Refining assessment, palpation skills, and hands-on approaches for the shoulder and the many dysfunctions that arise here.
What You'll Learn
Rebel Massage returns to Costa Rica and will be diving into all things shoulder. For this week-long intensive, get ready to assess, palpate, and gain effective approaches for the shoulder and its relationship to the respectively adjacent neck and arm. This workshop will level up your expertise with frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, and more. Get ready to fall in love this this beautifully complicated joint. Because “I have zero issues with my shoulder” said no one. Ever.
Course Overview
Neuromuscular Therapy: A Shoulder Intensive CEU by Rebel Massage
"I have zero issues with my shoulder," said no one. Ever.
In this Neuromuscular Theraply: Shoulder Intensive, you will be introduced to the shoulder complex and its relationship to the neck and arm. We will look at the anatomy from anterior, posterior, medial and lateral perspectives, as well as their movement patterns. You will be introduced to the 4 joints of the shoulder complex and their relationship to each other. We will analyze planes of moment and their influence towards or away from dysfunction. We will dissect origins and insertions and experience what happens when they flip. You will palpate the 17 muscles that manipulate the scapula with authority. You will be a part of hands on/engaged discussions about the health of these tissues and, of course, the dysfunctions that can arise here.
With the techniques and approaches for the shoulder that you learn, you will walk away from this course with confidence and competence in your skills as a bodyworker.
Completion of a Massage Therapy certification program
Open to all licensed, certified, or registered Massage Therapists
Instructor
Allison Denney - Rebel Massage
Allison Denney, the self-appointed Benevolent Overlord of Rebel Massage, has spent 25+ years dissecting soft tissue mechanics, formulating professional-grade bodywork products, and dismantling the notion that massage education is based on rote protocol. As an NCBTMB-approved educator, award-winning podcaster, certified YouTuber, and recurring columnist for Massage & Bodywork Magazine, she synthesizes clinical precision with subversive wit—teaching therapists to think critically about their work rather than replicate it. Her approach is equal parts neuroanatomy and heresy: painting muscles on skin to clarify function, crafting natural butters and emulsions that are both simple and functional, and insisting that understanding the physiological substrate beneath our hands fundamentally alters the therapeutic outcome. When she's not elbow-deep in innovative formulations at the Rebel Massage warehouse, she's likely pondering fascial tensegrity, filming her next YouTube demo, or strategically questioning industry doctrine in pursuit of a more thoughtful, human-centered practice.
Enjoy simple and comfortable accommodations in our Costa Rican style bungalows tucked away in the heart of Playa Samara just seconds from the beach. Each 2 or 3 bedroom bungalow is fully furnished with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Single or double bedrooms are available as well as studio apartments. Enjoy the swimming pool, lush gardens, WiFi access, hot water showers, and fans. A/C is included for all on-campus housing options for this course.
6 nights lodging in our Oasis Villas – fully appointed bungalows with complete kitchens in the heart of Playa Samara
Course Manual and use of all classroom facilities (tables, linens, lubricant etc.)
What's Not Included?
Airfare
Meals – all accommodations come with fully equipped kitchens, and there are several local grocers including an organic market all within 5 minutes
Sample Daily Schedule
Arrivals Day
Arrive to campus and settle in
Day 1:
Morning -
An intro to the movement of the shoulder. An overview of the shoulder complex.
A review of the planes of movement.
A hands on/engaged discussion about dysfunctions that can arise here
Afternoon -
Techniques and approaches for the posterior shoulder
Day 2:
Morning -
A quick review of day one
A closer look at the posterior and superior shoulder.
A hands on/engaged discussion about dysfunctions that can arise here
Afternoon -
Techniques and approaches for the posterior and superior shoulder
Day 3:
Day off/adventure day
Day 4:
Morning -
A quick review of days one & two
A closer look at the anterior and lateral shoulder
A hands on/engaged discussion about dysfunctions that can arise here
Afternoon -
Techniques and approaches for the anterior and lateral shoulder
Day 5:
Half day
Morning -
Putting the knowledge and techniques together for a complete hands on framework
Afternoon -
Some sort of Costa Rica celebration.
Departure Day
Depart from Campus
*Class days typically start at 8AM and End at 5PM and include multiple breaks including a 1 hour lunch break
Request More Information
PLAYA SÁMARA, COSTA RICA
Location
Playa Samara is a perfect paradise for continuing education in orthopedic massage in Costa Rica. The town is nestled in the beautiful green hills of the famous Nicoya Blue Zone on the Pacific Coast of the peaceful Central American nation.
Highlights
Enjoy strolling the streets of the small downtown area and visiting the many local and international restaurants, bars and discos, and cute gift shops. The beautiful and tranquil Samara Bay is surrounded by miles of palm tree lined white sand beaches and provides a perfect and safe location for kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, SUP, and swimming as well.
