Fascia Release – Upper Body

Fascial Release Therapy for the Upper Body is a fascia-informed continuing education course designed to support massage therapists in refining assessment skills, deepening anatomical understanding, and applying fascia-focused techniques with clarity and responsiveness in the upper body.

This course emphasizes recognizing patterns of tension, compression, and continuity throughout the head, neck, shoulders, and thorax. Participants are guided to understand when, why, and how to apply fascia-focused techniques in a way that feels informed, adaptable, and sustainable within clinical practice.

Instruction integrates current fascia research, anatomy of continuity, and experiential learning. Participants explore the pathways beneath their hands while also learning through their own bodies, sensing how upper-body strain patterns relate to posture, breath mechanics, nervous system tone, and functional movement. The course supports thoughtful assessment, skillful application, and meaningful integration into existing treatment approaches.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify fascial continuities of the head, neck, shoulders, and thorax

• Assess tissue quality, load transmission, and postural relationships in the upper body

• Apply fascia release techniques with intention based on assessment findings

• Integrate upper-body techniques into coherent, client-centered session planning

• Demonstrate body mechanics that support practitioner sustainability

• Communicate effectively with clients regarding upper-body patterns and treatment responses

• Apply ethical awareness and professional responsibility within client care

Course Content

• Fascia as a body-wide network with emphasis on the upper body

• Fascial continuity of the cervical spine, cranial region, shoulder girdle, and thorax

• Relationships between upper-body tension, breath mechanics, and nervous system tone

• Principles of assessment and sensory listening in the head, neck, and shoulders

• Technique application for common upper-body holding patterns

• Load, compression, and force transmission through the torso

• Practitioner body mechanics and efficiency

• Client communication and ethical considerations

Teaching Methods

• Didactic instruction supported by current fascia research

• Guided somatic and sensory awareness practices

• Demonstration of fascia release techniques

• Supervised hands-on practice and exchanges

• Group discussion and reflective integration

Note: Please bring unscented cream (no oils), notebook & a pen

Instructor Bio 

Theresa Tobin Macy, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500

Theresa Tobin Macy is the founder of Integrated Natural Health and has over two decades of experience as a licensed massage therapist, yoga therapist, and continuing education instructor. Her teaching integrates fascia-informed anatomy, embodied awareness, and ethical, client-centered care. She is known for translating complex anatomical concepts into accessible, experiential learning that supports practitioner sustainability and meaningful client outcomes.