Connecticut Conference

This page contains everything you need to know before registering for the conference. You can receive up to 20 CEUs in one weekend.

April 7-April 9, 2022
at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol, CT
Call the DoubleTree to book your hotel room separately at 860-589-7766. Use code CMT.  Room must be booked prior to March 5, 2022 to get a discounted rate of $159/night.

Registration & Fees

Classes are $15/CEU. Cupping is $20/CEU and a set of cups is included. Registration does not include hotel and meals. Lunches are $10 pp. No guests are permitted.

Registration is set up differently this year. You are not registering for "Full", "2-Day", etc. You simply choose the classes you want, and you are charged per CE. The total amount, however, will look like it has in years past.

Registration opens 1/13/22 at https://cvent.me/17QPez

You CANNOT register using cash or check. All registrations MUST occur through Cvent by credit card. You should be able to use a Visa gift card.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Questions
Email Becca at ConferenceAMTACT@gmail.com

COVID Protocols

When planning and implementing in-person AMTA chapter events, volunteers and attendees will be required to adhere to the most current CDC recommendations as well as state, local, and venue requirements. While these guidelines may change as we get closer to the event date, they currently include:

  • Masks are required indoors in the common, public areas, in the exhibit hall, in classrooms, in the dining hall during the annual meeting, and in the dining hall except when seated and actively eating. You must leave your mask on even while face down on a table.
  • Instructors, exhibitors, attendees, and volunteers are all required to wear masks.
  • Class sizes are reduced.
  • Tables will be placed with 6 foot spacing in the classrooms.
  • You will not switch partners throughout classes. You keep the same partner in order to facilitate contact tracing.
  • Your table should remain in the same location throughout a multi-part class in order to facilitate contact tracing.
  • Lunches will be held in waves in order to keep classes cohorted. This plan will minimize exposure as well as facilitate contact tracing. You may not bring outside food into the dining room or common areas. Lunches will be prepackaged, no open buffets.11:30-12 (exhibitors), 12-12 :30 (Oaks classroom), 12:30-1 (Evergreen Classroom), 1-1:30 (Spruce Classroom).
  • Stay home if you have any symptoms. Notify the Conference Chair, Becca, at ConferenceAMTACT@gmail.com and you will receive a refund..
  • If you develop symptoms, go home immediately. Email the Conference Chair, Becca, at ConferenceAMTACT@gmail.com and you will receive a prorated refund.
  • Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer will be provided in each classroom.
  • We will conduct a contactless temperature check at the beginning of each class (beginning of the day for day-long classes).
  • The exhibit hall will be limited to 6 exhibitors to reduce crowding in the hallway outside the Oaks room and dining room.

SCHEDULE

Thursday 4/7/2022
 5:00pm – 9:00pm, 4 credits
S1: Pathomechanics, Assessment, and Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome with Joe Muscolino

5:00pm – 9:00pm, 4 credits
S2: The Iliopsoas Complex with Scott Raymond

Friday 4/8/2022
 8:00am – 12:00 Noon, 4 credits
S3: Using Digital Tools and Platforms to Promote a Massage Therapy Practice with Melissa Martinie
S4: Evidence Informed Clinical Cupping Certification with Paul Kohlmeier of Cupping Canada (Part 1 of 4)
S5: Opening the Thoracic Cage: The Diaphragm Connection with Lee Stang (Part 1 of 2)

2:30pm – 6:30pm, 4 credits each
S6: The Benefits of Abdominal Massage and Self Care for Practitioners with Erica Grossman
S7: Evidence Informed Clinical Cupping Certification with Paul Kohlmeier of Cupping Canada (Part 2 of 4)
S8: Opening the Thoracic Cage: The Diaphragm Connection with Lee Stang (Part 2 of 2)

Saturday 4/9/2022
 8:00am – 12:00 Noon, 4 credits
S9: Ethics for the Massage Therapist; How We Pick and Choose Our Actions with Greg Hurd
S10: Evidence Informed Clinical Cupping Certification with Paul Kohlmeier of Cupping Canada (Part 3 of 4)
S11: Improving the Golf Game with Massage with Lee Stang (Part 1 of 2)

Lunch Break and AMTA-CT Annual Meeting (for attendees only–virtual option for non-attendees)

2:30pm – 6:30pm, 4 credits each
S12: Developing the Reputation You Want with Greg Hurd
S13: Evidence Informed Clinical Cupping Certification with Paul Kohlmeier of Cupping Canada (Part 4 of 4)
S14: Improving the Golf Game with Massage with Lee Stang (Part 1 of 2)

CLASSES

Benefits of Abdominal Massage and Self Care for Practitioners, Erica Grossman
 NCBTMB# 1387 (through Stronghouse Continuing Education)
 Friday, 4/9/21, 2:30pm-6:30pm, 4 CEUs

Attendees should bring paper and pen, and a yoga mat or towel to lay on.

Why does my menstrual cycle make my back hurt? Why do I get constipated during times of intense stress? The abdominal area is one of the most overlooked parts of the body in general massage education. Most therapists are taught to avoid it, disregard it, or fear it.

Instead of viewing this zone of the body as an area of contraindications, learn how it can be the key to unlocking emotional and physical armoring in one's self, and how to identify these patterns in your client population. Learn simple self-care techniques you can easily perform.

Developing the Reputation You Want, Greg Hurd
NCBTMB# 832
 Saturday, 4/9/22, 2:30pm-6:30pm, 4 CEUs

Attendees should bring paper and pen.

Many practitioners have stated that word of mouth is their greatest marketing tool. With that said, what will people say about you? The only way you really have control as to what people say is to always be the therapist you want them to talk about.

Ethics for the Massage Therapist; How We Pick and Choose Our Actions, Greg Hurd
NCBTMB# 832
 Saturday, 4/9/22, 8:00am-12:00 noon, 4 CEUs

Attendees should bring paper and pen.

As Massage Therapists, we are faced with professional issues & concerns with every massage we do; with our marketing; our record keeping; and much more. In this class, we will choose specific, common concerns, clarify our concerns about these issues, & then explore why & how we react. Do we understand how choices affect others? Are we clear on our intent when making decisions?

Evidence Informed Clinical Cupping, Paul Kohlmeier
 NCBTMB Provider # 1767
 Friday and Saturday, 4/8/22-4/9/22, 8:00am-12:00 noon and 2:30pm-6:30pm, 16 CEUs

Attendees should bring: massage table, linens, and oil. A set of cups is included in the class.

Learn how to provide quick and effective pain management for the enhanced mobility of your clients cupping therapy. Interested in learning how to educate your clients on the ways in which a program of Cupping Therapy fits perfectly into their wellness activities? Delve into the history, theory, research and ethics in CUpping Therapy. A Unique Perspective into Cupping with no focus on one 'type' but rather a focus on the research available and the types of treatments that can be provided using various products.

The Iliopsoas Complex, Scott Raymond
NCBTMB Provider # 1387
 Thursday, 4/7/21, 5:00pm-9:00pm, 4 CEUs

Attendees should bring: massage table, linens, and lotion.

The Iliopsoas Complex works to integrate movement and stabilization from the torso, through the two pelvic halves, and through to the hips. Issues with the Iliopsoas are commonly documented as the culprit for low back pain, hip restrictions, and postural dysfunction. Quite often, common trigger point patterns and fascial connections of the Iliopsoas can create dysfunctional breathing along with discomfort anywhere in the abdominopelvic region.

Improving the Golf Game with Massage Therapy, Lee Stang
NCBTMB Provider # 450217-06
Saturday, 4/9/22, 8:00am-12:00noon and 2:30pm-6:30pm, 8 CEUs

Attendees should bring: massage table, linens, and lotions.

Rotation through the thoracic/lumbar spine and hips is essential for optimal performance throughout the golf swing. This workshop looks at how the hips and vertebral structures move during rotation and how lack of movement can severely limit motion during the golf swing. This limitation in movement can lead to poorer performance and injury. For example, if an individual in unable to rotate effectively through the thoracic spine compensatory movements through the hip and pelvis can lead to low back issues.

Opening the Thoracic Cage: The Diaphragm Connection, Lee Stang
NCBTMB Provider # 450217-06
Friday, 4/8/22, 8:00am-12:00 noon and 2:30pm-6:30pm, 8 CEUs

Attendees should bring: massage table, linens, and lotions.

This hands-on class explores the connection between the diaphragm and thoracic cage and dysfunction throughout the upper body including the shoulder. Participants will learn methods to address issues by first addressing the thoracic cage and diaphragm. Assessment of breathing, posture and the relationship between boney structures like the clavicle as well as fascial planes will allow participants to see restriction through this region.

Pathomechanics, Assessment, and Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Joe Muscolino
NCBTMB Provider # 451314-10
Thursday, 4/7/21, 5:00pm-9:00pm, 4 CEUs

Attendees should bring: massage table, linens, and lotion.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an extremely common musculoskeletal condition that is related to upper crossed syndrome, likely the most common postural distortion pattern that exists. The great news for massage therapists is that TOS is extremely easy and effective to treat with massage and stretching, once the mechanics are understood. This workshop begins with a discussion of the fundamental pathomechanics of the four types of TOS. We then workshop how to assess it with orthopedic assessment testing as well as myofascial palpation.

Using Digital Tools and Platforms to Promote a Massage Therapy Practice, Melissa Martinie
NCBTMB Provider # 1387 (through Stronghouse Continuing Education)
 Friday, 4/8/22, 8:00am-12:00 noon, 4 CEUs

Attendees should bring: paper and pen

Whether you have a new practice to build or an existing practice that needs a boost, you will find ways to connect with clients and keep them coming back!

We will discuss what you are currently doing to market your practice, what's happening in the massage industry around marketing and practice management, what the most commonly used digital tools and platforms are and how to decide which ones fit you and your client's needs.

PRESENTERS

Erica Grossman
I'm fascinated by the human body and how it works. I love when people get the "Aha!" moment on my table, or in my classes. I also firmly believe that serious subjects can be and should be made fun and joyful. I'm a giant nerd. I love learning about bodies; how they work, how our life experiences affect function, and how we can use that knowledge to improve our quality of life. That joy also extends into teaching others about their own bodies, because I deeply feel that much of our inherent fear about our health is due to lack of knowledge and understanding. When we have the information, we can remove much of the fear and focus on the facts.

I've been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2003, and have spent most of my adult life supporting people through the childbearing years as a natural childbirth educator, doula, and breastfeeding peer counselor. I graduated from Hofstra University with a BA (with honors) in Biology and English Literature, and graduated with an AOS (with honors) from New York College of Health Professions. I'm a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, and licensed to practice massage in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

I started my professional journey to become an Abdominal Therapy practitioner in 2011, and had the honor to travel to Belize to study with Dr. Rosita Arvigo, which was a profound and life-changing experience. I've since continued my training to include additional modules in fertility enhancement and pre/postnatal care, as well as teacher training. I'm so excited to be able to integrate my love for anatomy and education in the massage room with all of my Abdominal Therapy clients. I'm also one of the founding members of the Abdominal Therapy Collective.

I have particular experience working with clients experiencing menstrual difficulties, disordered eating, and fertility challenges. I also really enjoy working with people who are looking to break out of repetitive pain patterns. All people are welcome in my office. Outside the office, I'm navigating the wild waters of parenting a teenager, and am a competitive amateur ballroom dancer.

Greg Hurd
Greg graduated from the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in 1984 and began working at Bancroft in 1994. He has extensive experience as a massage therapist and has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education. In addition to teaching the above classes, Greg developed the school's internship program, teaches Seated/On-Site massage, and has taught Massage Techniques, and Regional/Sports Massage. Greg has a Master's Degree in Expressive Therapy from Lesley College, is a Board Certified massage therapist through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork; and he has served as President of the American Massage Therapy Association-MA for 4 years. In 2021, received his pin for being a member of the AMTA for 35 years and he was chosen for the AMTA-MA Chapter's Meritorious Award.

Paul Kohlmeier
Registered Massage Therapist and Registered Acupuncturist, Paul Kohlmeier is an experienced and skilled therapist who is also trained as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist. Graduating with a Physical Education degree from the University of Manitoba, Paul went on to obtain his Diploma in Massage Therapy from Wellington College and Diplomas in both Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Hua Xia Acupuncture and Herb College of Canada. Paul has a wealth of information looking for ways to get out of his head…which has led him to teaching and lecturing over the last 15 years.

Paul runs a community acupuncture practice, in addition to his Massage Therapy practice from his clinic based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In addition to his keen interest in Massage Therapy and Chinese Medicine, Paul is a self-proclaimed research geek having participated in the World Fascia Congress, IN-CAM and the Massage Therapy Foundation Research Conference and loves bringing everything he learns into the treatment room as well as the classroom.

Being certified in both Massage Therapy and Chinese Medicine, Paul has a unique ability to speak to the two different bodies of knowledge. He takes a decidedly different approach, working towards an explanatory narrative that represents current thinking and science, as well as adding a feedback-based model of explanation that includes a patient-directed approach.

Melissa Martinie
Melissa built her massage therapy career on the foundation of a bachelors in social work and brief career as a crisis counselor and case worker.  Melissa returned to school and earned her Certificate in Therapeutic Massage from the Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College (PTMC) in 1997. Melissa practiced in the Phoenix area for 6 years, in Sacramento for 10 years and has been in Washington, DC since 2012.

In 2003, Melissa joined AMTA and began a journey that introduced her to many digital platforms and allowed her to engage with AMTA members in the Sacramento area, statewide in California and eventually nationwide among AMTA chapter leaders.

It was in 2013 that Melissa deliberately BUILT her business with the guidance of Her Corner, a women owned business development program and community.  That is when she began using an Iphone (RIP Blackberry), online booking (FullSlate), social media (Yelp, FaceBook), eblasts (Mail Chimp), a priority matrix, and tapped into her digital network in earnest to build her practice.   It took under a year to build the practice to the level that she was consistently 'as busy as she wants to be".   She uses these tools to maintain her business through seasonal ebbs and flows and the occasional pandemic.

Joe Muscolino

Dr. Joe Muscolino is a soft-tissue oriented Chiropractic Physician and has been a manual and movement therapy educator for more than 35 years.

He has created a number of onlinevideo streaming subscription services: Learn Muscles Continuing Education (LMCE) , Muscle Anatomy Master Class ( MAMC ), Bone and Joint Anatomy Master Class  ( BAJAMC ), Kinesiology Master Class  ( KMC ), and Visceral Anatomy Master Class  ( VAMC ) for manual therapists and movement professionals looking to learn to critically think and become empowered to creatively apply their manual and movement therapy skillsets.

He is the author of eight major publications with Elsevier, including The Muscle and Bone Palpation Manual, with Trigger Points, Referral Patterns, and Stretching, 3rd ed.;Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function, 4th ed.; andThe Muscular System Manual: The Skeletal Muscles of the Human Body, 5th ed. He is also the author ofManual Therapy for the Low Back and Pelvis: A Clinical Orthopedic Approach andAdvanced Treatment Techniques for the Manual Therapist: Neck. His books have been translated into nine foreign languages. He has also authored more than 90 articles, written for manual and movement therapists.

He runs numerous continuing education hands-on workshops, including theClinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) Certification, around the US and internationally for manual and movement therapists and instructors.

He has a private chiropractic practice in Stamford, CT. For more information, visit his website at www.learnmuscles.com or follow his Instagram feed at @drjoemuscolino, or fan his facebook page /learnmuscles.

Scott Raymond
Scott has been a licensed massage therapist and active volunteer for the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) since 1998.  He was an instructor of kinesiology at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy for 11 years, taught for The World Skin Project, a non profit organization that he co-founded with Annie Powell, and taught for many AMTA Chapters.

His practice is an eclectic blend of eastern and western styles of bodywork.  He has studied the work of Bob Pecora PTA, LMT, Bob King, Ralph Stevens, the Lotus Palm method of Thai-Yoga Bodywork, Cupping Therapy, Gua Sha, Embodyoga teacher training, and obtained his personal trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

When he was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis in June of 2017, he needed to move his practice into a facility that was handicap accessible, and close to home.  Not knowing what the future would hold, he knew that it was time to rekindle his passion for teaching, create classes, and host other quality continuing education providers.

Lee Stang
Lee Stang, owner of Bridges To Health Seminars has been teaching massage local and nationally since 1996.  She taught in the massage school environment for 17 years at the CT Center for Massage Therapy specializing in anatomy and physiology, orthopedic and sports massage. She is certified in orthopedic massage and has taught with Whitney Lowe in the OMERI program. Lee currently travels with the Women's Tennis Association bringing massage to elite professional tennis players throughout the world as a member of the Sports Science and Medicine Team. She has been on the numerous Sports Massage Teams at the Olympics and Paralympics and traveled with the US National Powerlifting Team.

A NCBTMB approved provider Lee's focus is to provide theory and techniques that can be immediately incorporated into ones practice. Orthopedic massage and movement technique, passive and active, are the foundation of all Bridges To Health Seminars. Feedback from seminar goers is that these seminars are informative, dynamic and provide tools today that can be used tomorrow to make a massage practice more dynamic.

2022 Connecticut Conference: Spotlight on Exhibitors

Did you know the CT Conference hosts an exhibit hall each year? While we limited participation in the hall this year to facilitate greater social distancing, we have some amazing exhibitors joining us!

Exhibit Hall Hours:
Friday 11:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday 11:00am – 7:30pm

There is no fee to view the exhibit hall.

Cupping Canada
The same company offering the Evidence-Based Clinical Cupping class will be in the exhibit hall with a wide variety of cupping supplies. Stop by and see what's new in cupping.
www.cuppingcanada.com

IMT Wellness
IMT Wellness is not only an Integrative Manual Therapy center, but they also offer education for massage therapists. They are based in West Hartford. You can even check out the course schedule online.
www.imtwellnesscenter.com

Jacquelyn M. Kane, Medical Intuitive
Jacquelyn is a master energetic healer and coach. She will offer 15-minute Ancestral Energy Clearings at the conference. Ancestral Energy can impact your ability to live pain free, create wealth, and enjoy supportive relationships. You can also learn about her other services.
www.jacquelynmkane.com

Dr. Joe Muscolino
Dr. Joe will offer his library of online content for anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, manual therapy skillsets, and NCBTMB-approved CE workshops, as well as a selection of books, posters, and DVDs.
www.LearnMuscles.com

Massage Therapy Foundation
Did you know the MTF offers webinars where you can learn why research matters, how to write a case report, and more? MTF offers e-books where you can dive into subjects like pain relief, pediatric massage, and more! They even offer a free podcast called Research Perch and offer many infographics that are perfect for your office and clients. MTF is in the middle of its largest fundraising campaign, supporting their four Runners for Research, who are about to run the Boston Marathon. Let's help them raise funds for massage research! Stop by and learn more!
www.massagetherapyfoundation.org

Purple Goddess Crystals
Kristy offers an online (and sometimes in person) marketplace for quality crystals and gifts from around the world. She works with hand-selected crystal sellers to offer high quality, unique, and energy-enriched crystals. She has very unique pieces!
www.purplegoddesscrystals.com

SOCIAL EVENTS

We will host a reception Friday evening in the Exhibit Hall, with chef-plated hors d'oeuvres in the English Oak ballroom. This is a wonderful time to visit with friends as well as exhibitors. In addition, we'll have giveaways in the exhibit hall at 7pm.

REFUND POLICY

A refund of 50% of registration fees is given if we receive an email (ConferenceAMTACT@gmail.com) by February 28, 2022. Any person cancelling because of COVID or illness will receive a 90%  refund. Any person leaving the conference due to illness will receive a prorated refund. All other requests will be reviewed by the CT Board of Directors (BOD) at the next CT BOD meeting. Meals are not refundable.