"As massage therapists, continuing education gives us an opportunity to learn new techniques to improve our skill set."

Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage (NVSTM) provides an opportunity for massage therapists to continue their education in massage therapy. Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage delivers advanced massage education so that our students increase their existing skill set and provide the highest quality massage treatments to their clients.

The educational objective of Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage is to deliver advanced continuing education to Certified Massage Therapists. Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage offers a variety of techniques to further their career in massage therapy, and the classes are held in a supportive environment where the student is top priority.

Participants can register up until the day before the workshop starts, and will have the option of early enrollment which is three weeks before the workshop starts. If a participant is unable to pay in full, they can hold their spot with a non-refundable deposit. Registration can be made by phone, fax, email, or coming into the school. All participants must fill out a registration form and provide verification they have graduated from a 500-hour massage therapy program.

To receive a full refund, participants must cancel 21 days prior to the first day of class. If participants cancel less than 21 days prior to the first day of class the deposit is non-refundable. If participants cancel after course has begun or is absent for class, no refunds will be given. If we cancel a workshop due to low enrollment, all tuition paid will be refunded in full.

The courses are held at the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage, located at 200 Little Falls Street Suite 303 Falls Church, VA. 22046.

Continuing Education Course Descriptions:

Essentials of Sports Massage I:
In this 14 CE Hour continuing education class we will cover the essentials of sports massage as it pertains to the lower extremities and pelvic region. This class offers a unique experience in that, the first day will consist of hands on classroom instruction and, the second day the class travels to downtown Washington DC to work the Nation’s Triathlon, putting all those skills to the test. Included in this fine program is a one year membership to the National Capital Area Sports Massage Team. For more information about the instructor please visit www.ncasmt.org/bio_jscholes.asp

Myofascial Release Upper Body Introduction:
A 1-hour talk about the three-part course. For more information about the three-part class and instructor please visit howardrontal.com

Myofascial Release Upper Body Part I:
In this workshop you will learn to identify, manipulate, and release myofascial tissue that holds chronic, painful, and exhausting stress and tension. For more information about the three-part class and instructor please visit howardrontal.com

Myofascial Release Lower Body Part II:
This workshop will build on and expand the knowledge you gained in the Myofascial Release Massage, Upper Body course.By the end of the class you will know the difference this work makes to the lower body alone, and the difference it can make to the entire body. For more information about the three-part class and instructor please visit howardrontal.com

Myofascial Release Advanced Stokes/Evaluation and Treatment Part III:
There are three parts to the workshop; first, the introduction of 24 new strokes (many of which were invented by Howard Rontal). Second, there are comprehensive recipe approaches to working on low back pain and neck pain. Third, this course includes basic strategies for evaluation and treatment, in other words going beyond recipe approaches to knowing how to translate what you see in the client's body and what they feel to an effective course of treatment. For more information about the three-part class and instructor please visit howardrontal.com

Hot Stone Therapy:
Smooth basalt stones are placed on the body to warm and relax muscles. Students will learn the uses and benefits of hot stones in conjunction with therapeutic massage. Supplies, equipment, temperature range and cleaning of the stones will be thoroughly explained and demonstrated to perform a safe therapeutic treatment.

Reiki I:
Reiki means universal life energy and Reiki treatments are administered by the "laying on of hands." This course is the starting point for experiencing and working with healing energy.

Reiki II:
This course is a continuation of Reiki I where attunements are provided to the student, which creates a link between the student and the Reiki source.

Reiki III:
This course is a continuation of Reiki II and is a teacher/master level.

Tui Na- Chinese Medical Massage & Visceral Manipulation:
A variety of Chinese hand techniques are provided that are deep and vigorous in nature, however not painful to perform. Tui Na treats conditions that would require physical therapy, osteopathy, chiropractic or sports therapy. For more information about the class and instructor please visit wolfgangluckmann.com

Indian Head Massage Workshop for the Massage Therapist and Esthetician and Cosmetologist:
Indian head massage goes beyond the purely aesthetic and superficial, it stimulates nerve function and emotional well being. This is mainly a hands-on course. We will practice the three principal strokes and techniques (Sattva, Raja, Tamas), which include a form of acupressure while applying oils to get a great revitalizing and relaxing treatment. For more information about the class and instructor please visit wolfgangluckmann.com

Lomi Lomi:
A Hawaiian therapeutic massage technique known as the "dance of massage" because of its long flowing style and continuous beat. The basis for Lomi Lomi is an integration of mind, body and soul in a ritual of transformation and inspiration. For more information about the class and instructor please visit wolfgangluckmann.com

The Art of Japanese Zen Facial Massage w/ Aromatherapy Oils:
This is a hands-on course where the student learns to incorporate theory with working with Qi using penetration techniques. Traditionally, through the use of Acupressure and special manipulative massage strokes, the treatment goes beyond Swedish massage and concentrates on opening up the acupuncture meridians that energize the face, head and shoulders to achieve a balancing and grounding effect. For more information about the class and instructor please visit wolfgangluckmann.com

Introduction to Thai Massage:
This course introduces you to the philosophy of traditional Thai massage and multiple Thai massage techniques that can be enjoyed with friends, family or significant others for a nice body refresh/recharge. You will learn enough massage techniques to perform a 30-min massage over the entire body. You can enjoy these techniques with friends/family or integrate them into your current massage routine.

Thai Herbal Massage:
Instruction will be provided as to how hot and cold herbal compresses are used in the traditional healing approach of Thailand. The course text will present over 150 individual herbs with their uses in Thai, Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western herbalism. Helpful tips and recipes for experienced and beginning herbalists/massage practitioners are also provided.