Trigger Point Therapy Course in Chiang Mai, Thailand

#RSMInternationalAcademy #davidwattsmassage

I recently attended a trigger point therapy course and a sports massage course over a period of 5 days in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to enhance my massage skills. The courses were conducted by RSM International Academy which is located above Spa Mantra, a short distance north of the old city wall.

Teaching the course was Hironori Ikeda, an expert in sports medicine. RSM International Academy provides specialised massage focused on pain relief and postural correction. As the name suggests, we had a mix of participants including American, Argentinian, Swiss, Burmese (Myanmar), Japanese and British.

Day 1 included a study of myofacial release, trigger points, skin and fascia structure, different massage techniques and muscle spindles. We also looked at common foot complaints such as Plantar Fasciitis, heel fat pad atrophy, and Morten's Neuroma. We were then taught massage techniques for resolving foot issues with lots of practise. In the sports massage class we practised joint mobilisation techniques for the wrist and fingers.

Day 2 concentrated on the lower leg, with massage techniques for resolving trigger points in the soleus, gastrocnemius, tibialis posterior muscles. Various stretches were also included. We also worked on how to improve the flexibility of the ankle. In the sports massage class we practised techniques to resolve hand and arm issues such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Pronator Teres Syndrome.

Day 3 focused on nerve entrapment in the glutes, sciatica, and tight hamstrings. Massage exercises included finding landmarks in the glutes region and massaging the muscles which can cause sciatica. In the sports massage class we continued looking at arm injuries such as Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and Ulna Tunnel Syndrome.

Day 4 covered massage for lower back back pain (beside the lumbar spine, the lumbar triangles, and serratus posterior muscle) and the shoulder area (rhomboid and levator scapulae muscles attaching to the scapula). In the sports massage class we learnt some additional scapula mobilisation techniques.

Day 5 continued with more techniques for massaging the levator scapulae, followed by a study of dorsal scapula nerve compression. For the latter we learnt how to massage the scalenes in the neck, the subclavius (below the clavicle), and the pectoral minor/major muscles (to loosen the chest), all areas where nerves can potentially get trapped. In the sports massage class we had a review of techniques learnt during the week.

The courses were expertly taught with plenty of time to practise with the other participants. I found the courses really valuable and the topics and effective techniques quite fascinating as they were presented in a very detailed way from an anatomy perspective.

I'm looking forward to incorporating the techniques into my own massage and will likely do further courses with the RSM International Academy!