Price: $200
8 PA LMT CEUs [Certifications Awarded Upon Completion]
Date: Friday August 28, 2026 from 8am-5pm
Instructor and BIO: Ana Varona MA, LMT
Ana Varona is a graduate of the Swedish Institute (1988) and holds a BS in human movement studies from the CUNY Baccalaureate Program and an interdisciplinary MA in wellness and health promotion from CA State University. In addition to her bodywork career, she has been a personal trainer, a dance and movement educator, and a worksite wellness program manager.
Ana is a certified Active Release Techniques (ART® Provider and a certified Kinesio® Taping Instructor. She earned the Clinical Rehabilitative Massage Specialty certificate from the NCBTMB and the Academy of Clinical Massage. She is a certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (Back School of Atlanta). Ana teaches clinical massage and Kinesio Taping courses on the East Coast and Puerto Rico. She practices in the Princeton, NJ area. Learn more at www.calmatherapy.com.
Location: The Wellness Institute of Chester County
402C Gordon Drive
Exton, PA 19341
Facilitator: Robyn Zappy/ WIofCC Acting Director
This class will be held in 402F, please enter at the back of the building. You will see a set of double doors under an awning, enter through the glass door with the CE Classroom sign on it.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a hands-on class in the application of advanced ergonomic and movement efficiency principles to massage therapy work. The class begins with a thorough kinesiological analysis of the neutral, protective positions for the spine, pelvis, and all the joints of the upper extremity. Students will learn to use safe body mechanics and energy-saving techniques to effortlessly facilitate force transmission while targeting specific body areas and tissues. They will practice these principles while working with a variety of client positions, using props and the client’s body weight for force transmission, using a variety of postures and anchor points around the table for stabilization and good mechanics, and applying techniques that prevent overuse of thumbs, fingers, wrists, and arms. They will work with a partner and receive personal supervision and feedback throughout the class. This workshop teaches students to work smarter, not harder, for a long, satisfying career.
Learning Objectives
By the completion of the workshop, students will be able to:
• Become proficient in the use of myofascial and deep tissue techniques that provide extra safety and protection to thumbs, fingers, and wrists.
• Work from efficient positions that maintain a neutral spine to protect their back, neck, and shoulders in the application of any hands-on technique.
• Adapt their own positioning, weight, and body angle, for effective force transmission in deep tissue work or when working with clients whose size or muscular development poses a challenge.
• Adjust a session by using props or changing client position for improved effectiveness and safety.
• Use anchor points around the table for mechanical advantage in force transmission and self- protection.
• Use the client’s body weight to generate depth of contact.
• Use the floor and legs to transfer power to your torso, arms, and hands and onto your client’s body
• Determine when it is safer and more effective to use techniques that employ a pushing action, and when it is best to use a technique that employs a pulling action.
• Use your own breathing to energize your treatment.
• Meet the challenges of working with special needs clients.
Please wear comfortable LAB Clothes
Please Bring: sheets, gel, oil or lotion, pen and notebook
Disclosure Statement by The Wellness Institute of Chester County Acknowledgment of Audio and Video Surveillance: I hereby acknowledge that I have been informed and understand that The Wellness Institute of Chester County utilizes continuous audio and video surveillance on its premises. I understand that surveillance is conducted for the safety, security, and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors, as well as for the protection of property. I am aware that audio and video monitoring is active at all times in common areas, classrooms, hallways, and other designated spaces within the school. Upon arrival I understand that I will be asked to sign a statement stating I confirm my awareness and consent to this ongoing audio and video surveillance while on school property.
Please use the name you would like on your certificate when registering. Please use the email you would like event notifications sent to.