Welcome
Ann sleeper's
Massage Therapy Courses
Sponsored in part by the
Massage Therapists' Association of British Columbia


Courses Available for 2012


  4. All courses are approved for continuing education credits by the College of Massage Therapy of British Columbia, the Massage Therapists Association of Alberta and the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.

  5. To register, see registration information with each course description.

    For small group classes or tutoring, contact Ann at sleeplow@telus.net, call or send a text msg. to
    604-671-9172.
The techniques Ann teaches are based on osteopathic concepts, which use
an understanding of anatomy and body structure to treat pain and dysfunction.
Ann Sleeper, RMT has been practicing in Vancouver since 1981. She taught Muscle Energy Technique (MET) at West Coast College of Massage Therapy for six years, and has instructed continuing education courses since 1991. Ann has studied techniques from the osteopathic tradition in the U.S. and Canada, including Muscle Energy Technique, Cranial Therapy, Myofascial Release and Positional Release Technique.


Courses available for Spring 2012

 

Treating Legs and Arms for Back Pain (12 Credits)
(Formerly called Introduction to Osteopathic Techniques Part Two)
The extremities are often neglected, but they can have a big influence on problems in the back and neck. This course discusses osteopathic concepts as they apply to the legs and arms and includes many techniques for those areas that can be easily added to your current practice. The importance of treating joints along with soft tissue is emphasized.

Vancouver - Utopia Academy of Massage Therapy
Sat and Sun, March 17-18, 2012, 10am - 5pm
One month early registration: $300 (cash or cheque, payable to: Ann Sleeper)
Regular registration: $325 (cash or cheque, payable to: Ann Sleeper)
To register, contact Ann Sleeper at sleeplow@telus.net, call or text msg. 604-671-9172

 

Introduction to Osteopathic Techniques, Part One (12 Credits)

The simple but profound concepts behind the development of osteopathic techniques (cranial & visceral manipulation, MET, some forms of fascial release, etc.) are applicable no matter what techniques you use. This course illustrates these concepts and includes basic joint releases for the spine, pelvis and thoracic cage, and rocking techniques for lymph drainage and paraspinal muscle release.

Vancouver - Holiday Inn (google map)
Sat and Sun, April 14-15, 2012, 10am - 5pm

Vancouver - Holiday Inn (google map)
Sat and Sun, May 26-27, 2012, 10am - 5pm

MTA member: One month early registration: $275, Regular registration:$300
non-MTA member: One month early registration: $385, Regular registration: $425
To register, contact the Massage Therapists Association of BC (604) 873-4467 | mta@massagetherapy.bc.ca

 

Muscle Energy Technique for the Low Back, Part 1 - Lumbar & Ilia (14 Credits)

Full range of motion of the joints of the pelvis and lumbar spine is necessary to help the myofascia to release and for the low back to function properly. This course includes motion testing of the lumbar vertebral and ilia joints and treatment with a gentle contract relax. MET for this area is used to treat low back pain, postural imbalance and more.

Vancouver - Holiday Inn (google map)
Sat and Sun, May 5-6, 2012, 9am - 5pm

MTA member: One month early registration: $322, Regular registration:$350
non-MTA member: One month early registration: $450, Regular registration: $495
To register, contact the Massage Therapists Association of BC (604) 873-4467 | mta@massagetherapy.bc.ca

Muscle Energy Technique for the Neck and Upper Thoracic Spine (17 Credits)

Treatment of lost range of motion of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae caused by tight paraspinal muscles can be essential for reducing symptoms from car accidents, falls and postural strain. This course includes testing of the vertebral joints from occiput to T4 and treatment with gentle contract/relax techniques. MET for this area is used to treat headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder problems and more.

Vernon - Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (google map)
Sat and Sun, June 9-10, 9am - 5pm and Mon, June 11, 9am - 12pm, 2012

Early registration (before April 27, 2012): $492.80
Regular registration (after April 27, 2012): $526.40
To register, contact the OVCMT at (250) 558-3718 or 1-800-701-8863 or lisa_walker@ovcmt.com

 

Partial Course Schedule for Fall 2012

Here are courses at Utopia Academy in Vancouver in the fall of 2012.
Look for more courses co-sponsored by the Massage Therapy Association of British Columbia (MTABC) and by the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT) to be announced in the spring of 2012.

Muscle Energy Technique for the Neck and Upper Thoracic Spine (17 Credits)
Treatment of lost range of motion of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae caused by tight paraspinal muscles can be essential for reducing symptoms from car accidents, falls and postural strain. This course includes testing of the vertebral joints from occiput to T4 and treatment with gentle contract/relax techniques. MET for this area is used to treat headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder problems and more.

Vancouver - Utopia Academy of Massage Therapy
Sat and Sun, September 29-30, 9am - 5pm and Mon October 1, 2012 9am - 12pm
One month early registration: $420 (cash or cheque only, payable to: Ann Sleeper)
Regular registration: $450 (cash or cheque only, payable to: Ann Sleeper)
To register, contact Ann Sleeper at sleeplow@telus.net, call or text msg. 604-671-9172

 

Introduction to Osteopathic Techniques, Part One (12 Credits)
The simple but profound concepts behind the development of osteopathic techniques (cranial & visceral manipulation, MET, some forms of fascial release, etc.) are applicable no matter what techniques you use. This course illustrates these concepts and includes basic joint releases for the spine, pelvis and thoracic cage, and rocking techniques for lymph drainage and paraspinal muscle release.

Vancouver - Utopia Academy of Massage Therapy
Sat and Sun, Oct 27-28, 2012, 10am - 5pm
One month early registration: $300 (cash or cheque only, payable to: Ann Sleeper)
Regular registration: $325 (cash or cheque only, payable to: Ann Sleeper)
To register, contact Ann Sleeper at sleeplow@telus.net, call or text msg. 604-671-9172

 

 

Course Descriptions

Muscle Energy Technique Courses
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is used to test and treat the motion of each individual vertebra and pelvic bone. Imbalanced tone of the deep paraspinal muscles and fascia cause decreased and twisted motion of these bones, leading to pain, imbalance throughout the body and sympathetic nervous system overactivity. These problems are very common, especially in patients who have had motor vehicle accidents, falls, etc. Testing is specific and treatment is by accurate positioning and gentle contract relax techniques.

Please do not take MET if your only motivation is to earn continuing education credits. These classes require an interest in learning biomechanics and precise technique.


Muscle Energy Technique for the Neck and Upper Thoracic Spine
Treatment of lost range of motion of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae caused by tight paraspinal muscles can be essential for reducing symptoms from car accidents, falls and postural strain. This course includes testing of the vertebral joints from occiput to T4 and treatment with gentle contract/relax techniques. MET for this area is used to treat headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder problems and more.


Muscle Energy Technique for the Low Back, Part 1 - Lumbar & Ilia
Full range of motion of the joints of the pelvis and lumbar spine is necessary to help the myofascia to release and for the low back to function properly. This course includes motion testing of the lumbar vertebral and ilia joints and treatment with a gentle contract relax. MET for this area is used to treat low back pain, postural imbalance and more.


Muscle Energy Technique for the Low Back, Part 2 - The Sacrum
Thorough assessment and treatment of the sacrum is one of the strengths of MET. This often under-treated pelvic bone can be the key to successful low back treatment.
The prerequisite for taking this class is a previous continuing education class on Muscle Energy Technique for the Lumbar Spine and Ilia.


Muscle Energy Technique for the Ribs
Twisted and restricted ribs are common, and can cause re-occurring pain in the neck, shoulder, mid-back and low back. Car accidents, falls and sports injuries frequently cause rib dysfunctions. Because few therapists work with the ribs, many patients have untreated rib problems.
It is highly recommended that those taking this class either have taken a previous continuing education MET class or have some experience using MET in their practice..



Additional Courses

Introduction to Osteopathic Techniques, Part 1
The simple but profound concepts behind the development of osteopathic techniques (cranial & visceral manipulation, MET, some forms of fascial release, etc.) are applicable no matter what techniques you use. This course illustrates these concepts and includes basic joint releases for the spine, pelvis and thoracic cage, and rocking techniques for lymph drainage and paraspinal muscle release.


Treating Legs and Arms for Back Pain
(Formerly called Introduction to Osteopathic Techniques Part Two)
The extremities are often neglected, but they can have a big influence on problems in the back and neck. This course discusses osteopathic concepts as they apply to the legs and arms and includes many techniques for those areas that can be easily added to your current practice. The importance of treating joints along with soft tissue is emphasized.