Instructor: Eileen Dickinson, PT, Certified Trager Practitioner
Sensational Joints introduces the what, why and how of adding a focus on lower extremity joints in somatic work, beyond what you learned in massage school. Through lecture, movement explorations, tablework demos and practice you'll learn about:
- articular proprioceptors and how to activate them — so LMTs can enhance a client's joint awareness, improve neuromuscular coordination, and encourage more efficient, easeful movement patterns rather than effortful or guarded motion.
- open- and closed-pack position of joints — so touch and movement can be applied at the safest and most receptive joint angles, reducing strain on ligaments and capsules while increasing comfort, mobility, and therapeutic effectiveness.
- the difference between osteokinematic and arthrokinematic movement — so LMTs can distinguish between visible limb movement and subtle joint-surface mechanics, allowing for more precise assessment and interventions that address the true source of restriction rather than compensations.
- characteristics of arthrokinematic movement — so LMTs can recognize normal versus restricted joint play, leading to improved joint health, smoother range of motion, and decreased likelihood of chronic irritation or degeneration.
- specific compressions and glides for lower extremity synovial joints — so LMTs can gently restore joint space, support synovial fluid exchange, and promote balanced weight-bearing and gait efficiency without forceful manipulation.
- the effects of focusing on joints in movement-based techniques — so clients experience increased internal body awareness, reduced protective tension, and a greater sense of lightness, freedom, and whole-body integration consistent with Trager principles of effortless movement.
This class offers massage therapists a deeper and more refined understanding of joint movement and the powerful effects of subtle, joint-focused touch on client comfort, mobility, and overall ease of movement. Drawing from Trager-inspired somatic principles, participants learn to work with greater precision and significantly less physical effort while achieving longer-lasting results through improved neuromuscular awareness rather than force. Therapists leave with practical skills that help protect their own bodies, enhance professional confidence, and provide clients with a unique and highly effective bodywork experience.
Note regarding "hands-on": This class does satisfy WA's 8-hour hands-on, in person requirement described in WAC 246-860-475 subsection 2b.
Additionally: This class can be used to satisfy the prerequisite for the Trager® Level 1 Training leading towards certification as a Trager® Practitioner.
What to Bring: Please see the class description on the Therapeutic Training Center's Website for details
Registration Options: We are offering Eileen Dickinson's classes at a discounted group rate if you register for both classes at once, versus taking each individual class. If you would like to register for just one or both classes, please click on the following links to register, otherwise continue on to register for this class. Please note that by taking both days of class, you save $75.
- Sensational Joints (Seattle March 12, 2026) - 8 hours
- The Science of Presence, Touch and Movement: A Deep Dive For Bodyworkers (Seattle March 13-15, 2026) - 24 hours
Class Date: March 12, 2026
Class Time: Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Seattle -- Please click on the this link to go to the class description on the Therapeutic Training Center's website for full class details.
Cost: $195
Cost/Hour: $24.38/hr
CE Hours: 8
For other classes with Eileen Dickinson, click HERE:
