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 course, please contact the school at (480) 945-9461
or email ce.scottsdale@cortiva.com 
.
Specialty Training Courses
Professional Development Series
Coming Soon:
* Certificates of completion will be distributed the day of the class, with the exeption of students who registered within 48 hours of the class. Those certificates of completion will be mailed or available for pick up the following business day.
Specialty Training Courses
Neuromuscular Therapy Program
Register Now Program Begins July 11, 2008 /100 CE Hours / $1600*
*Contact ce.scottsdale@cortiva.com for additional payment options.
This course is based on Dr. Janet Travell's groundbreaking study of pain referral patterns. Dr. Travell discovered that nearly every muscle in the body has a specific region or "trigger point" that, when sufficiently irritated, will cause pain to be referred to a specific area of the body. The practical application of these techniques are learned through extensive hands-on practice.
Neuromuscular Therapy is an advanced system of soft tissue manipulation, which specializes in working to alleviate Myofascial pain and pain syndromes. The effectiveness of the technique is based on two conditions: The therapist's assessment and treatment of muscle, tendon, and periosteal attachments, and addressing and reducing the causal factors contributing to the chronicity.
During the 100 hour Neuromuscular Therapy program, origins, insertions and actions of muscles to be treated will be revisited. Stressors, perpetuating factors and trigger point pain referral patterns will be emphasized. Demonstrations will be shown and application of NMT techniques will be performed.
*Prerequisite Theory Class is required to take the individual modules below.
Module 2: Hip and Thigh
Register NowSat- Sun, July 23- 27, 2008 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / $320
Module 3: Lower Leg and Foot
Register NowSat- Sun, August 9- 10, 2008 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / $320
Module 4: Back and Abdominals
Register NowSat- Sun, August 23 - 24, 2008 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / $320
Module 5: Arm, Forearm and Hand
Register NowSat- Sun, September 13 - 14, 2008/ 9:00am - 6:00pm / $320
Module 6: Shoulder, Pectoral Girdle and Rotator Cuff
Register NowSat- Sun, September 27 - 28, 2008/ 9:00am - 6:00pm / $320
Enrollment is open to the following
Persons who have successfully passed one of the following, supporting documentation required at time of enrollment:
- Licensure as a Health Care Professional. (Including but not limited to Acupuncturists, Chiropractic Doctors, Dentists, Homeopathic Doctors, Medical Doctors, Osteopathic Doctors, Naturopathic Doctors, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and PT Assistants.)
- A minimum of 500 hours in the curriculum of an approved massage therapy school.
- A current National Certification Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
- Students currently enrolled in Cortiva Institute-Scottsdale having successfully completed the skeletal and muscular systems, current with financial obligations with instructor approval.
Required Supplies
Supplies needed for the series are: A set of sheets, bolster, towels, a low drag salve (i.e. Cocoa butter), a notebook and a pen. A manual and NMT pressure bars will be supplied the first weekend.
Required Text
Travell and Simon's Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual, Volumes One and Two
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Personal Fitness Training Program
Register Now Program Begins July 22, 2008 / 100 hours / $1850
Our personal training is offered in conjunction with the prestigious National Academy of Sports Medicine. (NASM). Students will receive official NASM course materials including a textbook, study guide, and seven (7) videotapes. 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.
Learn More
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Swing Flex Power Golf Therapy
Register Now Friday - Sunday, August 15 - 17, 2008 / 8:00am - 5:00pm / 24 hours / $399 by 8/8/08, $480 thereafter
Golf is a multi-billion dollar a year market. The fitness and performance side of the industry has grown tenfold in the past decade. There will never be a better time as a massage therapist to capitalize on this performance explosion. Swing Flex Power Golf Therapy is a three day unprecedented look into the physical body of a golfer. Using Neuromuscular Release Techniques (NRT) you'll earn 24 CE Units while developing very simple, yet incredibly effective assessment and release techniques. These techniques will completely change the way you do therapy...not to mention eliminating your clients' chronic pain conditions. In most cases pain levels drop 50% - 80% in only one session of NRT. This therapy technique was originally designed as a chronic pain relief protocol. However, the dramatic decrease in pain levels has one huge side effect...It will completely change the way your clients play golf...for the better.
You'll learn how to tap into the multi-billion dollar golf industry without having to know anything about golf. This will be the easiest seminar you'll ever attend while having the biggest impact on your business. Swing Flex is far more than a "new technique" seminar...it's an incredible business opportunity that will allow you to start charging what you're worth. Swing Flex therapy rates begin at $125 per hour and can reach rates as high as $175.
Program developer Paul Ruth, owner of the Neuromuscular Performance Institute (NPI) in Scottsdale, AZ has specialized in pain relief and performance therapy for the past fifteen years. As the selected neuromuscular therapist for the Nationwide PGA Tour as well as personal therapist for many PGA Tour professionals, Paul began to see dramatic changes in a golfers swing simply by eliminating their chronic pain patterns. Steve Jones, 8 time PGA Tour winner and 1996 U.S. Open Champion states, "This is the best work I have ever received. In only two sessions, Paul eliminated an elbow problem that has plagued me for the past three years. As a person who has suffered from pain throughout my career I can't explain enough what an impact this work has had on my performance. This work is priceless to any golfer and I see it as a new revolution in golf.
Swing Flex was born from more than ten years of working with some of the best golfers in the world and now these techniques and protocols are being offered to you.
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Traditional Thai Massage
Register Now September 26 - 28, 2008 /9:00am - 6:30pm / 25 hours / $349
Upon completion of the 25 hour course, the student must be able to:
- Discuss the history of Traditional Thai Massage and Medical Practice and its benefits and uses today
- Describe and perform proper etiquette for Traditional Thai Massage
- Prepare the place and equipment for Traditional Thai Massage
- List precautionary indications for Traditional Thai Massage
- List prohibitions for Traditional Thai Massage
- Assess a client before Traditional Thai Massage is performed
- Describe and demonstrate the preparation of the therapist for Traditional Thai Massage, including: meditation, yoga stretches, body mechanics and breathing
- Describe and demonstrate the techniques utilized by the therapist for Traditional Thai Massage
- Describe the Thai Sen (Meridian) Lines and acupressure points of the body
- Perform with a client a full two hour protocol of Traditional Thai Massage utilizing proper sequence of positions, timing and body mechanics
Instructor: Robert van Overdijk, BS, LMT, CYT: Instructor and Master Practitioner of Eastern and Western Massage Modalities is Certified in Traditional Thai Massage at the Wat Po Traditional Medical and Massage School in Bangkok Thailand. NCBTMB #450197-06 Approved provider
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Maternity and Infant Massage: Teaching Infant Massage
Register Now Thursday - Sunday, October 23 - 26, 2008 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 32 hours / $499 by 9/16/08, $640 thereafter
This training prepares the participants to teach parents and caregivers how to massage their infants and children and become Certified Educators of Infant Massage (CEIM). Infant Massage USA's fifteen point curriculum offers students the knowledge base, experience and confidence to fulfill their role as educators. In the four day training, participants experience three parent-baby classes. To earn certification after the four day training, participants complete an exam and practicum after the training and submit a certification packet for review. Certified Educators of Infant Massage (CEIM) work with parents, families and caregivers in private, group, hospital and agency settings and may also participate in research studies, conduct in-service programs and present at professional conferences.
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Therapeutic Stone Massage - Hot & Cold
Register Now November 8 - 9, 2008 / 9:00am - 5:00pm / 14 hours / $199
Learn one of the most popular massage modalities in today's luxury spas and resorts - Hot Stone Massage. The use of smooth stones combined with Swedish techniques aid in toxin removal and increased circulation. The penetrating heat from the stones melts away muscle tension and promotes total relaxation. The stones become an extension of the therapist's hands allowing the therapist to administer a deeper massage without great amounts of pressure. The stones do the intense work resulting in minimized or eliminated thumb and wrist stress. Stone care, local harvesting, handling and layouts will be covered. The use of cold, handcrafted marble stones aid in soothing headaches, muscle sprains, swelling and more. By the end of this course, participants will be able to provide a first-class stone massage.
Please bring: one set of linens, 1 standard pillows, 2 hand towels, 1 large bath towel, 1 face cradle cover.
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Professional Development Series
Deep Tissue Refresher
Register Now Saturday, July 26, 2008/ 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140
Focused 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. Muscular tension patterns can reduce blood flow and restrict the removal of metabolic wastes, resulting in pain and loss of function. The typical superficial and passive massage techniques do not provide the desired relief; this often causes frustration and more reflexive muscular tension. The practitioner will learn treatment strategies designed to break these muscular holding patterns that are direct, purposeful, and easy to apply. The practicing therapist will learn how to use: cross-fiber friction, passive movement, neurological inhibition, breath and positioning to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.
Please bring: 2 flat sheets and lotion
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Hot Stone Massage for Professionals
Register Now Sunday, August 3, 2008 /9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140
Learn about the equipment, techniques, and marketing to provide one of the most popular massages available today. Come in on your day off, feel the massage, and practice the techniques for less than the price of many single hot stone appointments! Bring just sheets and towels- all hot stone equipment provided for use in the classroom.
Please bring: 2 flat sheets and lotion
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Spa 101
Register Now Sunday, August 10, 2008 / 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140
Gain the unique knowledge and skills required to work as a successful spa employee or to integrate spa modalities into your private practice, clinic or day spa. Learn theoretical and practical techniques that will build your competency and confidence in providing basic spa treatments. Participants will learn spa history, terminology and concepts focusing on the theory behind Pelotherapy (Mud), Thalassotherapy (Seaweed) and full body exfoliation and dry room techniques. Upon completion, participants will have performed and received a spa treatment that includes a full body exfoliation and/or body wrap.
Please bring: 2 flat sheets, massage lotion, 2 bath towels and 6 hand towels.
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Aromatherapy
Register Now Sunday, August 24, 2008 / 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140
The use of essential oils dates back to ancient times. In this class, essential oils will be explored, smelled, felt and blended. This course will cover the history of aromatherapy, precaution safety of the use of essential oils, selected essential oils' properties and usages, carrier oils, blending techniques, making various items; such as massage oils, facial toners and air mists; and, the use of essential oils with candles. Determination of which essentials are top, middle and bottom notes will be examined. Aromatherapy can be incorporated into your daily lives.
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Deep Tissue Refresher
Register Now Sunday, August 31, 2008/ 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140
Focused 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. Muscular tension patterns can reduce blood flow and restrict the removal of metabolic wastes, resulting in pain and loss of function. The typical superficial and passive massage techniques do not provide the desired relief; this often causes frustration and more reflexive muscular tension. The practitioner will learn treatment strategies designed to break these muscular holding patterns that are direct, purposeful, and easy to apply. The practicing therapist will learn how to use: cross-fiber friction, passive movement, neurological inhibition, breath and positioning to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.
Please bring: 2 flat sheets and lotion
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Muscle Unwinding - Advanced Melting Muscles
Register Now Saturday, September 6, 2008 / 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours NCMTMB / $140
Instructor: Patrick Moore, LMT, BA
Prerequisite: Any Melting Muscles class or reading the book, Melting Muscles in advance.
The cerebellum never sleeps. Night and day, this hindbrain or "reptilian" brain monitors proprioceptors for safety. To maintain awareness of where the body is in space, the cerebellum slowly splits its percentage of contraction to agonist muscle groups, then antagonist groups, causing subtle movement impulses. You can't feel your own body moving, but you can feel someone else's. Each joint naturally moves away from neutral in one direction, then coasts back through neutral the other direction, like a swing in slow motion. The cerebellum also holds ancient memories, like a crusty jailer. While feeling threatened, it commands muscles in a particular area to contract more than their share. A trained therapist senses this guarding because the muscular impulses pull a joint away from neutral position and stay there. We don't force the joint back toward neutral-that would trigger the brain to feel more endangered. We want the brain to feel safe, to trust us. So we assist the joint away from neutral, and hold it there until it feels safe. So far, we are just doing Unwinding. Now, if we add in muscle work to the one muscle that is pulling more than its share, the hindbrain may begin releasing immediately. With practice, we target the poor puppet muscle and begin melting it even before the joint has reached its shortest position, so that the movement slows and returns in one graceful arc.
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Treating Tendinitis: Removing Scar Tissue
Register Now Sunday, September 7, 2008 / 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours NCBTMB / $140
Instructor: Patrick Moore, LMT, BA
Tendinitis can be seen as a simple scar tissue lesion. The key to detection is finding the exact site of the lesion. The key to removal is cup icing. You'll learn tendon insertions and likely scar tissue sites for three shoulder rotators, wrist extensors and flexors, groin, knee, hamstring, and plantar fascitis, which responds amazingly to tendinitis treatment.
Recommended reading: Listen To Your Pain by Ben Benjamin.
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Ethics Topics: Equal Therapeutic Relationships
Register Now Saturday, September 13, 2008 / 9:00am - 4:00pm /6 CE Hours NCBTMB / $140
Instructor: Patrick Moore, LMT, BA
Ethics textbooks tell us that the therapist naturally has more power than the recipient. In practice, we find many instances where this is true, and many instances where the therapist feels powerless against a more controlling client. Unethical behavior can only occur when there is a power differential. After all, everyone knows deep down that we are all equally valuable. There are many ways to balance relationships including big adjustments like: type of employement, sub lease, or co-op, and small detalis like; how money is collected, policies, how you decorate the room, how you dress, and how you hand the person a bottle of water. Class includes group discussion, short talks about Authority, Delta Brainwaves, Regression, and plenty of time for your concerns and questions. This relaxed, interactive class explores your personal stories to give you solutions to make your therapeutic relationships more fun and rewarding for both you and the recipients.
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Massage and Cancer
Register Now Sunday, September 21, 2008 / 9:00am - 5:00pm /7 hours / $140
This course will begin with an overview of cancer and qualities of cancer cells in general. Subsequent topics will include 3 common types of medical cancer treatment. The primary focus of the course will be considerations and precautions regarding medical devices, positioning and pressure, as well as indications and contraindications for massage with respect to chemotherapy, radiation and surgery side effects on many levels. Case studies will be presented and discussed to facilitate appropriate interview questions and massage considerations for the most common types of cancers treated with chemotherapy.
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Professional Ethics for Bodyworkers
Register Now Tuesday, September 30 2008 / 9:00am - 4:00pm / 6 hours / $140
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.
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Clinical Sports Massage: Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Dysfunction
Register Now Wednesday, October 1, 2008 / 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 hours / $140
Learn the pathology, assessment, treatment, and self-care of the shoulder region with specific focus on the glenohumeral joint and rotator cuff musculature. Understand the possible causes and contributing factors associated with rotator cuff shoulder dysfunction. Contributing factors such as postural or structural misalignment, muscle imbalance, trigger points and movement dysfunction will be identified. The application of basic orthopedic assessments, active, passive and resisted ROM, as well as palpation assessment, serve to help isolate and determine the location and type of dysfunction. These finding are utilized to form the most effective application of treatment techniques to reduce painful symptoms, and return the athlete to optimum function. The techniques taught in the course include Myofascial release, Trigger Point Release, Cyriax Cross Fiber Friction, and Muscle Energy Techniques.
Please bring: set of sheets, blanket, unscented oil or cream, wear comfortable clothes and supportive footwear.
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Spa 101
Register Now Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140
Gain the unique knowledge and skills required to work as a successful spa employee or to integrate spa modalities into your private practice, clinic or day spa. Learn theoretical and practical techniques that will build your competency and confidence in providing basic spa treatments. Participants will learn spa history, terminology and concepts focusing on the theory behind Pelotherapy (Mud), Thalassotherapy (Seaweed) and full body exfoliation and dry room techniques. Upon completion, participants will have performed and received a spa treatment that includes a full body exfoliation and/or body wrap.
Please bring: 2 flat sheets, massage lotion, 2 bath towels and 6 hand towels.
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Deep Tissue Refresher
Register Now Wednesday, October 8, 2008/ 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140
Focused 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. Muscular tension patterns can reduce blood flow and restrict the removal of metabolic wastes, resulting in pain and loss of function. The typical superficial and passive massage techniques do not provide the desired relief; this often causes frustration and more reflexive muscular tension. The practitioner will learn treatment strategies designed to break these muscular holding patterns that are direct, purposeful, and easy to apply. The practicing therapist will learn how to use: cross-fiber friction, passive movement, neurological inhibition, breath and positioning to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.
Please bring: 2 flat sheets and lotion
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Basics of Pregnancy Massage
Register Now Sunday, October 12, 2008/9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140.00
Instructor: Michelle Larson
Six million American women become pregnant each year, so it is likely that in the course of a massage therapist's career, he or she will have the opportunity and privilege to massage a pregnant woman... but, the massage therapist may not remember or may have never learned the client positions and massage therapy techniques that are safe in each trimester of pregnancy. Whether you want a thorough review of the basics or an introduction to the specialty of pregnancy massage, in The Basics of Pregnancy Massage, you will learn safe and effective pregnancy massage client positioning, draping and pregnancy massage techniques, as well as precautions and contraindications to support women through their healthy pregnancies, while visiting a spa.
Prerequisite: Certified Massage Therapist
Please Bring: 1 set of sheets, 1 king size pillow, 2 hand towels, 1 large bath towel, & 1 face cradle cover.
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Hot Stone Massage for Professionals
Register Now Sunday, October 19, 2008 /9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE Hours / $140
Learn about the equipment, techniques, and marketing to provide one of the most popular massages available today. Come in on your day off, feel the massage, and practice the techniques for less than the price of many single hot stone appointments! Bring just sheets and towels- all hot stone equipment provided for use in the classroom.
Please bring: 2 flat sheets and lotion
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Coming Soon:
Facial Rejuvenation Massage request more info
Facial Rejuvenation is a natural facelift massage with healing effects. It is a non-invasive approach to looking younger and works primarily by freeing constrictions both within the facial muscles and in the connective tissue.
Advanced Spa Therapies request more info
A combination of European, Asian and American spa tools and their applications in a professional setting. Students will learn about the natural therapeutic agents and biochemical elements used in spas - their indications, contraindications and applications.
Craniosacral Therapy Overview request more info
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a light-touch, whole-body method that treats a wide range of problems associated with pain and dysfunction. In this workshop you will learn some basic procedures for evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Return to your practice with new, easy-on-your-hands skills, and an excellent background for further craniosacral training.
Lymph Drainage Therapy Overview request more info
Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an original, hands-on method of lymph drainage developed by Bruno Chikly, M.D., D.O. (hon.). This gentle therapy offers a highly efficient approach to working with the body's fluid system. While its concepts are based on traditional procedures, LDT takes the process to a new level of effectiveness by using a combination of precise anatomical science and distinctive manual techniques that allows practitioners to directly "listen" to the lymphatic circulation. Using the LDT approach, trained therapists are able to detect the rhythm, direction, depth and quality of lymph flow over the entire body. These subtle manual maneuvers help recirculate the lymphatic flow, activate fluid circulation, and stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. Come learn the gentle wave-like techniques that bring about the proper functioning of the lymphatic system.
Intro to Animal Massage request more info
The focus of this course is on the different aspects of running an animal massage practice. You will learn ethical considerations, the benefits of massage for horses, dogs and cats, and coordinating care with animal trainers and other health care professionals. Also explored will be principles of animal behavior, interspecies communication, and the marketing and promotion of your animal massage practice.