Guide to the Body by Andrew
Biel & Basic Clinical Massage Therapy by James H. Clay and David M.
Pounds.
Instructors: Theresa Tobin Macy, CPDMT and Jen Gerhart,
PDMT, NCTMB -
Theresa is a graduate of the Professional
Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva Institute. Upon graduating, Theresa complemented
her 20 years of experience in dental health care practice management with a clinical
certification in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy. She continues her education studying
Myofascial Release, Brain Therapy for Children and Adults, Lymphatic Facilitation
and Cranio-Fascial Techniques. Theresa studies and is influenced by the work of
Dr. James Cyriax and Therese C Pfrimmer. She has a private practice in Morrisville
Pennsylvania and specializes in corrective therapy. She is an instructor at Cortiva
Institute - Pennsylvania teaching Massage Therapy and Musculoskeletal Anatomy and
Kinesiology, Business and Ethics courses.
Jen is a graduate of Cortiva - Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy, and Pfrimmer
Deep Muscle Therapy at Levels 1 & 2. She additionally has received training
in Collard Method Bodywork, Breathwork, and Brain Therapy for Children, and Lomi-Lomi
1 & 2. She has also assisted the Collard 10 Day Intensive, and assisted Lomi-Lomi
Level 1 at the World Massage Festival. Jen is currently teaching Massage Therapy
at Cortiva, attends classes part-time for a Business degree in Entrepreneurship
and continues to maintain her own private practice.
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Professional Ethics for Bodyworkers
Register Now April 25, 2010 / 9:30am - 4:30pm
/ 6 CE hours – NCBTMB approved / $130
In the rapidly expanding field of massage therapy, concerns regarding ethical behavior
and practice are also on the rise. Given the intimate setting of bodywork, it is
crucial to establish a safe environment and a clear understanding between client
and therapist as to what is expected. Therapists must also be able to effectively
communicate within the parameters of each individual's unique personality, including
their own.
The intent of this workshop is to define the broad scope of ethics, empower each
therapist with their own personal Code of Ethics, and explore possible ethical situations
which will challenge participants to make good decisions as to how they respond.
Instructor: Theresa Tobin Macy, CPDMT - Theresa is
a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva Institute. Upon
graduating, Theresa complemented her 20 years of experience in dental health care
practice management with a clinical certification in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy.
She continues her education studying Myofascial Release, Brain Therapy for Children
and Adults, Lymphatic Facilitation and Cranio-Fascial Techniques. Theresa studies
and is influenced by the work of Dr. James Cyriax and Therese C Pfrimmer. She has
a private practice in Morrisville Pennsylvania and specializes in corrective therapy.
She is an instructor at Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania teaching Massage Therapy
and Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Kinesiology, Business and Ethics courses.
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Maternity and Infant Massage, Module 2: Intro to Childbirth
and DONA* Approved Birth Doula Workshop
Register Now May 13 - 16, 2010 / 9:00am - 6:00pm
/ 32 CE hours / $575 before 04/16/10, $640
thereafter
Cortiva is pleased to offer this Introduction to Child birth and DONA International
Birth Doula Workshop - two of the requirements to become a DONA International Certified
Birth Doula. In this module, students learn the art of supporting women in labor,
as well as the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, the three
stage of labor and some common medical interventions and tests that may occur during
labor. Students learn the benefits of labor support by a trained birth doula, as
well as specific emotional and physical support techniques for the woman and her
partner during labor and immediately postpartum. The course also provides information
on running a successful birth doula business.
*Students who do not intend to become Certified Birth Doulas benefit from this module
by improving their understanding of the birth process to provide pregnancy massage
clients and their partners with helpful techniques for labor and delivery, as well
as to apply this understanding to more effective postpartum massage. Completion
of his DONA International approved course provides two requirements towards becoming
a DONA International Certified Birth Doula - completion of a DONA International
approved Birth Doula Workshop and a childbirth education course. After this module,
students complete DONA International's Birth Doula Certification by attending three
births and completing required and written work.
Instructor: Penny Bussell Stansfield - Penny is a
Certified Childbirth Educator with the National Childbirth Trust and has over twenty
five years of teaching experience in Scotland, England, France and the United States.
She has been a DONA International Certified Birth Doula since 1997. She is a graduate
of Cortiva Institute - Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in Tucson, Arizona where
she specialized in pregnancy massage, childbirth education and birth doula services.
She currently teaches pregnancy massage at the Cortiva Institute - Somerset School
of Massage Therapy in New Jersey and is a partner in Hillsborough Massage Therapy
LLC. Having witnessed the power of compassionate, therapeutic touch during pregnancy
and labor, Penny is committed to empowering women to have positive birth experiences.
Working in many different cultures has profoundly affected the way that she works
with clients. With great respect for individual beliefs, ideas and customs, Penny
knows that childbearing women across the globe have similar concerns and respond
to individualized, compassionate care. "Our relationship with these women may only
last for a few weeks or months, but the effects travel through the centuries in
the image that these women have of themselves, their abilities and their worth."
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Myofascial Release Massage: Part I, Upper Body
Register Now June 11 - 13, 2010 / Fri 6:00pm
- 10:00pm Sat & Sun 9:00am - 6:00pm / 20 CE hours (NCBTMB Provider # 407409-00) /
$380
The Myofascial Release Massage, created by Howard Rontal, is derived from Hellerwork
and Rolfing, two of the most potent forms of manual therapy. In this course, participants
will learn to release chronic and acute stress, tension, and pain held in myofascial
tissue. By the end of this hands-on workshop, course participants will know how
to release this unwanted stress in the chest, neck, shoulders, hands, back, and
waist -- the entire upper body and be able to employ it your first day back at work.
You will also learn to work on specific problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome
and back pain. This course includes a lavishly illustrated manual.
Prerequisites: Intended for the practicing Massage
Therapist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Chiropractor only.
Instructor: Scott Dobbins, LMT, CIMRM, CNMT is a
clinical massage therapist with over 38 years of practical experience. He received
an Associates of Applied Science Degree from the Ohio College of Massotherapy (OCM)
in 2004, where he graduated with honors. In 2005, he was hired to develop an Associates
Degree program for the Massage Therapy Department of Tri-State Business Institute
in Erie, Pennsylvania. While there, he instructed Anatomy, Physiology Levels I &
II, Medical Terminology and Disease Processes for the Allied Health Department and
Level II Anatomy & Physiology, Functional Anatomy and Clinical Massage Skills for
the Massage Therapy Department.
Scott is one of only three instructors nationwide certified to instruct The Myofascial
Release Massage, a therapeutic modality founded by Howard Rontal (NCBTMB Provider
# 407409-00), a Certified Hellerwork Practioner from Potomac, MD. Scott is also
certified in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy. He teaches in five states but his
main practice is in Canton, Ohio.
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Professional Ethics for Bodyworkers
Register Now November 7, 2010 / 9:30am - 4:30pm
/ 6 CE hours – NCBTMB approved / $130
In the rapidly expanding field of massage therapy, concerns regarding ethical behavior
and practice are also on the rise. Given the intimate setting of bodywork, it is
crucial to establish a safe environment and a clear understanding between client
and therapist as to what is expected. Therapists must also be able to effectively
communicate within the parameters of each individual's unique personality, including
their own.
The intent of this workshop is to define the broad scope of ethics, empower each
therapist with their own personal Code of Ethics, and explore possible ethical situations
which will challenge participants to make good decisions as to how they respond.
Instructor: Theresa Tobin Macy, CPDMT - Theresa is
a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva Institute. Upon
graduating, Theresa complemented her 20 years of experience in dental health care
practice management with a clinical certification in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy.
She continues her education studying Myofascial Release, Brain Therapy for Children
and Adults, Lymphatic Facilitation and Cranio-Fascial Techniques. Theresa studies
and is influenced by the work of Dr. James Cyriax and Therese C Pfrimmer. She has
a private practice in Morrisville Pennsylvania and specializes in corrective therapy.
She is an instructor at Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania teaching Massage Therapy
and Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Kinesiology, Business and Ethics courses.
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