NeuroScience of Massage w/ Troy Lavigne

Description

May 16th & 17th, 2026 8:30am – 5:30pm

Early Bird Pricing: $375

After March 1st: $450

This course is designed to gain a greater understanding of the influence the sensory system has on our clients. Pain, pleasure & touch are subservient to the information the sensory system inputs to the brain. New research in neuro-science means we are understanding the sensory system and how we interact with it is a new frontier for manual therapy. The 2 day’s cover research on pain, fascia, TPT’s, ASMR, PNE, behavioural neuroscience, biotensegrity & updates to palpation to advance our knowledge of manual therapy. There are 10hrs of lab time.

Course Objectives
1. Understanding Touch and Pain: We will explore the research behind how touch and pain interact with our brain and musculoskeletal system, both separately and in conjunction.
2. Historical Foundations of Manual Therapy: We will investigate the rich history of manual therapy and its foundations. This knowledge will empower us to identify and challenge any misinformation within the profession.
3. Integration of Neuroplasticity: We will examine how to integrate neuroplasticity into our manual therapy practices. Additionally, we will explore how language, palpation skills, and observational feedback can profoundly impact our clients/patients.
4. Palpation Skills Development: Through practical labs that can be completed at home, we will introduce measurable skills related to palpation practices. This course does not aim to introduce a ‘new’ manual therapy modality. Your existing techniques, skills, and experiences are highly valued. Instead, this course focuses on enhancing palpation skills, refining outdated habits, and cultivating an understanding of science-based hypotheses related to manual therapy and the brain.

Course Focus
This course does not aim to introduce a ‘new’ manual therapy modality. Your existing
techniques, skills, and experiences are highly valued. Instead, this course focuses on
enhancing palpation skills, refining outdated habits, and cultivating an understanding of
science-based hypotheses related to manual therapy and the brain.
The latest research on manual therapy, neurology, biopsychosocial factors, and learning
behaviours have all been integrated into this course. The aim is to equip you with the
knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intricate interactions between therapist and
client.

Intro

Exploration of the origins and definition of modern massage therapy.
Allostatic Labs

Understanding allostatic load’s connection to pain and stress in daily life.
Hands-On Lab

Includes evaluating & treating the epidermis/dermis, how to dis/engage the sympathetic and
para sympathetic nervous systems, updates to myofascial release, trigger point therapy as well
as speed and pressure labs as they correlate to target tissues and nervous system responses.
Research

Reviewing 100+ research papers on the evolution of manual therapy techniques in order to
understand the shift in touch therapy over the past 15 years.
Key Concepts

ASMR, pain, 8 senses of the sensory system, pain education, neuroscience, biotensegrity laws,
memory, long-term potentiation, synaptic plasticity, and research methodologies.

*All classes promoted by CNS are held at the CNS campus at 13923 Icot Blvd Suite 814 Clearwater, FL 33760 unless otherwise stated.