Integrative Massage & Bodywork

Integrative Bodywork (aka Integrative Massage Therapy) is a wholistic approach which merges techniques from a wide variety of methods and disciplines. Anything that contributes to the health and well being of the client can be included in this individualized treatment approach. Methods that empower the client are, in my opinion, the most valuable. The only limitations are a practitioner’s training and scope of practice.

Successfully blending different therapies requires some understanding of anatomy and physiology, psychology, energy medicine, and the core principles of each technique. The goal is to create a synergistic blend of techniques that becomes more than the individual components.

Conscious touch is key to the entire process. This makes on-going development of awareness (mindfulness) and manual assessment (palpation) skills truly essential. It could even be said that mindful palpation skills are the foundation of success in massage therapy.

Polarity Healthcare offers a variety of integrative bodywork classes presented by Randall Gibson, M.Ed., LMT. They reflect this holistic approach, focus on the myofascial system and take into account the latest research involving integrative and transformational bodywork. The goal is for students to develop a more holistic perspective and learn the skills necessary to blend different techniques into a perfect therapy session. In order to do that, we will discuss the mechanisms that make each technique effective. The end result will be new understanding that lays a foundation for mastery.

The Integrative Bodywork classes, while open to everyone, are oriented toward massage professionals and a certain level of skill with touch therapy is helpful. Massage therapists, physical therapists and other hands-on practitioners can enhance palpation skills and therapeutic effectiveness regardless of their specific type of practice.

How it Works

Integrative Bodywork is an eclectic approach that can be specifically applied to massage therapy. Some techniques focus on the nervous system while others may primarily affect the connective tissue or circulatory system. Randall Gibson draws from extensive training in  craniosacral therapy, polarity therapy, shiatsu, myofascial release, and neuromuscular therapy. In order to efficiently blend these therapies, our seminars address how they work and where they overlap. This allows the therapist to make intelligent decisions about which methods to combine and in what order. Along with releasing restrictions in the fascial network and encouraging structural integrity, many of these techniques activate the parasympathetic system, bringing balance, relaxation and healing.

Individual Classes

• Integrative Bodywork Concepts (6 CE hours) Live-Online
• Integrative Massage Therapy (1 day – 8 CE hours) in-person
• Craniosacral Therapy (multiple class options) in-person
• The Kinesiology Connection (1 day – 8 CE hours) in-person
• The Meridian Connection (2 days – 16 CE hours) in-person
• The Polarity Connection (2 Days – 16 CE hours) in-person

For more training opportunities related to integrative massage therapy, please consider the other seminar categories on this site.
Happy Learning!